Overview

This degree in Early Childhood and Montessori pedagogy offers matchless training in the authentic Montessori approach and in-depth practice with Montessori teaching materials in our specially-equipped and globally-respected training centre.

You will gain a Foundation Degree (and the Level 3 Early Years Educator qualification) as well as the sought-after AMI Diploma – enabling you to teach anywhere in the world. Alternatively you could set up your own school or use your understanding of child development with your own children.

Details

course Full time
Location London
Course format options 2 years daytime
Next course Starts every September
Entry requirements Over 18, eligible to study in the UK and 72 UCAS points (see FAQs for more information)
Incorporates the Early Years Educator (EYE) Be counted as a qualified member of staff in UK Early Years settings

Your chance to access student loans to train as a Montessori teacher

Our Early Childhood and Montessori Pedagogy Degree Route offers UK students who don't already have a degree the opportunity to access student loans to gain a degree as well as the world-renowned AMI Montessori Diploma 3-6, an authentic and unparalleled Montessori teacher training. The Level 3 Early Years Educator qualification is also incorporated for those wishing to work in the UK. Training takes place at our central London training centre offering an unrivalled in-person student experience.

What can I do with this qualification?

  • With AMI training you can teach anywhere in the world – AMI Diploma holders are in high demand
  • Set up your own Montessori school
  • Use your qualification for working with families or for your own parenting
  • Be counted as a qualified member of staff in UK early years settings
  • 90% of our graduates are in a job within 3 months or less
  • Continue with a third optional year of study to gain a BA (Hons) in Early Childhood with Montessori Pedagogy
  • With your childhood education degree you can study for a Post Graduate Certificate in Education to become a primary or secondary teacher in a mainstream school
Montessori Careers Training Information Session

Course Content

This AMI training and early childhood degree is delivered in-person at our central London training centre through lectures, discussions and practice with Montessori learning materials. Students will also undertake classrooms observations and two teaching practice placements. As part of the course you will be asked to write essays and submit albums and materials. You will also need to do written and oral exams and your teaching practice will be assessed by the school's lead teacher. You will also complete some additional assignments as part of the Foundation Degree.
Montessori Educational Theory
Learn in-depth Montessori philosophy, psychology and child development with a focus on children aged three to six years.
Teacher training and Teaching Practice Placements
You will be fully trained to deliver the authentic Montessori educational approach for children aged 3-6 years and how to prepare a Children's House environment. You will undertake teaching practice placements at AMI Montessori schools. These placements will be organised for you.
Fundamental Learning Skills and the Development of the Senses
You will learn about the Montessori concept of Practical Life which uses daily activities such as housework to promote the coordination of movement, self-esteem and concentration. You will also discover Exercises for the Education of the Senses which helps a child to classify their world, solve problems and make decisions as well as looking at areas including music and geography.
Language, Literacy and Mathematics
You will be trained in exercises for the development of written and spoken language and reading skills appropriate for 3-6-year-olds. There is a focus on confidence and self-expression, language in daily life and storytelling, as well as functional aspects of grammar. You learn how a young child develops their ‘mathematical mind’ and Montessori activities that provide foundations for geometry, algebra, counting and arithmetic.

Fees and scholarships

Course fees per year for September 2025 start:

£9,250 per year. The course is only open to UK students. Those who have not already taken a degree can usually access UK student loan funding for the course. Our degree route is usually only chosen by those who don’t already have a degree.

Further information:

Scholarships:

  • Taster Course – we offer up to 10 reduced or free places each year on a “taster” course in Montessori for those thinking of studying our degree. You must be eligible to study in the UK and should not already have a degree level qualification. Follow link below to apply.
  • Mature Student Degree Bursary – £1500 for two eligible students each year. For those aged over 25 years who have demonstrated a commitment to the Montessori approach through study, work or volunteering. Students who are eligible for the bursary are encouraged to apply for it using the link below as soon as they gain a place on the course.
  • Study Costs Bursary –  we offer our degree students in need additional financial support for studying costs (e.g. travel and books) – students can contact our course team for details when they are studying on the course.
Training Information Session Ask A Course Advisor

Apply for this course

Apply for Degree in Montessori Pedagogy

£9,250 per year - UK student loans available
  • Next course dates
    15th September 2025 - 19th June 2027
  • Course format
    Monday to Friday - usually 3 days at our training centre 9.30am-4.30pm

This two year course requires you to attend our London training centre approximately 3 days a week in term time as well as completing teaching practice placements and study in your own time. You will qualify as a Montessori teacher and gain a Foundation Degree from the University of East London, the AMI Diploma 3-6 and the Early Years Educator qualification within two academic years. Optional third year to gain a BA (Hons) Degree in Early Childhood with Montessori Pedagogy.

