Next intake closes soon: August 2026. Speak to our consultant

Childhood and Early Years Studies

Nearly 40,000 new childcare places by 2029 underscore strong demand for early childhood professionals1.
Be one in 18 months.

Earn a globally recognised Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Childhood and Early Years Studies
Degree
with Northumbria University at Kaplan (Singapore). This 100% assignment-based Degree is designed to support flexible learning for working adults. Enjoy an Education Grant of up to S$1,853 when you enrol2.

18 months

Part-time Degree

S$1,853

Education Grant2

2 intakes

Per year (May & Nov)

Enquire Now

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Contact Our Consultant

Jack Tay
Programme Consultant
Email: [email protected]
WhatsApp: +65 9694 3409

Join the next intake.
Pay in 6 instalments.

Two intakes a year, two study modes, and a simple 6-instalment payment plan.

100% Assignment-based.
No Exams
Study Modes

Part-time

Delivery Mode

Blended (on campus & online)

Tuition Fee

The total tuition fee covers university registration, lectures/tutorials/workshops and main assessments such as assignments/tests/examinations/projects (where applicable), programme materials in digital format, Degree (if earned) and transcript.

S$21,723.70 inclusive of GST, payable in 6 instalments
(Nett programme fee listed above = Tuition fee of S$23,576.70 minus Education Grant of S$1,8532)

Shape Future Minds with a Childhood and Early Years Studies Degree

About the programme

Study an Early Childhood Degree in Singapore and gain a strong understanding of how young children learn, grow, and develop across family, school, and community settings.

This programme3 is designed to help you make a meaningful difference in the lives of children by developing knowledge of early childhood development, inclusive practice, learning environments, curriculum, child wellbeing, and professional practice.

Through this Degree, you will gain insights into a wide range of issues relating to childhood, children, young people, and society. It is suitable for learners who want to work with young children, support families, contribute to early years of education, or build a foundation for further study in education, psychology, child development, or social services.

What You Will Learn in an Early Childhood Degree

Knowledge & Understanding
  • Analyse the key issues, themes, and concepts related to childhood, children’s development, health, and wellbeing within wider social contexts.
  • Analyse the changing nature of research, policy, and practice, and evaluate its impact on services for children, families, and communities.
Intellectual / Professional Skills & Abilities
  • Analyse and reflect on current research and advanced scholarships in childhood and early years, and consider how these apply to practice.
  • Apply conceptual understanding and insight to support reflective practice, independent thinking, reasoned judgement, and the ability to challenge personal and others’ assumptions in relation to early years and childhood.

In-Demand Skills Employers Look For

Singapore’s Early Childhood sector needs educators and child development professionals with strong care, communication, and reflective practice skills. These are the in-demand skills employers look for to support children’s learning, development, and wellbeing.

Child Wellbeing and Safeguarding

Creating safe, nurturing environments that protect children and support wellbeing.

Child Development Knowledge 

Understanding how children grow and develop socially, emotionally, and cognitively.

Communication Skills

Communicating clearly with children, families, colleagues, and community partners.

Inclusive Practice

Supporting children with diverse needs, backgrounds, and developmental abilities.

Observation and Assessment

Observing children’s progress and needs to better support their development.

Curriculum Planning

Designing age-appropriate learning experiences that build curiosity and confidence.

Why study Early Childhood Degree with Northumbria University at Kaplan (Singapore)

100% assignment-based curriculum, no exams

Progress through coursework and assignments without sitting for exams.

WSQ Professional Diploma in Early Childhood Care & Education

If you hold a Teaching qualification, you may apply directly to our Early Childhood Degree4.

Achieve success. 98% pass rate5

Study with confidence, supported by a strong student pass rate.

Complete your Degree part-time in just 18 months

Advance your education and step into your career with a strong competitive advantage.

Access Classes
Anytime, Anywhere

Enjoy the convenience of recorded lectures and online learning resources available 24/7, designed to support your learning.

Degree Awarded

The Degree will be the same as that awarded to the on-campus graduates in Northumbria University, UK

Direct Entry

Diploma holders can gain direct entry to Year 2 of the Degree4, and complete the programme in 18 months.

Flexible Study Schedule

A mix of online and in-person sessions designed for working professionals.

Direct Honours Degree

Graduate with an Honours Degree designed to strengthen your academic profile.

Industry-Relevant Childhood and Early Years Studies Modules

  • Changing Childhoods
  • Childhood and Early Years Studies Project
  • Global Perspectives of Childhood and Youth
  • Leadership and Collaboration in Children’s Services
  • Perspectives on Children’s Literature
  • Play and the Early Years Curriculum
  • Professional Practice and Career Development
  • Researching Childhood and Early Years
  • Social and Emotional Wellbeing in Childhood
  • Young Children as Meaning Makers
  • Young People in Society

Why Study Early Childhood Degree in Singapore?

