Online MA Early Childhood Studies
Advance your early years career with the leadership, research, and advocacy skills needed to shape inclusive practice and policy.
Start Dates: January, March, June, September
Duration: 1 year full-time, 2 years part-time
Study Mode: Online
Fees: £8,000 (regional discounts available)
Become a confident leader in early childhood education
Take the next step in your early years career and develop the leadership expertise to create meaningful change for children, families, and communities. This Online MA Early Childhood Studies combines research-informed practice with contemporary leadership, policy, and pedagogy, helping you drive improvement across the early childhood sector.
Grounded in child-centred approaches and Froebelian principles, the degree helps you develop a clear professional identity while building the confidence to lead teams, advocate for children’s rights, and shape inclusive practice. You’ll explore contemporary challenges facing the sector, from SEND and social justice to sustainability and digital innovation, while developing the research and critical thinking skills needed to make evidence-informed decisions. What’s more, with flexible online learning, you can advance your career without putting it on hold.
How you’ll study
Online learning environment
The MA is delivered through the university’s Moodle virtual learning environment, combining live and pre-recorded lectures, interactive quizzes, discussion forums, and collaborative group activities. The platform supports a blended approach – you engage with content at your own pace while participating in scheduled seminars and peer discussions that bring your learning to life. Guest speakers and education industry experts are integrated throughout the programme.
Weekly study commitment
Full-time students should expect to dedicate approximately 35-40 hours per week across directed learning, independent study, and assessment preparation. Part-time students typically commit around 15-20 hours. The programme is structured around modules that balance self-paced learning with interactive, tutor-led sessions, so you can build a study routine that works alongside your professional life.
Assessment methods
The module content and assessment methods have been specifically chosen to help you develop the skills needed for Masters-level study. You’ll engage with a range of authentic assessment methods, from essays to presentations, supported by formative feedback that helps refine and improve your work before final submission. Interactive workshops, tutorials and recorded sessions provide clear guidance, ensuring you are fully supported to succeed in postgraduate study, particularly if you are returning to education or developing confidence in academic assessment.
Support and feedback
You will receive tailored feedback and guidance from your academic tutors throughout each module. A dedicated student support team is available for academic, technical, and administrative queries. Beyond graduation, Roehampton’s Careers Support Team offers personalised guidance, workshops, networking events, and one-on-one coaching to help you take the next step in your career.
Academic requirements
To be eligible for our online degrees, you’ll normally need a second-class honours degree from a recognised university. We also welcome applications from non-graduates with professional experience, as well as those holding a third-class honours degree.
Language requirements
Our programmes are taught in English. If you’re applying as an international student, you’ll need to provide evidence of your proficiency with a valid qualification issued within the last two years.
- IELTS Academic – 6.5 overall
- Roehampton’s English Language Test – 6.5 overall
- Kaplan Test of English – 478-509 overall
- TOEFL IBT – 89 overall
- PTE Academic – 59 overall
- Cambridge – 176 overall
Modules
Every module gives you the chance to test ideas, solve problems, and apply what you learn straight into your work. Studying online with Roehampton means you’re part of an active learning community where theory meets practice, and where your day-to-day experience becomes part of the classroom.
Assessment:
Component one: portfolio of research tasks (2,000-word equivalent – 30%)
Component two: practitioner research proposal (3,000 words – 70%)
Assessment:
Component one: project portfolio (2,500-word equivalent – 50%)
Component two: AI-assisted essay (2,500 words – 50%)
Assessment:
Component one: policy brief (3,500 words – 50%)
Component two: presentation (no more than 15 minutes – 30%)
Assessment:
Component one: microteaching session (no more than 15 minutes – 30%)
Component two: critical rationale, reflection and teaching artefacts for microteaching session (3,500 words – 70%)
Assessment:
Component one: poster presentation and Q&A (no more than 20 minutes; 250 words maximum on poster – 50%)
Component two: critical reflection (2,500 words – 50%)
Assessment:
Component one: critical analysis (2,500 words – 50%)
Component two: critical review (2,500 words – 50%)
Assessment:
Component one: child study (2,000 words – 30%)
Component two: child environment design proposal (3,000 words – 70%)
Assessment:
Component one: portfolio of evidence (3,000-word equivalent – 70%)
Component two: presentation of mission statement (no more than 15 minutes) and poster (250 words) – 30%
Assessment:
Component one: systemic analysis (3,000 words – 70%)
Component two: presentation with questions and answers (no more than 15 minutes – 30%)
Fees and funding
Tuition fees for the MA Early Childhood Studies are £8,000 for the full programme. Fees cover all teaching, learning materials, assessments, and access to student support services. Regional discounts may be available depending on your location – check your individual programme page or speak with a student recruitment adviser for details.
Alumni discount
Roehampton graduates are eligible for a 20% tuition fee discount when returning for postgraduate study online. This is the only university discount available for 100% online programmes. It cannot be combined with other scholarship offers.
