Jess Fensom

I chose to study at Edge Hill University for its beautiful campus, outstanding accommodation and the support available. After my first visit, I knew it was the place I wanted to call home, despite it being 4.5 hours away.

I decided to study BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies because I knew what career I wanted to pursue but needed the qualification to get me there. What stood out to me about this course was that it offers a generalised overview of childcare and opens up many different career pathways, rather than preparing you for just one specific role.

One of my favourite things about the degree is the variety of assessment methods, which offers a good balance throughout the course. The work placement is also a key highlight, as it provides valuable hands-on experience and helps develop skills in working in partnership with both children and other professionals.

I am currently in my second year and have studied a range of modules that have helped me build my knowledge and challenge current ideas within the early years sector. This has encouraged me to think critically about how practice can be adapted to better support children.

I am also undertaking the Early Childhood Graduate Practitioner Certificate (ECGPC). I came to university without a formal childcare qualification but with a strong foundation of experience through volunteering and paid work. Through my modules and interactions with professionals, I have gained a wealth of knowledge and practical ideas that I can bring into my professional practice.

The support from lecturers has been a really important part of my experience. There is constant support available through meetings with personal tutors, and module lecturers are always happy to go through coursework drafts or explain content further if needed. This has helped me feel more confident in my studies and supported my academic progress.

As part of my degree, I am currently completing a work placement in a nursery within a 2–3-year-old room. In this role, I observe children, engage in their play and support their development through everyday interactions. My studies have helped me become more confident working with children and encouraged me to let them take the lead in their play, rather than directing activities towards a specific outcome.

The degree offers a range of extra-curricular opportunities, including study abroad options, careers fairs and events. Placements also allow you to gain valuable experience and apply the knowledge gained in lectures to real-life settings. These experiences not only enhance your learning but also strengthen your employability.

Through my placements, I have developed experience in professional working environments. This is extremely valuable for my CV and will help me stand out when applying for jobs after I graduate, particularly for those who may not have prior childcare experience.

The dedicated support teams at Edge Hill have helped me in many ways throughout my degree. There’s so much support across campus, including careers, wellbeing and campus connectors, who are always available to help. I have accessed support from the wellbeing team, campus support services, the IT team and my lecturers. I also work as a student guide and ambassador, which has given me the opportunity to gain paid work alongside my studies while working with a variety of students and schools, further supporting my degree.

Outside of my studies, Edge Hill truly feels like a place to call home. There are many societies to join and events to take part in, including activities with campus connectors and trips to places such as Ikea. One of my favourite memories was during my first year when heavy snow led to a campus-wide snowball fight. It was a really fun moment where everyone came together and felt connected.

After I graduate, I hope to work abroad as a children’s holiday club representative, either in resorts or on cruises.

For anyone considering studying Early Childhood Studies at Edge Hill, my advice would be to go for it. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, speak to current students and attend offer holder days to get a feel for the course. There is plenty of information available, and the university is always happy to help.