Singapore’s Early Childhood sector is expanding as the Government continues to improve access to affordable, accessible, and quality preschool services. With greater emphasis on children’s early learning, development, and wellbeing, there is a growing need for professionals who understand how to support young children during their formative years.

Demand for Early Childhood Professionals

The number of full-day infant care and childcare places has grown significantly over the past decade. The Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) reported that places increased from about 120,000 in 2015 to approximately 220,000, with almost 40,000 additional places planned between 2025 and 20291.

This continued expansion reflects Singapore’s commitment to strengthening early childhood care and education. As more families seek quality preschool and infant care options, this creates continued demand for trained professionals who can support young children’s learning, care, and development.

A Degree in Early Years Education Degree can help you build the knowledge and confidence to contribute to this growing sector, whether in early childhood education, child development, family support, or related community roles.

Strengthening Quality Across the Early Childhood Sector

Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA) is the regulatory and developmental authority for Singapore’s Early Childhood sector, overseeing children below age seven across kindergartens and childcare centres.

As Singapore continues to raise the quality of early childhood care and education, early childhood professionals play an important role in supporting quality standards, child safety, curriculum implementation, and parent partnerships.

Beyond classroom teaching, professionals in this sector help create safe, nurturing, and inclusive learning environments where children can develop confidence, curiosity, and social-emotional skills. They also work closely with families and colleagues to support each child’s learning, wellbeing, and overall development.

Having an Early Childhood and Education Degree can strengthen your professional knowledge and prepare you to meet the sector’s growing expectations for quality care and education.

What This Means for Your Future with an Early Childhood Degree

Choosing to study for a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education in Singapore means entering a sector defined by:

  • Sustained Demand for Early Childhood Professionals
    Singapore’s continued investment in preschool and infant care services creates ongoing demand for trained professionals who can support children’s learning, care, and development.
  • Meaningful Career Opportunities
    Graduates can explore roles across early childhood education, child development, family support, curriculum planning, and community-based services.
  • Strong Sector Support and Quality Focus
    With Singapore placing greater emphasis on quality early childhood care and education, professionals with strong knowledge in child development, inclusive practice, and family engagement are increasingly valued.

Future-Focused Career Growth

As the sector evolves to meet the needs of children and families, an Early Childhood Degree can help you build the skills and confidence to contribute to meaningful, child-centred work.

With its industry-relevant curriculum, a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Development in Singapore prepares you not just to support children’s early years, but to make a lasting difference in their learning, development, and wellbeing.

Career Opportunities & Salary Guide

An Early Childhood Degree opens doors to meaningful careers in education, child development, and family support, as Singapore continues to invest in quality early years care and learning. The career pathways below may require further specialist training, certification, or postgraduate study, depending on the role.

Curriculum Specialist

Designing early years learning programmes, resources and teaching approaches.

S$68,142
PER ANNUM
Child Placement Caseworker

Helping children find safe, suitable, and supportive care arrangements.

S$65,151

PER ANNUM
Child & Family Services Worker

Supporting children and families through care, guidance, and community services.

S$62,802

PER ANNUM
Social Service Caseworker

Supporting children and families facing social, emotional, or care challenges.

S$55,443

PER ANNUM
Family Support Worker

Helping families access resources, guidance, and practical support.

S$51,627

PER ANNUM
Early Childhood Educator

Nurturing young learners through safe, play-based education.

S$41,711

PER ANNUM

Source: Salary Expert (accurate as of May 2026)

Success Stories

Frequently Asked Questions

If I have a WSQ Professional Diploma, can I apply for the Bachelor of Science (Hons) Childcare and Early Years Studies (Top-up) Degree?

Yes. If you hold a WSQ Professional Diploma in Early Childhood Care & Education-Teaching, you may apply directly to the Bachelor of Science (Honours) Childcare and Early Years Studies (Top-up) Degree4.

No. You can complete the Bachelor of Science (Honours) Childcare and Early Years Studies (Top-up) Degree part-time in 18 months, provided you meet the admission criteria.

You may pursue roles in early childhood education, preschool teaching, curriculum support, child development, early intervention, family support, education services, and community-based child-focused organisations.

Yes. Singapore is expanding preschool capacity, with Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA) working with anchor operators to add close to 40,000 new infant and childcare places from 2025 to 2029. This supports continued demand for trained early childhood professionals1.

You will develop skills in child development, early years of pedagogy, curriculum planning, inclusive practice, observation and assessment, communication, family engagement, and professional ethics.

Yes. The Early Childhood sector continues to welcome new entrants with the right aptitude and passion. If you hold a WSQ Professional Diploma in Early Childhood Care & Education – Teaching qualification, you can apply directly with Northumbria University at Kaplan (Singapore) for a Bachelor’s Degree in Childcare and Early Year Studies.

This depends on Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA)’s education certification requirements and whether the specific qualification is recognised for the intended role.

