Everything you need to know...
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What is the fee?
Home: See fees section below
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How long will I study?
1 Year
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Where will I study?
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When do I start?
September 2025
Course summary
- Train to become an early years teacher in just one year.
- Discover the ways you can support young children's learning and development.
- Experience a diverse range of placements with the potential for future employment.
- Master the creative and practical skills to shape the future lives of children.
- Develop your professional skills in management, teamwork and leadership.
This course is for those who want to, and already do, work in settings such as nurseries, foundation stages, and private daycare. Because we’re rated ‘Outstanding’ for our Early Childhood Education and Care (Ofsted, 2024), you’ll get the highest standard of teaching.
We offer two pathways for this course: the Employed Pathway, designed for those currently employed in a setting delivering the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), and the Entry Pathway, intended for those not currently working in the Early Years sector.
Employability
100% of our graduates are in work or further study fifteen months after graduating, with 90% in highly skilled employment or further study (2021/22 Graduate Outcomes Survey).
Come to an open day
Find out more at our postgraduate open days. Book now for your place.
How you learn
Course View
Hear from our staff and students about their experiences of PGCE Early Childhood Education and Care (0-5) with Early Years Teacher Status at Sheffield Hallam University.
We have been rated outstanding by Ofsted across all initial teacher education courses (March 2024). We offer sector leading initial teacher training in early years, primary, secondary and post-16 and we are rated outstanding in all four areas by Ofsted. Inspectors said that ‘trainees across all phases experience an exemplary quality of education and training’, our ‘work with partner schools is exceptional’ and ‘the placements are bespoke, tailored to the trainees' needs.’
You’ll join our dynamic community of students, researchers and academics at the Sheffield Institute of Education. We’re one of the UK’s largest providers of teacher training, supporting 1,000 new teachers every year.
Because we partner with more than 600 schools and colleges in the region, you’ll have every opportunity to gain experience and network with leading educational providers.
You learn through:
- Seminars
- Group and individual study
- Tutorials
- Work placements
- Target setting and reflection
- Group workshops
While most of our teaching takes place on campus, we also offer some hybrid taught days which allow you to join us online if you choose.
Course pathways
There are two pathways available for this course: Employed and Entry. While they're mostly taught together, we've included additional sessions in the Entry pathway specifically tailored for those new to the Early Years sector.
The Employed Pathway is for those currently working in an early years setting or school, such as Teaching Assistants, Room Practitioners or Leaders, Managers, or any role involving EYFS delivery. You'll stay in your current position while completing a short block placement in another setting/school.
The Entry Pathway is for those not currently employed in a school or setting, regardless of prior knowledge and experience in Early Years practice. We welcome applicants from other disciplines and offer two placements to build and extend your skills and knowledge.
Key themes
This course is structured around four key curriculum blocks – including child development, curriculum in practice, relational pedagogy and professionalism in practice.
We deliver our carefully sequenced curriculum in an environment of high challenge and low threat. You’ll consider ways young children learn and develop with our Curriculum in Practice teaching, providing you with the scope and richness of Early Years practice.
These blocks blend with relational pedagogy, which is at the heart of learning and development. Your professional learning journey leads you to become an early years teacher who acts with integrity and accountability, demonstrating high levels of professionalism.
Throughout the course, you’ll develop the appropriate skills, knowledge and attitudes to work with children, families, carers and professionals. You’ll learn how to review, evaluate and lead changes to teaching practice that result in improved outcomes for children.
Course support
We’re a dedicated, qualified, and highly experienced teaching team – with world-leading research and recognised professional creative reputations – who take the time to get to know you.
Throughout your learning journey, you’ll experience a range of dedicated support, such as:
- Specialist Hallam tutors and school-based mentors
- Access to specialist support services to help with your personal, academic and career development
- Access to our Skills Centre with one-to-ones, webinars and online resources, where you can get help with planning and structuring your assignments
- Career support for up to five years after graduating
Course leaders and tutors
Lynne Truelove
Senior Lecturer In Early YearsAs a senior lecturer at Sheffield Hallam University, I currently teach and mentor on the Early Years Teacher programme, and also the Foundation Degree in Early Years
Applied learning
We champion applied learning and have partnered with over 600 schools and colleges so that you can put your learning into practice.
Placements
During your course, you’ll either be in your workplace with one contrasting placement or be on placement at two contrasting early years settings, where you’ll plan and deliver teaching to children aged between 0-5 years. You’ll be supported by both your setting-based mentor and your University Link Tutor.
Placements are arranged on a bespoke basis to support your career aspirations beyond the course. After each placement, you’ll share your experiences at group workshops. You’ll be asked to reflect on your goals through our digital placement portal and set yourself relevant learning targets.
Live projects
Gain additional skills by undertaking interesting and relevant small-scale research projects within the academic modules. Previously, this has included improving outdoor learning environments, introducing Makaton (a visual way to develop communication skills), developing creative play activities for babies, reinvigorating a book corner, and creating superhero mark-making activities for boys’ writing.
Field trips
We offer opportunities for you to go on local study trips. Previously, this has included visits to Grindleford, the Early Years Community Research Nursery, English as an Additional Language (EAL) provision, local forest schools and age-appropriate first aid training – plus workshops to learn about Makaton.
Future careers
This course prepares you for a career in:
- Teaching in early years settings and schools, including Private, Voluntary or Independent (PVI) settings, academies and maintained nursery schools
- Teaching abroad in international early years settings
- You could also progress to further study at Masters level– e.g. our Masters in Education
Where will I study?
You study at City Campus through a structured mix of lectures, seminars and practical sessions as well as access to digital and online resources to support your learning.
