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Course type: Diploma

Diploma

Widely recognised qualification.

Equivalent to the first two thirds of an honours degree.

Enhance your professional and technical skills or extend your knowledge and understanding of a subject.

Study for interest or career development.

Top up to a full honours degree in just two years.
Credits: 240

Credits

Credits measure the student workload required for the successful completion of a module or qualification.

One credit represents about 10 hours of study over the duration of the course.

You are awarded credits after you have successfully completed a module.

For example, if you study a 60-credit module and successfully pass it, you will be awarded 60 credits.
How long it takes
Study method: Distance learning
Entry requirements: Find out more about; Entry requirements

Diploma of Higher Education in Early Childhood

: Course code: W50

If you currently work with children from birth to seven years or are looking to learn more about young children’s lives and experiences, this diploma could be of interest to you. You’ll investigate early childhood from national and international perspectives with a focus on the central importance of children’s voices and the participatory nature of young children’s experiences. In this diploma, you'll develop your understanding of policy and practice in early childhood. It will help prepare you for further study and give you a foundation for careers working with young children and their families across all sectors.

Key features

Course details

Entry requirements

Fees and funding

How you'll study

Careers

Takes a holistic approach to understanding early childhood in diverse contexts.
Covers young children’s play and creativity within the context of the family and early childhood settings.
Encourages critical understanding and reflection on contemporary issues and debates in early childhood.
Enhances employability and provides a solid foundation for further study.

In Scotland, this course is not equivalent to childhood practice qualifications at any level and would not be suitable for those seeking support worker, practitioner, lead practitioner or manager level registration with SSSC. See Careers section for further details.

This diploma of higher education is also equivalent to the first two thirds of the BA (Honours) Early Childhood (Q89).

Course type

Diploma

Credits

240

How long it takes

Part-time study – 4 years

Full-time study – 2 years

Time limit – 8 years

Study method

Distance learning

Entry requirements

Find out more about Entry requirements

Ask a question

This early years qualification has two stages, each comprising 120 credits.

You’ll start Stage 1 with two modules that explore how children learn; and the importance of children’s play.
Then, in Stage 2, you’ll study a module that further develops and broadens your knowledge and understanding of young children’s lives and learning, followed by one from a list of options.

You’ll develop an understanding of early childhood from a range of perspectives. Drawing on theory and research, you’ll examine how children grow, develop and learn. Your study in this stage completes with a specific focus on young children’s play and creativity within the context of the family and early childhood settings.

Stage 1 modules
Modules	Credits
You'll study both of the following:
Exploring perspectives on young children's lives and learning (E109)	60
Young children's play and creativity (E110)	60

You’ll start Stage 2 with a module that investigates critical issues in early childhood and extends themes introduced in Stage 1. For your final Stage 2 module, you’ll have a choice of education, childhood and youth options.

Stage 2 modules
Modules	Credits
You'll study the following:
Listening to young children: critical reflections (E229)	60
You’ll choose one from:
Child development: birth to adolescence (E225) – planned for October 2025	60
Developing subject knowledge for the primary years (E209)	60
Exploring childhood and youth (E232)	60
Working with children and young people (KE207) - planned for October 2025	60

We regularly review our curriculum; therefore, the qualification described on this page – including its availability, its structure, and available modules – may change over time. If we make changes to this qualification, we’ll update this page as soon as possible. Once you’ve registered or are studying this qualification, where practicable, we’ll inform you in good time of any upcoming changes. If you’d like to know more about the circumstances in which the University might make changes to the curriculum, see our Academic Regulations or contact us. This description was last updated on 6 September 2024.

Accessibility

Our qualifications are as accessible as possible, and we have a comprehensive range of support services. Our Diploma of Higher Education in Early Childhood uses a variety of study materials and includes the following elements:

Online study – most modules are online; some have a mix of printed and online material. Online learning resources could include websites, audio/video, and interactive activities
Online tutorials
Group-work
Using and producing diagrams and screenshots
Practical work
Finding external/third-party material online
Accessing online catalogues and databases
Assessment in the form of short-answer questions, essays, and examinations
Feedback – continuous assessment includes feedback from your tutor and using this to improve your performance
Pre-determined schedules – we’ll help you to develop your time-management skills

Every module has its own Accessibility Statement with more detailed accessibility information – you’ll find these on individual module descriptions.

Visit our Disability support page to learn about our services.

Learning outcomes, teaching and assessment

This qualification develops your learning in four main areas:

Knowledge and understanding
Cognitive skills
Practical and professional skills
Key skills

The level and depth of your learning gradually increases as you work through the qualification. You’ll be supported throughout by the OU’s unique style of teaching and assessment – which includes a personal tutor to guide and comment on your work; top quality course texts; elearning resources like podcasts, interactive media and online materials; tutorial groups and community forums.

