Norland granted university title: FAQs for prospective students and offer holders
We are delighted to share the news that Norland has been granted university title, following assessment and approval by the Office for Students. From 7 September 2026, Norland will become Norland University of Early Childhood – the world’s first university dedicated to early childhood.
As we celebrate this landmark, we understand that you may have some questions as a prospective student or offer holder. Please see below answers to queries that you may have.
Read the announcementProspective students
Norland University of Early Childhood is the new name for Norland following approval for university title. We remain the same specialist institution, with the same commitment to early childhood education, care and professional practice, and to supporting students to develop the knowledge, confidence and experience they need for their future careers.
No. Our specialist focus is not changing. Norland will remain a close-knit learning community dedicated to early childhood, where students are supported and part of a distinctive professional community. Becoming Norland University of Early Childhood strengthens our ability to lead education, research and professional practice in a field fundamental to children’s futures and to the wellbeing of families and society.
Yes. To confirm, you do not need to restart your application. Applications already submitted or in progress will remain valid and will be managed carefully through the transition.
Before Monday 7 September 2026, you will still see our current name in some systems. From that date, systems will begin moving to Norland University of Early Childhood. We will provide clear guidance if you need to select a provider name during the transition, so you know exactly what to look for.
No. Entry requirements, published fees and course content remain as advertised. Undergraduate students will continue to study the BA (Hons) Early Childhood Education and Care degree alongside the prestigious skills-based Norland Diploma, with more than 1,200 hours of placements across settings including schools, nurseries, hospitals, specialist settings and family homes. Postgraduate students will study the new MA Early Childhood Education and Care degree for professionals seeking to develop specialist expertise and leadership in early childhood education and care.
No. Your student loan amount will remain the same. The Tuition Fees Student Loan for undergraduates is lower than the standard amount because Norland charges higher undergraduate fees than the capped fees charged by many other universities, due to our extensive, resource-heavy dual qualification training programme. The change to university title will not affect your student loan funding arrangements.
You will study at a specialist university focused entirely on early childhood, at a time when the early years are receiving increasing recognition for their importance in shaping future learning, wellbeing, health, relationships and life chances. University title brings together the recognition of a university degree with Norland’s established reputation and expertise, giving you a distinctive and highly focused learning experience and a clear route into highly-skilled employment.
Offer holders
Norland has achieved university title and will become Norland University of Early Childhood on Monday 7 September 2026. This is an exciting milestone for our whole community and will make Norland the world’s first university dedicated to early childhood. It is a change to our official name and title, but it does not change the course you are studying, the support you receive or the Norland community of which you are a part.
No. Our specialist focus is not changing. Norland will remain a close-knit learning community dedicated to early childhood, where students are supported and part of a distinctive professional community. Becoming Norland University of Early Childhood strengthens our ability to lead education, research and professional practice in a field fundamental to children’s futures and to the wellbeing of families and society.
No. Please be reassured that your offer remains valid. The change to Norland University of Early Childhood is an exciting landmark moment for Norland, but it does not change the offer you have received, the course you have applied for or the support you can expect. Please do contact us if you have any questions or concerns.
No. If you have already accepted your offer, you do not need to accept it again because of the name change that will take place on 7 September 2026. If any practical steps are needed, we will contact you directly with clear guidance.
Yes. Your course will start as planned. The university title change will not affect the start of your studies, your place on the course or the preparations you are already making to join Norland.
No. Your student loan amount will remain as previously confirmed. The Tuition Fees Student Loan for undergraduates is lower than the standard amount because Norland charges higher undergraduate fees than the capped fees charged by many other universities, due to our extensive, resource-heavy, dual qualification training programme. The change to university title will not affect your student loan funding arrangements.
No. The course content, entry requirements and distinctive Norland experience remain as advertised. You will still study the BA (Hons) Early Childhood Education and Care degree alongside the prestigious skills-based Norland Diploma, with academic learning, professional training, practical skill development and extensive placement experience. Postgraduate students will study the new MA Early Childhood Education and Care degree for professionals seeking to develop specialist expertise and leadership in early childhood education and care.
You will be joining Norland at a significant moment in its history, as it becomes the world’s first university dedicated to early childhood. This strengthens the recognition of Norland’s specialist focus and reflects the growing importance of early childhood education and care for children, families and society.
The awarding name on your certificate and transcript will be Norland University of Early Childhood. Our aim is to make the transition as clear and straightforward as possible for you, as well as for employers and professional contacts. Qualifications awarded by Norland prior to September 2026 remain valid.
No. You do not need to take any action because of the name change. If any administrative wording, forms or communications need to be updated, Norland will provide clear guidance in good time.
