Why study this course?
This is a top-up version of our Early Childhood Studies BA (Hons) degree. A top-up degree is the final year (Level 6) of an undergraduate degree course and is for those who have a foundation degree, Higher National Diploma or equivalent qualification, or those wishing to study the final year of their degree in London.
This degree emphasises the links between theory and practice and highly values the development of professional and academic skills and knowledge.
As well as offering flexible study options the degree includes assessed practice, which means tutors visit and appraise you in professional settings. This appraisal is an important step towards gaining a license to practice.
More about this course
The course draws focus on the study of children’s play, development and learning from birth to six years old, as well as the implications this has for practice in early childhood settings. The course emphasises the links between theory and practice, it also highly values the development of professional and academic skills and knowledge.
This degree will equip you with the skills needed to work with children and families in a range of situations and to act as an advocate for their rights and wellbeing.
The Early Childhood Studies (Top-up) BA course team includes writers and researchers at the forefront of the field who are passionately committed to enabling, empowering and inspiring you to make transformational changes to your own life and to the lives of children, families and communities. We do this by valuing your individual experience and existing knowledge, embracing different opinions, ensuring that issues of equality and social justice underpin our work, engaging in continuous critical reflection and working with integrity, energy and enthusiasm.
Accreditation of Prior Learning
Any university-level qualifications or relevant experience you gain prior to starting university could count towards your course.
Modular structure
The modules listed below are for the academic year 2022/23 and represent the course modules at this time. Modules and module details (including, but not limited to, location and time) are subject to change over time.
Year 3 modules include:
Debating Children and Childhood (core, 15 credits)
Early Childhood Studies Project (core, 60 credits)
Leading Practice with Children, Families and Professionals (core, 30 credits)
Reading Research and Research Methods in Early Childhood (core, 15 credits)
Where this course can take you
As a graduate of this degree, you’ll be able to pursue a variety of careers in education, health and social care sectors. The success of graduates reflects the current need for well-trained professionals who can quickly move up to more senior roles in children’s centres, nursery and primary schools, as well as other early childhood care and education settings.
Some students go on to specialise in a particular area, such as special educational needs, while others take up advisory posts in local authorities or government departments.