Singapore’s Early Childhood sector is focused on quality, access, inclusion, professional development, and parent partnerships. Having an Early Childhood Care and Education Degree prepares learners to contribute to these priorities through child-centred knowledge and practical skills.

Yes. You can access recorded lectures and online resources designed to support your learning anytime, anywhere while working.

Start Your Journey in Early Childhood today

Take the next step towards a meaningful career supporting young children’s learning, development, and wellbeing.

Refer Your Friend

Do you have a friend who is looking to advance their career? Share your study experience and encourage them to take the next step in their professional development. 

They can gain access to quality education, and you will be rewarded for helping them achieve their career aspirations.

For every friend you refer who successfully enrols, you will receive a S$500 Referral Incentive2. There is no limit – the more you refer, the more you earn!

  1. Early Childhood Development Agency
  2. Terms and conditions apply
  3. This programme is not accredited by the Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA). Graduates who wish to work in the local early childhood sector will need to submit an application to ECDA for Teacher Registration via a preschool. Approval by ECDA will be subjected to the applicant meeting the requirements for Teacher Registration.
  4. Direct entry into the Degree programme is granted to applicants with relevant Diploma qualifications.
    Those with non-relevant Diplomas will be required to complete designated bridging modules, subject to the University’s admission criteria.
  5. Based on average module pass rate for part-time students from 20 Nov 2023 to 19 May 2025.

Accreditations remain subject to accreditation providers. Kaplan Higher Education Academy is not responsible for any changes in accreditation requirements or loss of accreditation status not attributable to 
Kaplan Higher Education Academy.

The information on this website is correct as of June 2026.

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Refer Your Friend

By submitting your personal information above and clicking the "SUBMIT" button below, you have given your consent (a) for a Kaplan representative to contact you on offers, promotions and information for Kaplan programmes or courses; and (b) to Kaplan’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

Joyce Neo

Programmes Executive, Young Women's Christian Association (YWCA)
Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Guidance and Counselling
Northumbria University Graduate (2022)

I had worked full-time at the Thye Hua Kwan Moral Charities Senior Activity Centre for three years and recently started working as a Programmes Executive at YWCA. Here, I aim to equip young women and mothers from marginalised backgrounds with work skills to improve their lives through employability.

I find it meaningful to work with the elderly and devise interventions to help with their gradual memory impairment and physical limitations. I am also passionate about reaching out to people in difficult situations and making a difference in their lives.

These reasons motivated me to pursue my education with Kaplan, first with a Foundation Diploma, followed by the Diploma in Psychology. This then gave me exemptions to pursue my Bachelor’s Degree with Northumbria University, where I chose to study the Bachelor of Arts in Guidance and Counselling.

The Degree is well-suited to my goal of becoming an asset to organisations that strive to improve the welfare of those in need. Northumbria University is well-recognised for its outstanding teaching, so I feel confident about achieving my Degree here. The lecturers, who are experts in their respective professional fields, also share their experiences and knowledge with us.

The programme may serve as a stepping-stone for those who aspire to expand their career opportunities in the sector and work with people from diverse backgrounds. All the modules covered have been comprehensive and applicable to my job scope.

After I have completed the programme, I plan to further my education with a Master’s Degree in order to be empowered to care for and understand how to work with people from diverse backgrounds.

Desmond Yim Guo Hao

Programme Executive, Fei Yue Community Services
Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Guidance and Counselling
Northumbria University Graduate (2022)

When I entered the workforce, I was young and did not have many qualifications. As I continued working, I realised the importance of having proper qualifications to progress at work. Furthermore, I wanted to do something more meaningful and helpful to others.

Hence, I decided to pursue a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Guidance and Counselling at Northumbria University. As I am responsible for assisting clients in achieving a better quality of life, I found what I had learnt from my Degree programme can be applied when meeting my clients.

This Degree programme not only boosts my confidence and self-esteem at work, but also provided me with a sense of achievement. My achievement was validated when I got promoted from Programme Officer to Programme Executive.

I would definitely recommend Northumbria University as it takes only 18 months to attain a Degree. Moreover, the lecturers are very engaging, and they are willing to guide us whenever we need help.

Manson Ng Kok Hwee

Community Engagement Manager, People’s Association
Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Guidance and Counselling
Northumbria University Graduate (2023)

I previously worked in sales before joining the People’s Association. I then decided to pursue a Degree in Guidance and Counselling to enhance my career and improve my conversation skills for me to guide and counsel others more confidently and professionally.

By applying the knowledge that I have gained from the programme, I am now able to counsel individuals across different levels. I am also able to efficiently collaborate with my colleagues and stakeholders to serve the community more effectively. The Mending the Gap: Collaborative Learning with Service Users module was applicable in terms of helping me bridge the gap between people. By learning and applying techniques that I have learnt, the community would feel more comfortable sharing their concerns with me.

I will recommend this Degree programme as it can be completed in 18 months on a part-time basis and is suitable for people holding a full-time job in the day. During my course of study, I was even promoted from Assistant Manager to Manager.