Read the detailed learning outcomes here

Credit transfer

If you have already studied at university level, you may be able to count it towards your Open University qualification – which could save you time and money by reducing the number of modules you need to study. At the OU we call this credit transfer.

It’s not just university study that can be considered, you can also transfer study from a wide range of professional or vocational qualifications such as HNCs and HNDs.

You should apply for credit transfer before you register, at least 4 weeks before the registration closing date. We will need to know what you studied, where and when and you will need to provide evidence of your previous study.

For more details of when you will need to apply by and to download an application form, visit our Credit Transfer website.

On completion

On successfully completing this course, we’ll award you our Diploma of Higher Education in Early Childhood.

International recognition

If you intend to use your Open University qualifications to seek work or undertake further study outside the UK, we recommend checking whether your intended qualification will meet local requirements for your chosen career. Find out more about international recognition of Open University qualifications.

Regulations

As a student of The Open University, you should be aware of the content of the qualification-specific regulations below and the academic regulations that are available on our Student Policies and Regulations website.

Diploma of Higher Education in Early Childhood

Compare this course

There are no formal entry requirements to study this qualification.

You do not need to be working with young children in order to study this qualification. However, to enhance your learning in core practice-focused modules, it is strongly recommended that students gain direct experience with young children (birth to 7 years). Students not working with young children (employed or in a voluntary capacity) will need to negotiate opportunities to gain such practical experience.

It is your responsibility and that of your employer – not the OU’s - to ensure the necessary Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check (or equivalent if not working in England) required for the setting and country in which you’re working is obtained and that you meet the ‘fit person’ criteria for work with young children. If you are in any doubt about your eligibility, or to find out more, contact the relevant agency in your country.

How much time do I need?

Most of our students study part time, completing 60 credits a year.
This will usually mean studying for 16–18 hours a week.

Find out if you have enough time to study with our time planner

Preparing for study with an Access module

Students who start their study with an Access module are more likely to be successful when they advance to Stage 1 of their qualification. They’re specially designed to give you a gentle introduction to OU study, boost confidence in your study skills, and help you gain a broad overview of your chosen subject area.

You’ll also benefit from:

feedback from your tutor through regular one-to-one phone tutorials
support from a dedicated team throughout your study
detailed written feedback on your work.

The Access module we’d recommend studying in preparation for this qualification is our:

Psychology, social science and wellbeing Access module

What you will study

This multidisciplinary module provides an excellent introduction to studying with The Open University; you'll get to cover a wide range of subject areas, including psychology, childhood and youth studies, health and social wellbeing, sport, education and social sciences.

View full details of Psychology, social science and wellbeing Access module

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Compare the cost of studying at the OU with other campus-based universities in England.

Qualification	Total cost at campus university*	Total cost at The Open University**	Saving with The Open University
Honours Degree	£27,750	£21,816	£5,934 (21%)
Diploma of Higher Education	£18,500	£14,544	£3,956 (21%)
Certificate of Higher Education	£9,250	£7,272	£1,978 (21%)

Honours Degree

Total cost at campus university* £27,750

Total cost at The Open University** £21,816

Saving with The Open University £5,934 (21%)

Diploma of Higher Education

Total cost at campus university* £18,500

Total cost at The Open University** £14,544

Saving with The Open University £3,956 (21%)

Certificate of Higher Education

Total cost at campus university* £9,250

Total cost at The Open University** £7,272

Saving with The Open University £1,978 (21%)

*Based on maximum chargeable fees for 24/25 academic year.

**The fee information provided here is valid for modules starting before 31 July 2025. Fees typically increase annually. In England, fees are subject to the part-time fee limit, as set out in section C of the University's Fee Rules.

How will I study this course?

With our unique approach to distance learning, you can study from home, work or on the move.

You’ll have some assessment deadlines to meet, but otherwise, you’ll be free to study at the times that suit you, fitting your learning around work, family, and social life.

For each of your modules, you’ll use either just online resources or a mix of online and printed materials.

Each module you study will have a module website with

a week-by-week study planner, giving you a step-by-step guide through your studies
course materials such as reading, videos, recordings, and self-assessed activities
module forums for discussions and collaborative activities with other students
details of each assignment and their due dates
a tutorial booking system, online tutorial rooms, and your tutor’s contact details
online versions of some printed module materials and resources.

If you have additional needs, we can also provide most module materials in alternative formats. Find out more about materials on our accessibility webpage.

Tutor support

You’ll have a tutor for each module, who will introduce themselves before the module begins.

Throughout the module, they will:

mark your assignments and give feedback to help you improve
guide you to learning resources
support you, whether with general study skills or help with a specific topic.

Tutorials

Tutorials usually take place online, and they’re always optional.

