Norland University of Early Childhood offers world-class degree-based training for students aspiring to be the very best professional early years practitioners.
Established in 1892, Norland is the oldest early childhood education and care training institution in the world and the world's first university dedicated to early childhood. Its award-winning training uniquely combines academic theory with extensive practical skills and a wealth of real-world experience. Students pursue two distinct qualifications: a BA (Hons) degree in Early Childhood Education and Care, and the prestigious skills-based Norland Diploma.
Norland University's comprehensive and employability-focused training includes a value-added curriculum that teaches additional skills such as paediatric first aid, self-defence, cyber security, advanced driving skills and dedicated employment training. Norland's extensive training is what sets its graduates apart and ensures high demand for fully qualified Norland Nannies, as graduates are known.
Norland was named the winner of the ‘Small or Specialist Institution' award at the Whatuni Student Choice Awards (WUSCAs) in 2026. The award was Norland's sixth WUSCA win and the ninth year in a row in the top two. In 2021, Norland received a special award when it was named the top university in the UK for enhanced graduate outcomes. In 2022, Norland won the Inspiring Course award at the UK's Independent Higher Education Awards.
Graduates have outstanding employment prospects upon leaving and throughout their careers. Norland has its own dedicated employment agency, providing 100% employment through various opportunities to work with children and families around the world, and earn among the highest average graduate salaries.
Norland is situated in historic Bath, a vibrant university city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Norland University students on Whatuni say:
''The best part is how small the uni is so everyone knows who you are, it's like a family.''
''Overall I think the university is amazing!''
''For me, the highlight of being at Norland is my community.''
Read honest reviews from real students at this uni
4.8Norland provides a superb range of facilities and resources at its historic Bath campus, ensuring students have everything they need to succeed in their training. The campus is fully modernised and equipped with the latest teaching technologies. Facilities that students will use include:
Norland University students on Whatuni say:
''Small classrooms for small classes.''
''It's an amazing facility if you have a passion for children!!''
''I feel safe at uni. it has a lovely community feel.''
The UNESCO World Heritage Site City of Bath is a popular and beautiful student city, with Roman sites and elegant Georgian architecture. There's a huge range of restaurants, museums, clubs, cafes, bars, shops, cinemas and galleries throughout the city, and the centre of Bath is just a 15-minute walk or short bus ride from Norland's main teaching campus.
5.0Graduates are highly sought after as early years practitioners and have outstanding employment opportunities throughout their careers. Graduates go on to pursue successful careers in a variety of roles as nannies, maternity practitioners, nursery managers, teachers, university lecturers, paediatric nurses, in leadership roles, as consultants and other specialist early years positions.
Norland University's dedicated in-house employment agency places undergraduates in nanny and maternity practitioner positions all over the world. Demand has consistently outstripped supply for over 130 years, due to the exceptional reputation of Norlanders. In recent years, there were an average of more than five jobs for every fully qualified graduate seeking one through the agency.
The average earnings of Norland Nannies are well above average graduate salaries, on a par only with medical and economics graduates. The average starting salary for a recently qualified Norland Nanny is £47,800, rising to £65,000 after five years.
Graduates also benefit from lifelong careers support, Continuing Professional Development (CPD) training, and access to their own professional association and specialist career pathways through the Professional Association of Norlanders (PAN).
Students can visit the Norland website for further information about career opportunities.
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4.6Students live in shared accommodation across the city of Bath, enabling students to immerse themselves in student life outside of Norland training and learn essential life skills. Norland guarantees and arranges accommodation for first-year students, if required.
All first-year accommodation is furnished. Accommodation sourced by Norland is within walking distance or a bus journey of campus. Second and third-year students are expected to find their own accommodation.
Norland University students on Whatuni say:
''I love my uni accommodation. It is in the city centre, I have a double bed and an en-suite and great flatmates!''
''They gave us a landlord and a house our landlord and house is lovely.''
''Amazing security and room.''
Norland University understands that the cost of study can be a significant consideration for many aspiring students and offers a number of means-tested bursaries each year.
In the past five years, around £1.3 million has been awarded in bursaries, providing around one in four students with financial support.
Students from overseas Commonwealth countries may be eligible to apply for a Royal Commonwealth Society Bath and District Branch Scholarship.
Norland supports its students to learn while they earn and there is a strong demand for students to provide childcare duties. Norland helps students find term-time and holiday nannying and babysitting jobs through its Job Shop and the Marvellous Babysitting app. Students also have the opportunity to work for Norland as Student Charity Reps, Student Librarians, Student Marketing Reps as well as Staff and Student Liaison Committee (SSLC) members.