Student loans
UK residents may be eligible for a Postgraduate Master’s Loan through the UK Government, worth up to £12,167. The loan is not means-tested and can be used towards tuition fees and living costs. Visit gov.uk/masters-loan to check your eligibility and apply.
International students
International students are required to pay an initial deposit (IDP) before making the full deposit payment (FDP). This deposit is deducted from your tuition fees when you enrol. Full payment details are confirmed in your offer letter. Contact the student recruitment team if you have questions about international payment arrangements.
Make an impact in early childhood education
The early childhood sector needs professionals who can combine deep pedagogical knowledge with leadership, research and advocacy skills. This degree prepares you to meet these demands as you learn how to lead in early childhood settings, influence practice, and drive positive change.
Roles our graduates pursue
The degree’s combination of early childhood expertise, leadership development, and research-informed practice can help you enter a range of influential roles, including:
- Early Years Leader or Manager – leading nurseries, children’s centres, or other early years settings, applying advanced pedagogical knowledge, ethical governance, and inclusive practice to deliver outstanding provision
- Early Childhood Education Consultant or Advisor – advising schools, local authorities, trusts, and organisations on curriculum design, pedagogy, inclusion, and evidence-informed practice
- SENCO or Inclusion Specialist in Early Years – leading SEND provision, supporting children with additional needs, and working collaboratively with families and multi-agency professionals to create inclusive learning environments
- Early Childhood Policy Developer or Advocate – contributing to policy development and implementation while championing children’s rights, social justice, and equitable access to high-quality early education
- Researcher or Academic in Early Childhood Studies – pursuing doctoral study and contributing to the advancement of knowledge through research, teaching, and publication in higher education
Dedicated Careers Support
Roehampton’s Careers Support Team is available to online students from day one through to beyond graduation. Services include personalised one-on-one coaching, tailored workshops, employer networking events, and guidance on CV writing, interview preparation, and career planning.
Stand out in the sector
Professionals who combine knowledge of early childhood education with leadership, advocacy, and research expertise are increasingly sought after across education, policy, and community sectors. As expectations around quality, inclusion, and children’s wellbeing continue to grow, the ability to lead practice, influence systems, and champion positive outcomes for children and families becomes an increasingly valuable differentiator.
Why choose this programme
Four intakes per year
for flexibility
Start in January, March, June, or September. Whether you are between roles or planning your next career move, there is always a start date within reach.
A university of London degree
The University of Roehampton is based in London, home to some of the world’s largest employers and most diverse workforces. Your MA carries the credibility of a London university to help you advance your career.
Early childhood leadership and expertise combined
You will develop a deep, research-informed understanding of early childhood alongside the leadership, policy, and pedagogical expertise needed to progress into senior roles. The programme blends child development, inclusive practice, leadership, and critical theory so you can confidently shape high-quality provision and improve outcomes for children and families.
Froebelian foundations, global perspectives
At the heart of the programme is Friedrich Froebel’s child-centred philosophy, particularly the importance of play, creativity, relationships, and learning in and through nature. You’ll also engage with global and Indigenous perspectives, helping you develop a wider, more inclusive understanding of early childhood practice in diverse cultural contexts.
Flexible study designed for working professionals
Designed for early years practitioners and education professionals, the programme is delivered fully online with synchronous and asynchronous learning. With flexible study patterns, it enables you to continue working while developing the advanced knowledge and leadership skills needed for career progression.
Career-driven outcomes
This MA is designed to support your progression within early childhood education. Each module builds the knowledge, confidence, and professional identity needed to take the next step in your career and make a meaningful impact in the sector.
Build the skills to lead in early childhood education
Strengthen your critical thinking skills
Develop the ability to critically evaluate and apply early childhood theories and frameworks, from Froebel and Montessori to contemporary critical perspectives, using them to inform and defend high-quality, evidence-based practice.
Design inclusive and rights-based practice
Learn how to create equitable, child-centred learning environments that recognise diversity, remove barriers to participation, and promote the rights, wellbeing, and agency of all children, including those with SEND.
Develop research and analytical expertise
Gain the skills to conduct and critically evaluate ethical research with children, families, and communities, using evidence to improve provision, challenge assumptions, and inform policy and practice development.
Lead with confidence and integrity
Build leadership and governance capability to guide teams, settings, and organisations with ethical clarity.
Become a reflective and adaptive practitioner
Continuously shape your professional identity through reflective engagement with theory, research, collaboration, and digital learning communities across a range of early childhood contexts.
Tackle sector challenges
Apply your understanding of policy and advocacy to drive improvement and defend principled practice.
The Roehampton difference
Internationally recognised: Earn a prestigious education degree respected by global brands and guided by industry leaders.
Flexible first: Study at the office or on your commute home with our fully online curriculum and cutting-edge virtual learning platform.
Personalised experiences: Get tailored feedback and support throughout your studies with resources ready whenever you need them.
Student-approved: Recognised as a top 10 university in England for student experience, with outstanding results in the Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2026.
Support at every step
We provide bespoke support at every stage of your studies, from wellbeing and accessibility to academic guidance and career development, so you can thrive online with Roehampton.
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