Montessori Early Childhood Studies (Graduate Practitioner)

Start your Montessori teaching career with the only UK university provider of specialist Montessori degrees at undergraduate and postgraduate level.

You’ll develop the knowledge and skills to become a competent and effective teacher according to the Montessori Principles, focussing on the three elements of the Montessori Dynamic triangle: the child, the environment and the teacher.

As well as exploring Montessori materials and presentations that support babies, toddlers and young children’s learning, development, self-direction, and self-discovery, we’ll examine cosmic education, social justice and inclusion, and you’ll reflect on your own learning and practice.

Using our learning management system, Canvas, you'll access a comprehensive range of study resources and take part in optional online workshops with the Course Director. You'll also be fully supported with advice and regular feedback from our expert tutors.

Join a course that ranked 13th in the UK in the Guardian University Guide 2025.

95% for “Learning resources” and 95% for “Communication of mental well-being support” (National Student Survey 2024).

Gain a globally recognised degree qualification.

Learn on a Montessori placement with support to secure one.

Gain additional experience though volunteering and work experience.

Save time and money with an accelerated degree and demonstrate the drive to succeed.


* Early Childhood Graduate Practitioner Competencies (ECGPC)*


When you study with us, you’ll complete the ECGPC (Early Childhood Graduate Practitioner Competencies). This is a professionally recognised framework that’ll enhance your employability and provide some clarity for your prospective employers as to the graduate level of your achievements.

These competencies are included on the QAA Early Childhood Studies Subject Benchmark Statements with practice at Level 6 recognised by the Department for Education (DfE). You’ll meet the nine competencies through assessed observation of practice, practice-based tasks and academic assessment.

Due to the placement requirements of this course, you'll need to have your own work or voluntary placement set up at the beginning of the course, in an Ofsted rated good or outstanding setting. Our Practice Development Tutors may be able to signpost you to a suitable setting if you have difficulties.

To achieve the Graduate Practitioner status you'll need to have achieved Maths GCSE grade 4/C or equivalent by completion of the degree.

Careers

Guided by the Early Years Professional Framework, we work with employers to ensure our BA (Hons) Montessori Early Childhood Studies will give you the knowledge, skills and abilities that you need.

You’ll be qualified to work in any registered setting in England, including nurseries and preschools, as a Montessori teacher, or in leadership roles.

You might also want to continue on to a Masters course, such as one of our MA Education degrees, which include options to specialise in leadership and management, SEND, and Montessori settings, or our PGCE. Take advantage of our Alumni Scholarship and get 20% off your fees.

At ARU, you’ll be supported from day one with wellbeing services, money advice and careers guidance to help you through university and beyond.

Their courses are built around the skills and experience employers value. ARU are proud to be in the top 20% of UK universities for teaching quality (TEF 2023), and ranked #1 in the East of England, and #8 in the UK, for UG graduates in senior roles 15 months after gradudation (Graduate Outcomes Survey 2025). You'll have access to fantastic facilities thanks to £95m of investment - think SuperLabs, TV studios, law courts, mock hospital wards, gaming studios and more.

Wherever you're heading, ARU will help you get there.