Online tutorials are live presentations with module tutors in dedicated online tutorial rooms and are sometimes recorded.

Assessment

Our assessments are all designed to reinforce your learning and help you show your understanding of the topics. The mix of assessment methods will vary between modules.

Computer-Marked Assignments

Usually, a series of online, multiple-choice questions.

Tutor-Marked Assignments

You’ll have a number of these throughout each module, each with a submission deadline.
They can be made up of essays, questions, experiments or something else to test your understanding of what you have learned.
Your tutor will mark and return them to you with detailed feedback.

End-of-Module Assessments

The final, marked piece of work on most modules.
Modules with an end-of-module assessment won’t usually have an exam.

Exams

Some modules end with an exam. You’ll be given time to revise and prepare.
You’ll be given your exam date at least 5 months in advance.
Most exams take place remotely, and you will complete them at home or at an alternative location.
If a module has an in-person exam (that you must take at one of our exam centres) or is invigilated online, we’ll make this clear in the module description.

Progressing to a point where I felt more comfortable writing my assignments, and having my scores reflecting that, made me quite happy because it showed the hard work was being rewarded.
Patrick ‘Ricky’ Skene, BSc (Hons) Sport, Fitness and Coaching

Other support and resources

Throughout your studies, you’ll have access to our subject-specific Student Support Teams.

They’ll help you with any general questions about your study and updates to your OU account.

To help with your studies, you’ll also have access to:

our online library, with high-quality online resources to support your study
other university libraries in the UK and Ireland
the online Help Centre, which has general information about OU study and support, along with study skills advice
free Microsoft Office 365 software
IT and computing support from our Computing Helpdesk.

Find out more about student support and being a part of the OU community.

Skills for career development

This diploma of higher education is designed to contribute to the development of a highly skilled and effective workforce and to integrated coherent services for young children and their families. In addition to specialist knowledge and understanding of early childhood, you’ll also develop a range of key communication, IT, numeracy, analytical, critical thinking and time management skills – all attributes that are highly valued by employers across all sectors.

Career relevance

This DipHE is relevant for existing early years practitioners (normally with a Level 3 early years qualification) or those interested in finding out more about young children’s learning and development. It provides a foundation for entry to a range of careers working with and for young children and their families. It is also suitable for those wanting to move into careers in teaching, health or social work.

Please note:

In England, this course does not provide Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS) or Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). GCSE passes at Grade 4 (C) or above in English and Maths are normally required for postgraduate study, and for teaching, a GCSE Grade 4 (C) pass in Science is also a requirement.

England only: please note that if you do not already have a Level 3 early years qualification when you begin studying this diploma, this course is not deemed ‘full and relevant’ to enable you to count in the staff:child ratios at Level 3.

In Scotland, this qualification does not lead to Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) registration. However, if you’ve already achieved SSSC registration through related qualifications, such as HNC Childhood Practice, you might be able to transfer credit to this qualification. GCSE passes at Grade 4 (C) or above in English and Maths are normally required for postgraduate study, and for teaching, a GCSE Grade 4 (C) pass in Science is also a requirement.

Further information about Early Childhood qualifications can be found:

For England, on the Department for Education (DfE) website.
For Wales, on the Care Council Wales (CCW) website.
For Scotland on the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) website.
For Northern Ireland, on the Department of Education (DENI) website.

This diploma qualification may also be helpful if you’re interested in further training of Early Years Initial Teacher Training (Early Years Teacher Status – birth to 5) or postgraduate qualifications in primary teaching with Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). However, we cannot guarantee automatic progression to ITE training programmes. Check with your local ITE training provider about their entry policy. For up-to-date information, visit the Department for Education website in England; the Teach in Scotland website in Scotland; the Department of Education in Northern Ireland; and the Teacher Training & Education in Wales website.

Other careers

Many graduate-level jobs are open to graduates of any discipline, particularly in business, finance, management consultancy and the public sector. Some careers may require further study, training and/or work experience beyond your degree.

Exploring your options

Once you register with us (and for up to three years after you finish your studies), you’ll have full access to our careers service for a wide range of information and advice – including online forums, website, interview simulation, vacancy service as well as the option to email or speak to a careers adviser. Some areas of the careers service website are available for you to see now, including help with looking for and applying for jobs. You can also read more general information about how OU study enhances your career.

In the meantime if you want to do some research around this qualification and where it might take you, we’ve put together a list of relevant job titles as a starting point (note that some careers may require further study, training and/or work experience):

nursery worker/manager
teacher
family support worker
counsellor

child psychotherapist
careers adviser
advice worker
probation officer

social worker
education welfare officer
learning mentor
community development worker.

Thinking of studying this course?

This course will next open for registration in March 2025. If you’d like us to keep you updated, register your interest.

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