Program Overview

Childhood Studies (Top-up) (Online) BA (Hons)

Overview

This course has been specifically designed to provide a top-up degree that provides a direct route to graduate status for those wishing to progress their career within the children’s workforce.

Course Details

Core Modules

• Childhood Studies Dissertation
  • You complete a research study on a topic related to childhood. The module is designed to facilitate the development of a range of skills that will enable you to independently research an area of professional practice. The dissertation, on your chosen research topic, is submitted at the end of the third semester.
• Diversity and Inclusion in Childhood
  • You develop a deeper understanding of the range of influences that impact on children. The module establishes that generic, socio-economic, environmental, socio-cultural backgrounds of children are all relevant to children’s holistic learning and development. You will reflect upon the diversity among children and demonstrate how this informs professional practice that is inclusive and meets the needs of all children.
• Ethical Practice for Working with Children
  • You critically reflect on a range of issues associate with ethical practice. You also explore a variety of ethical theories/frameworks and principles that guide practice for working with children in a range of contexts. Concepts such as moral obligation, accountability and responsibility, moral autonomy, justice and human rights will be explored.
• Global Childhoods
  • You consider how different childhood experiences are influenced worldwide by the interaction of geography, social structures and social systems. This is linked to theories and concepts and key global policy initiatives.
  • You are assessed by a 4,000 word report.
• Researching Childhoods
  • This module applies the research process to childhood. The content explores understanding of professional practice in childhood that are based on primary or secondary (desk-based) research. The content provides a platform for you to develop a research proposal then carry out either primary or secondary research. You are assessed by completing a research proposal. If you undertake a primary research project you will also need to complete an ethical clearance form.

Assessment

• The course assessment strategy evaluates your subject-specific knowledge as well as your cognitive and intellectual skills and transferable skills applicable to the workplace.
• Each module has its own assessment criteria, which will be clearly set out in the relevant module handbook.
• A variety of assessment tools have been used to ensure that the overall strategy provides a range of different opportunities to demonstrate learning, these include: essays, case study and reports including critical analysis, poster presentation, an original research proposal and a dissertation.
• Feedback will be provided in a timely manner to enable you to progress your academic writing. It will be provided electronically through the virtual learning environment. Personalised feedback on your work will be provided.

Entry Requirements

• Applicants must hold 240 credits at HE level (typically 120 credits at Level 4 and 120 credits at Level 5) in a study area related to childhood. For example, this could be a foundation degree or higher national diploma.
• Applications from those with non-standard qualifications or significant, relevant experience working with children will be reviewed on an individual basis.
• If you do not meet the entry criteria, our UCPD Applied Learning for Childhood Studies prepares you for entry to the BA (Hons) Childhood Studies (Top-up) (Online) course.

Employability

• The BA (Hons) Childhood Studies Top Up (Online) is designed to respond to the demand for a top-up degree that provides a direct route to graduate status for those wishing to progress their career within the Children’s Workforce.
• The modules enable you to engage with multiple perspectives on childhood, promote the critical application of theory to practice with children and families, and encourage you to become reflective and reflexive practitioners able to respond to the dynamic nature of the sector.

Learning Platform

• Our virtual learning environment (VLE) is the platform you use to access your online course.
• Teesside University online learning courses are delivered through the Brightspace Learning Environment.
• Here are some of the benefits:
  • You can use it on your smartphone, tablet and computer.
  • And you can use it anytime, so that you can plan your learning to fit your own schedule.
  • It's easy to use and navigate.
  • Modules are set out by topics and themes. You can use the progress bar to understand where you are in your modules, and appreciate your achievements.
  • We support you to become familiar with your VLE, helping you to start learning quickly.
  • You get feedback, help and guidance from tutors throughout your course through the VLE, and you can ask questions at any time.
  • Our tutors use a live activity feed to keep you updated about your course.
  • You can create a student profile, collaborate with other students and take part in online discussion forums.

Fees

• £4,758
• £793 for each 20 credits

Duration

• 1 year
• 100% online
• Start date: January, May or September

Why Choose Teesside University?

• Teesside University ranked in the top 50 for online learning in the Uswitch Online Learning Index 2022.
• Teesside University was named University of the Year at the Edufuturists Awards 2022.
• Ranked in the top 350 list of global universities aged 50 years or under.
• Over 1,000 students enrolled on our open learning courses
• High-quality, stand-alone, open learning education for over 30 years

Meet Our Academics

• Zoe Elliott-Bevan
  • Online Tutor (Childhood Studies)
  • I will be teaching a dynamic course designed for individuals aspiring to pursue careers in childcare and education. My focus will be on key areas such as child development, contemporary issues impacting children today, and exploring global perspectives on children’s experiences.