A Systematic Review of Early Years Degrees and Employment Pathways

Degree-level qualifications of those who work in early years services are recognised as pivotal to the quality of provision. However, despite the evidence pointing to their benefits, little is known about what constitutes a degree-level qualification for working in the early years. In England, the issue is compounded by the range of degrees available (e.g., BA, BEd and PGCE), with further variation in their content and composition. The project has provided a rich understanding of early years degrees in England as well as bringing forth a deeper understanding of the early years workforce in support of high-quality services.

The research:

- Identified the range of degrees on offer and analysed the entry requirements, structure and content.
- Analysed students’ employment trajectories in relation to their type of degree.