At the heart of Pen Green Research, Training and Development Base is a long-standing commitment to advancing early years practice through research, professional development and higher education. Our degree programmes are designed for practitioners across the Early Years sector who want to deepen their knowledge, strengthen their leadership, and critically reflect on their practice with children and families.
Our programmes are grounded in a strong, coherent pedagogical approach that values relational practice, partnership with parents and research-informed decision making. Teaching is shaped by contemporary research and by the extensive professional experience of our tutor team, whose backgrounds span early childhood education, leadership, family support, health and social care, and practitioner research.
We understand the realities of working in early years settings. Our degree programmes are structured around immersive study blocks, delivered either in Corby or through our online pathway. This model allows practitioners to step back from daily demands and engage deeply with theory, reflection and professional dialogue.
Between study blocks, students are supported through:
- Individual tutorial support
- Online study networks
- Access to academic library resources
- Ongoing contact via virtual or face-to-face sessions
This flexible structure enables practitioners from across the UK — and internationally — to study with us while remaining in employment.
As a nationally recognised centre for early years professional development, the Research, Training and Development Base is deeply embedded in practitioner research and sector innovation. Our programmes encourage students to critically examine their own contexts, undertake workplace-based research, and contribute to wider professional conversations.
We intentionally maintain small cohorts to ensure personalised support and meaningful collaboration. Study weeks are dialogic and reflective, with opportunities to work in pairs and small groups, share experiences, and build professional networks that extend beyond the programme itself.
Our experienced tutor team works collaboratively to support you as an independent learner — nurturing confidence, critical thinking and leadership capability alongside academic achievement.
Studying with Pen Green means joining a research-active community committed to shaping the future of early years practice.
This one year top-up course allows students holding a relevant foundation degree to progress to the next level of learning. It is delivered by practitioners from Pen Green Research, Training and Development Base and accredited by the University of Hertfordshire.
Taught at Pen Green and Online.
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This practice-based postgraduate course is an exciting collaborative venture between Pen Green and the University of Hertfordshire. Developed in consultation with working practitioners, it is an opportunity to develop a range of vocational, academic and personal skills which will be of value to your practice in the workplace. We also offer a unique course structure enabling you to combine study with your other personal and professional commitments.
Taught Online
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We’re proud to be one of only a small number of providers in England delivering the Early Years Teacher Degree Apprenticeship (EYTDA) in partnership with the University of Greenwich.
Launching this September, this innovative work-based programme enables eligible early years practitioners to achieve a BA (Hons) Early Years with Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS) while remaining in employment.
Expressions of Interest are now open.
Find out more about the Early Years Teacher Degree Apprenticeship
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