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Early Childhood Education and Care BA (Hons)

Course Overview

Whether you are already working in an early years setting or have no experience with children, this course enables you to gain theoretical knowledge as well as practical skills through class-based learning and placement/work links.

As the course is mapped against the QAA benchmarks for Early Childhood degrees and includes assessment in practice, students graduate with a BA (Hons) degree at Level 6 which is counted as full and relevant at Level 3 by the DfE. This means graduates are qualified to work as a practitioner in any Ofsted-registered setting.

In addition to this, students are offered the opportunity to be assessed against the new Graduate Practitioner Competencies, developed by the Early Childhood Studies Degree Network (ECSDN).

Successful completion of this optional module provides you with an additional certificate.

Modules may include:

  • The Child in Society
  • Child Health and Wellbeing
  • Introduction to Leadership and Management
  • The Reflective Practitioner
  • Dissertation: Primary Research or Secondary Research.

Apply for Early Childhood Education and Care BA (Hons) via UCAS

Course Overview

Course Overview

Whether you are already working in an early years setting or have no experience with children, this course enables you to gain theoretical knowledge as well as practical skills through class-based learning and placement/work links.

As the course is mapped against the QAA benchmarks for Early Childhood degrees and includes assessment in practice, students graduate with a BA (Hons) degree at Level 6 which is counted as full and relevant at Level 3 by the DfE. This means graduates are qualified to work as a practitioner in any Ofsted-registered setting.

In addition to this, students are offered the opportunity to be assessed against the new Graduate Practitioner Competencies, developed by the Early Childhood Studies Degree Network (ECSDN).

Successful completion of this optional module provides you with an additional certificate.

Modules may include:

  • The Child in Society
  • Child Health and Wellbeing
  • Introduction to Leadership and Management
  • The Reflective Practitioner
  • Dissertation: Primary Research or Secondary Research.

Student Spotlight

Megan Parfoot, BA (Hons) in Early Childhood Studies

One of the best aspects of UCS is having a personal tutor who is contactable via email. This makes progressing with assignments much easier, as you receive constant support. After tutorials, I always feel as if any problems I’ve been experiencing are resolved.

Assessment

Assessment Methods

There are no exams on this programme, each module is assessed by means of assignments which may include reflective essays, the development of learning resources and presentations. Assessments are linked to practice on several occasions and placement/work weeks are integral to learning opportunities. Teaching sessions take the form of short lectures, supervised discussions, small group work and guest speakers. Personal tutor and academic support is provided and facilitates individual and whole group progression.

Entry Requirements and Progression

Progression

You could secure employment in family support and projects working in a range of early years settings such as children’s centre worker, early years practitioner or a role within a primary school. The Honours Degree could also lead to management and leadership roles within early years settings, children’s centres and schools. Postgraduate qualifications such as PGCE and Masters degrees are frequent destinations for students.

Entry Requirements

Typically entrants will possess:

  • A minimum of 80 UCAS points from a full Level 3 qualification
  • At least four GCSEs at grade 4 and above including English and maths, or Level 2 equivalent.

You will be required to undergo a Disclosure and Barring Service check prior to commencing any work placement.

Mature students who do not meet these formal entry requirements are welcome to apply if they can evidence their interest, relevant experience and knowledge in the field of study.

Download Course Handbook Policies and Regulations

January Open Event - Taunton Campus

16th January 2025