With a degree in early childhood studies, graduates can make a difference in a variety of fields from education and health to childcare
This article is part of a series exploring the outcomes of graduates from subjects that are not included in What do graduates do? publications.
According to the latest graduate outcomes data, most early childhood studies graduates were in employment fifteen months after graduation. Full time work (53.1%) was the most common destination, while 14.9% found work in part-time roles.
Eight of the ten most reported occupations were all within education, such as:
- Primary education teaching professionals
- Early education and childcare practitioners
- Early education and childcare assistants
- Educational support assistants
- Teaching assistants
- Early education and childcare services managers
- Teaching professionals n.e.c.
- Nursery education teaching professionals
6.5% of early childhood studies graduates were unemployed. And although this is just over the average for all graduates (5.6%), it is important to recognise that this figure remains low.
,Percentage of early childhood studies graduates Employment and further study,9.0 Full-time employment,53.1 Full-time further study,6.6 Other including travel caring for someone or retired,8.4 Part-time employment,14.9 Part-time further study,0.3 Unemployment,6.5 Unknown pattern of employment,0.7 Voluntary or unpaid work,0.6
Graduate Outcomes (2024)
Further study
7% early childhood studies graduates chose to pursue full-time further study, with a further 9% reporting that they were working while studying. 59% were doing a Postgraduate diploma or certificate, 19% were doing a Professional qualification, and 9% said that they were doing a Masters course when surveyed.
,Percentage of early childhood studies graduates in further study Foundation degree,1.2 Masters (such as MA or MSc),9.3 Professional qualification,18.9 Postgraduate diploma or certificate (including PGCE/PGDE),58.9 Undergraduate degree (such as BA or BSc),4.8
Graduate Outcomes (2024)
Early childhood studies graduates enter a variety of sectors, drawing on the diverse range of skills they develop during their studies. Nevertheless, a large proportion were working in occupations directly related to their degree when surveyed, with a third (34.6%) of graduates in this cohort reporting that they are working in education and a quarter (23.3%) in childcare, health and education occupations.
A smaller proportion found work in legal, social, and welfare jobs (4.0%), retail, waiting and other customer service positions (3.1%), as well as clerical, secretarial, and administrative positions (3.3%).
| Arts, design and media | 0.1% |
|---|---|
| Business, HR and finance | 0.8% |
| Childcare, health and education | 23.3% |
| Clerical, secretarial and administrative | 3.3% |
| Education | 34.6% |
| Engineering | 0.2% |
| Health | 0.3% |
| IT | 0.0% |
| Legal, social and welfare | 4.0% |
| Managers | 0.7% |
| Marketing, PR and sales | 0.2% |
| Other professionals | 0.5% |
| Retail, catering and customer service | 3.1% |
| Science | 0.0% |
| Skilled trades, crafts and vocational work | 0.5% |
| Other Occupations | 0.3% |
The majority of Early childhood studies graduates (58%) found themselves in professional-level employment, a figure below the overall graduate average of 75%, However, it’s crucial to acknowledge that graduates in non-professional roles may still be fulfilling their aspirations and feel like they are making meaningful contributions.
For instance, the vast majority (93%) of Early childhood studies graduates who answered the graduate voice questions indicated that their current work is meaningful. Similarly, 82% said that they are utilising the skills that they learnt on their course in their work, and 82% said that their current work fits in with their plans for the future.
Location of employment
Early childhood studies graduates were working in various locations across the UK, with London accounting for the largest proportion at 17.3%. The South East was the second most common location, with areas like West Sussex, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire being particularly popular. Individuals also found work in Birmingham, Walsall and Warwickshire, making the West Midlands an appealing location.
| East Midlands | 5.4% |
|---|---|
| East of England | 10.5% |
| England region unknown | 0.9% |
| London | 17.3% |
| North East | 0.9% |
| North West | 2.6% |
| Northern Ireland | 10.3% |
| Scotland | 2.8% |
| South East | 13.9% |
| South West | 6.9% |
| Wales | 3.2% |
| West Midlands | 12.4% |
| Yorkshire and The Humber | 11.8% |
Salaries
Early childhood studies graduates who didn't pursue further study after graduation earn an average of £23,798, which is below the overall average for all graduates (£28,731).
The difference in salaries could be partially explained by the time that it takes to finish teacher training following graduation. If Early childhood studies graduates follow their degree with teacher training to become primary school teachers, they can earn up to approximately £40,000 as classroom teachers with substantial experience. Furthermore, salaries can rise to £32,000 for early years educators who take up supervisory or managerial roles.
To add, graduates in this field often pursue roles in education, social work, or community services. Professions which may not offer the same financial rewards as other fields.
Also in this series:
Notes:
- Childhood & Youth Studies degrees, The complete University Guide, 2024.
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