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Early Childhood Education and Care BA (Hons) Top-up

Course Overview

If you are committed to making a difference to the lives of children, young people and families or you are looking to advance your current Foundation degree qualification, the Top-up Degree in Early Childhood Studies is the perfect programme to enhance your career opportunities.

You will develop skills as a critically reflective practitioner and learn to analyse and critique ideas and practice, in order to inform your lifelong learning post-qualification.

In addition to this, students are offered the opportunity to be assessed against the new Graduate Practitioner Competencies. Successful completion of this optional module provides you with an additional certificate.

Modules may include:

  • Concepts of Childhood
  • Global Perspectives on Education
  • Contemporary Discourses in
    Early Years
  • The Creative
    Reflective Practitioner
  • Dissertation.

You will have the opportunity to undertake a small-scale primary research project within an early years setting. The development of such a project further develops your organisational, interpersonal, critical and evaluative skills context.

Course Overview

Course Overview

If you are committed to making a difference to the lives of children, young people and families or you are looking to advance your current Foundation degree qualification, the Top-up Degree in Early Childhood Studies is the perfect programme to enhance your career opportunities.

You will develop skills as a critically reflective practitioner and learn to analyse and critique ideas and practice, in order to inform your lifelong learning post-qualification.

In addition to this, students are offered the opportunity to be assessed against the new Graduate Practitioner Competencies. Successful completion of this optional module provides you with an additional certificate.

Modules may include:

  • Concepts of Childhood
  • Global Perspectives on Education
  • Contemporary Discourses in
    Early Years
  • The Creative
    Reflective Practitioner
  • Dissertation.

You will have the opportunity to undertake a small-scale primary research project within an early years setting. The development of such a project further develops your organisational, interpersonal, critical and evaluative skills context.

Student Spotlight

Katheryn Reeves, BA (Hons) in Early Childhood Studies Top-up

The location of UCS was perfect for me as I didn’t want to move away from my family. The flexible course has enabled me to work alongside studying, which is perfect because I can continue earning while putting my newfound knowledge into practice.

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. Teaching sessions take the form of short lectures, supervised discussions, small group work and guest speakers. Placement/work-based experiences are integral to the learning opportunities on the programme. 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 as a 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. Post graduate qualifications such as PGCE and Masters degrees are frequent destinations for students.

Entry Requirements

Applicants must have:

  • A Foundation Degree, HND or equivalent Level 5 qualification in an appropriate discipline
  • At least four GCSEs including English and maths at grade 4 and above, or a recognised equivalent.

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

Policies and Regulations

January Open Event - Taunton Campus

16th January 2025