Please contact the University for further details.
Norland University is committed to providing fair opportunities for students from all backgrounds and works hard to keep course fees accessible to anyone with the desire to study hard, reach their fullest potential and qualify as a Norlander. The fees reflect the comprehensive training and specialist support for students studying two distinct qualifications.
Norland University offers a specialised three-year BA (Hons) degree in Early Childhood Education and Care, alongside the prestigious skills-based Norland Diploma – which is awarded after a fourth year in paid employment, arranged and supported by Norland (no tuition fees are payable for this year).
The BA programme draws on many disciplines including psychology, neuroscience, child health, philosophy, social sciences and education. Guest speakers are regularly invited to give students an opportunity to listen to experts working in the field.
Each year is divided into three trimesters with a minimum of eight placements provided, totalling 1,265 hours or approximately 35% of the course. Students experience a wide variety of early years settings across 8 placements, including nursery, school, hospital, specialist school settings, newborn care, and as a daily and live-in nanny.
Norland students are the only non-medical students allowed to attend placements on a busy hospital ward due to their exceptional training.
Classroom-based assessment methods for both courses include essays, presentations, viva, portfolios, displays and a work-based project.
The final module of the diploma is the Newly Qualified Nanny (NQN) year, a 12-month probationary nanny post in paid full-time employment arranged and supported by Norland.
Once fully qualified, graduates earn the professional title ‘Norlander' or ‘Norland Nanny'.
It's possible to chat to current Norland students to find out more about the comprehensive degree-based training and student life on the Norland website.
Norland University students on Whatuni say:
''There is a perfect mix of theoretical and practical based lectures. The lecturers are brilliant, very engaging and knowledgeable, and are always available to answer any questions.''
''Lectures respond quick to emails.''
''I love the course and the support that we can access.''
Norland University of Early Childhood is globally renowned for excellence in the early years field. Its specialism spans both theoretical and practical skills including:
Norland University has won numerous awards for its specialist degree-based training and employability focus.
It has consistently ranked as one of the top small and specialist higher education providers in the country, having won or come a close second every year of the past six years at the Whatuni Student Choice Awards (WUSCAs).
Norland University students on Whatuni say:
''Great support from all staff, very friendly, and welcoming.''
''I feel very supported and encouraged to succeed here.''
''The lecturers are so informative.''
Norland University students are provided with free exclusive access to all clubs and societies at the Bath Spa Students' Union.
Norland encourages student-led ideas for activities and provides funding, support and resources to run one-off events or long-term initiatives, such as running, climbing, netball and sewing clubs. Students can attend mindfulness sessions, pet therapy, fitness classes and join the Norland choir.
Community and charitable engagement are important aspects of Norland life, and students run an active charity committee, participating in local and national fundraising efforts.
3.9Norland University students experience a close-knit, friendly and inclusive environment of students dedicated to caring for and supporting children and families, and benefit from free access to the Bath Spa University Students' Union.
Norland University students on Whatuni say:
''Norland is outstanding compared to many other universities. The community feel and support is like no other.''
''There are plenty of opportunities to meet new people, go out with friends and explore the city of Bath.''
''It's a very friendly place, the support is the really good and they aim for you to pass and do well.''
4.7Norland University students benefit from a close-knit, supportive and friendly environment. The student support service is available to help answer any questions or address any difficulties students may have.
Academic study skills sessions, wellbeing workshops and special seminars based on individual student learning requirements are provided. All students are allocated a personal tutor for academic advice and support.
Norland students are provided with free access to the Student Assistance Programme, a digital support service, which provides 24/7 support from trained professionals on a range of matters from everyday stresses to major life events. Free membership for the Headspace wellbeing app is also provided.
A free and confidential counselling service to students is available on request. All students are entitled to six free private, one-to-one sessions with additional support available from partner charities and organisations.
Norland offers support for students with specific educational needs and/or disabilities. It provides help and guidance for students who wish to apply for Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA).
International students also benefit from a dedicated visa manager who provides specific support both before arriving in the UK and throughout their time at Norland.
Norland University students on Whatuni say:
''I can speak to lecturers pretty much whenever and they will always make time for us whenever we need them to help us.''
''Student support at Norland is like no other, they are committed to keeping us safe and supported and are always there for a listening ear or for advice.''
''Student support is so helpful and understanding, all lectures will take time to help you with the course.''
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