For 130 years, we’ve been pioneering early years education

Established in 1892, Norland is world-famous for the exceptional quality of its early years higher education and training. Norland was set up by founder Emily Ward as the first educational establishment to offer any kind of childcare training, and with it the early years profession.

We continue to offer cutting-edge training through our intensive academic early years degree and skills-based diploma programme, combining the most up-to-date research and knowledge with extensive practical experience. Our value-added curriculum ensures our graduates gain additional skills and knowledge that sets them apart from any other early years graduate. We were named the top university for enhanced graduate outcomes in the UK at the 2021 Whatuni Student Choice Awards for our unparalleled focus on employability and lifelong careers support.

There is an ever-increasing demand for Norland graduates, who enjoy guaranteed employment opportunities through our dedicated in-house recruitment agency. Every Norlander carries the responsibility of maintaining our reputation to the highest of standards in return for the privilege of having the Norland name on their CV (resume).

Explore our history
Emily Ward founder of Norland College established in 1892

Discover why Norland was named best UK university for graduate outcomes in 2021

As part of the prize for winning at the Whatuni Student Choice Awards (WUSCAs), five students were awarded Whatuni student bursaries, including second-year students Joe and Andrea.

Watch Whatuni’s video to find out what it meant to them to be awarded a bursary, and hear from Dr Janet Rose and Mandy Edmond about the award-winning graduate outcomes available to Norlanders once fully qualified.

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We’re incredibly proud of our pioneering history

Emily Ward's notebook
the very first group of Norland nurses in 1892
three norland nannies in uniform pushing silver cross carriage prams down the street
three Norland nannies in uniform holding plate 1986
three Norland nannies walking down street in the rain with umbrellas
group of Norland students in uniform standing on balcony

Join Norland and be a small part of history

Icon for Award-winning teaching and learning that blends theory and practice

Award-winning teaching and learning that blends theory and practice

Icon for A top higher education provider in the UK for student satisfaction

A top higher education provider in the UK for student satisfaction

Icon for Prestigious 130-year history leading early years education

Prestigious 130-year history leading early years education

Icon for 100% guaranteed employability for Norlanders

100% guaranteed employability for Norlanders

We are a pioneering, evolving, and inclusive community of professionals who are united in fostering an exceptional, rewarding and respectful learning environment and workplace. Our heritage and values are consistently embedded in our practices and define our actions.
Norland culture statement

Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) report

Our QAA reporwas published following a visit in October 2017. You can read the full report on the QAA website under reviews and reports.

The report identified seven areas of good practice and a commended judgement for the enhancement of learning opportunities.

View our full report
QAA logo
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“Norland is an investment in yourself.”

Matthew

Read Matthew's story

"The Norland Agency has been wonderful ... I can totally see how it will be a lifelong place for me to find the right job."

Charlotte

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“I wear the Norland uniform with pride and can't imagine studying anywhere else.”

Charity

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"The beauty of the Norland name means you can end up anywhere in the world"

Helen

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“Norland in my eyes is the best of the best. … The training that we receive is top class.”

Lizzie

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“My time at Norland so far has been an extraordinary adventure.”

Ike

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“My time at Norland has been so memorable and is one of the best things I have ever done. … If I could, I would do it all again."

Ellie

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TEF gold award
WhatUni student choice award logo
IHE inspiring course winner
Heist silver award winner logo