Apply for Foundation Degree Taster Course

Scholarship programme
  • Next course dates
    AMI Orientation 3-6 years -14th April - 22nd May 2025 or AMI Orientation 0-3 years - 6th May - 7th June 2025
  • Course format
    Part-time and online

Thanks to access and participation funding we are able to offer up to 10 reduced price or free places on this course to those looking for a change of career or to professionalise their career in early childhood.

To be eligible you must be interested in studying our Foundation Degree course, awarded by UEA (the University of East London), you must be eligible to study in the UK and should not already have a degree level qualification. Simply fill in the form below to apply for the taster course. If we are able to offer you a place, we will ask you to complete a further form before joining the course.

If you have any questions about the course or application process please email us.

Apply for Foundation Degree Mature Student Bursary

Scholarship programme
  • Next course dates
    Our Degree Route starts every September
  • Bursary details
    £1500 per year for up to two mature students on our Foundation Degree course

To be eligible you must have a place on our Foundation Degree course. Simply fill in the form below to apply for the bursary. Bursaries may be allocated as applications come in.

If you have any questions about the course or application process please email us.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the entry requirements for the course?

  • You must be at least 18 and eligible to study in the UK (see information below for international students)
  • We generally require 72 UCAS points (from A Levels, A2, BTEC Diploma, CACHE Diploma or International Baccalaureate) and Grade 4/C in GCSE English and Maths but other international qualifications and work experience can also be taken into account
  • English language requirements – overall IELTS score of 5.5 with a minimum of 5.5 in Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking (or recognised equivalent) – if you do not meet these language requirements UEL offer an extra English course before starting the degree

What will I need to do to gain the qualification?

  • Minimum 90% course attendance
  • Montessori material making and practice
  • Submission of albums and materials
  • Classroom practice and observation
  • Practicum evaluation – teaching practice assessment by school’s lead teacher
  • Written and oral examinations

Do you accept students from outside the UK?

Our Foundation Degree is only open to UK students.

International students can qualify as a Montessori teacher by taking our AMI Diploma 3-6.

Where is the AMI training located?

41 Riding House Street, London, W1W 7BE

What are the hours of the course?

Tuition hours are Monday-Friday – up to 3 days a week 9.30am-4.30pm plus additional study in your own time and teaching practice placements.

What is the difference between the AMI Diploma 3-6 and the Foundation Degree in Montessori Pedagogy (3-6)

We refer to our Foundation Degree as our “degree route” as those on this course can gain a degree as well as an AMI Diploma 3-6. The degree course is only open to UK students.

The course content is very similar to the AMI Diploma 3-6 course although there are some additional elements. You study the Foundation Degree in the daytime over 2 years. There is an optional third year of study to gain a BA (Hons) degree in Early Childhood. On both the AMI Diploma 3-6 and Foundation Degree courses you will also gain the Early Years Educator qualification.

Our degree route is an attractive option for UK students who haven’t already studied for a degree as they should be able to access UK student loans for the course.

Do you offer help in finding a job after completion of the Foundation Degree course?

AMI Diploma holders are sought after for employment both in the UK and internationally. We advertise jobs at the Maria Montessori School on our Current Vacancies webpage where you can also find links to AMI and Montessori Society job listings. We share details of school vacancies and other external vacancies with our students.

Do you provide student accommodation?

We do not provide accommodation but we can send you general information about finding student accommodation in London. We will also connect you to other students before the start of the course as students often organise living together.

What is the application process?

Applications are via the UCAS website.

As part of the application process, we will also ask you to email a number of supporting documents including a personal statement, a fitness to teach health form, references and education certificates.

We will then invite applicants to interview which can take place in-person or online.

Successful applicants will be offered a course place.