City Campus
City Campus is located in the heart of Sheffield, within minutes of the train and bus stations.
City Campus map | City Campus tour
Adsetts library
Adsetts Library is located on our City Campus. It's open 24 hours a day, every day.
Learn moreEquipment and facilities
We’ve investing £250 million in new facilities over the next five years. This means students have access to new, innovative, and flexible spaces to study and relax in, making their student experience even better.
Most of our teaching is conducted in person at our City Campus, right in the heart of Sheffield. Here you’ll have access to industry-standard teaching facilities and equipment, including our early childhood specialist room – a realistic classroom environment resourced with books, equipment and activities for young children.
Entry requirements
All students
Normally GCSE grade C or Grade 4 in English Language and mathematics and science, or equivalent.
• 2.2 degree or above.
Where applicants have achieved a GCSE grade 4 or above in English literature only we will look for further evidence of a breadth of achievement in English.
You must:
• Complete a declaration of criminal convictions and health check forms.
Candidates who are successful will demonstrate a sound understanding of teaching and how children learn, where possible within a school setting. We encourage all candidates to evidence their understanding by drawing on related examples or experiences, such as time spent in schools or other learning settings. Demonstrating an ability to make links between experience and knowledge, and their proposed career would be desirable.
If you are shortlisted, we will invite you to a selection event and you should present a passport or photo driving license. You can present other forms of photo ID for the selection event, but if you do, you will still need to present valid identity documents required by the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) prior to starting your course.
If English is not your first language, you must have an IELTS score of 7.0 with a minimum of 6.5 in all skills or equivalent. For equivalents see our English language entry requirements.
Selection event
If you are shortlisted, we will invite you to a selection event and you should present a passport or photo driving license. You can present other forms of photo ID for the selection event, but if you do, you will still need to present valid identity documents required by the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) prior to starting your course.
See our selection event guidance for this course.
If English is not your first language, you must have an IELTS score of 7.0 with a minimum of 6.5 in all skills or equivalent. For equivalents see our English language entry requirements.
Course enrolment - professional requirements
Before enrolling you must complete all the professional checks that are required as part of entry for the course:
Suitability Declaration
You must fully declare the following information on the pre-admission suitability declaration form provided during the admissions process:
- Unfiltered criminal convictions, cautions, reprimands or warnings. For further information on unfiltered offences please see the Disclosure and Barring Service website.
- Involvement in disciplinary proceedings during paid or voluntary employment or education establishments.
- Involvement with safeguarding proceedings, social services or related organisations.
- If you have ever been removed from a teacher training programme as a result of your behaviour, or would have been removed if you had not left the programme.
Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service Criminal Record Check
- You will be required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) criminal record check prior to or during the enrolment week of your course. This will be provided by the University free of charge.
- You will need to present valid identity documents (PDF) as part of the DBS application process.
- If you have lived outside of the UK for more than six consecutive months in the last five years you must provide an overseas criminal record check. Further information on obtaining an overseas criminal record check.
- Where your DBS Enhanced Disclosure certificate contains any recorded information you must present this to the Academic Administration Team within ten working days of receipt of the certificate.
- In addition to this all those who are made an offer of a place will be checked against the DfE children’s barred list.
Occupational Health Screening
You will need to undertake occupational health screening to determine your suitability to undertake the course. This will be provided by the University free of charge. As part of this assessment you are expected to provide all relevant, truthful and accurate information to ensure a safe environment for yourself and service users.
Other background checks
All applicants that have accepted an offer will also be checked against the prohibition list to ensure you are not:
- Subject to a prohibition order issued by the Secretary of State.
- Prohibited to teach in another country of the European Economic Area (EEA).
If your personal circumstances change in relation to any of the professional requirements, from when you apply to the end of your course, please notify the Academic Administration team immediately by emailing professionalchecks@shu.ac.uk.
Additional information for EU/International students
This course is not open to international students who require a Tier 4 (General) student visa to study in the UK. If you are an international applicant but do not require a Tier 4 (General) student visa, email our Admissions Team to find out whether you’re eligible to apply.
Modules
Important notice: The structure of this course is periodically reviewed and enhanced to provide the best possible learning experience for our students and ensure ongoing compliance with any professional, statutory and regulatory body standards. Module structure, content, delivery and assessment may change, but we expect the focus of the course and the learning outcomes to remain as described above. Following any changes, updated module information will be published on this page.
Final year
Compulsory modules
Exploring And Developing Pedagogical Practice In Early Years (0-5 Years)
Professional Practice In Early Years 0-5
Reflecting On Professional Practice And Development In Early Years
Fees and funding
Home students
Fees are paid by DfE. Additionally there is a training bursary for Entry Pathway trainees: • tier 1, £5,000: first-class honours degree, doctoral degree • tier 2, £4,000: 2.1 honours degree, master’s degree • tier 3, £2,000: 2.2 honours degree The Employed Pathway has a £7000 Incentive for Employer's to use towards cover costs etc.
If you are studying an undergraduate course, postgraduate pre-registration course or postgraduate research course over more than one academic year then your tuition fees may increase in subsequent years in line with Government regulations or UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) published fees. More information can be found in our terms and conditions under student fees regulations.
Additional course costs
The links below allow you to view estimated general course additional costs, as well as costs associated with key activities on specific courses. These are estimates and are intended only as an indication of potential additional expenses. Actual costs can vary greatly depending on the choices you make during your course.
General course additional costs
Additional costs for Sheffield Institute of Education (PDF, 255.8KB)Legal information
Any offer of a place to study is subject to your acceptance of the University’s Terms and Conditions and Student Regulations.
