Norland launches innovative MA in Early Childhood Education and Care
4 March 2026
Norland is delighted to announce the launch of its new flexible, part‑time, online master’s degree – the MA in Early Childhood Education and Care.
Rooted in over 130 years of international recognised early childhood expertise, Norland’s new master’s degree unites leading research, specialist teaching and pioneering insight to deepen professional knowledge and elevate impact across the early years sector.
Building on our world-renowned reputation for producing highly skilled early years practitioners through our BA (Hons) and diploma programme, the MA offers a rich blend of academic depth and practical application to deepen knowledge and advance professional practice. With a dedicated focus on the earliest years of childhood (0–3 years), the postgraduate programme will enable students to build specialist knowledge in several key and fast-developing areas of early childhood.
The MA is a flexible, part-time, online master’s programme designed for early childhood educators, early childhood practitioners, leaders and policy makers. Its flexible nature enables students to undertake their study in bite‑sized chunks, making it ideal for those working alongside their studies.
Programme Leader Viki Bennett Kane shared her excitement about the new MA, saying: “I am excited to share the launch of our flexible, part‑time, online MA in Early Childhood Education and Care. Building on Norland’s internationally recognised expertise, this programme offers access to leading research and specialist teaching in several key areas of early childhood. It is designed to deepen expertise and enhance impact for professionals working with young children.”
Dr Rebecca Digby, Vice Principal, Head of Learning, Teaching and Research, said: “We are delighted to launch Norland’s new master’s programme, which represents an exciting step forward in advancing expertise within the early years sector. This programme has been designed to inspire practitioners, deepen critical understanding, and empower students to drive meaningful change in the lives of children and their families.”
Principal Dr Janet Rose said: “Norland is delighted to be expanding its academic offer at such a pivotal moment in our history as we work towards achieving university title. With almost 135 years of experience in delivering world‑class early years education, we are acutely aware of the profound impact high‑quality early childhood education and care can have. This new MA builds on our long‑term vision to advance research‑informed practice and support professionals in transforming children’s lives in the earliest years.”
As a TEF Gold-rated provider, Norland is recognised for its excellence in early years education and training. The introduction of the MA builds on Norland’s ambition to become the world’s first early childhood specialist university, and its commitment to excellence in training outstanding early years practitioners.
Applications to the new MA open on 16 March 2026, with the course starting in September 2026. A virtual open event will take place on 24 June 2026, offering prospective students the opportunity to find out more about the programme, assessment, delivery and entry requirements.
Please note: The MA in Early Childhood Education and Care does not lead to Norland Nanny status. Students must complete the BA (Hons) in Childhood Education and Care with integrated Norland diploma to earn the professional title Norland Nanny.
Learn more about the new MA in Early Childhood Education and Care
