Childhood and Society Studies (Top-Up) BA (Hons)

Overview

The BA (Hons) Childhood and Society Studies (Top-Up) course is designed for people who want to gain a full undergraduate Childhood Studies degree and are working with children and/or young people.

Why us?

• Our Childhood and Youth Studies courses are 11th in the UK for graduate prospects (Complete University Guide 2025)
• In September 2020, the Early Childhood Studies Degree Network announced Early Education and Childcare practitioners are now classified as Associate Professionals (Major Group 3 – Professional) instead of Teaching and Childcare Support Occupations (Major Group 6 – Non-Professional). Being Associate Professionals enhances graduates’ chances of gaining appropriate graduate/professional employment in the early childhood field.
• The inclusion of Early Childhood Graduate Practitioner Competencies is recognised as leading practice in the early years sector nationally
• Benefit from evening classes and online learning to fit around work commitments
• Focus on work and practical application of learning
• Clear routes for progression to further study, including the MA Childhood and Youth Studies and PGCE courses

Course structure

When you apply for the BA (Hons) Childhood and Society Studies (Top-Up) degree, you can choose to enrol on a part-time basis over two years or on a full-time basis over one year. Semester one runs from September to December and semester two runs from January to May. During your first semester of your first year, you'll be required to choose one module from four options that you would potentially like to study. Using a choice ranking system, we run preferred modules that meet the required threshold of student numbers. Optional modules are then complemented by core modules.

If you choose to study the Childhood and Society Studies course part-time, you'll have the unique option to study the Early Childhood Graduate Practitioner Competencies pathway, which is beneficial for career progression in many ways. This route incurs additional face-to-face contact time with our specialist Early Childhood Graduate Practitioner Competencies lead.

Currently, all students engage with learning and materials via a blend of online learning and face-to-face contact time. Whether you choose part-time or full-time study, the scheduled face-to-face learning for each semester takes place up to two evenings per week between 5-9pm.

Course modules

National level 6:

Core modules:

• Work Based Research Project (40 credits)
• Equality and Diversity (20 credits)
• Leading Practice for Children and Young People (20 credits)
• Education and Society (20 credits)

Optional modules (choose one):

• Creative Teaching and Thinking (20 credits)
• The Foundation Years (20 credits)
• Children, Young People and Digital Learning (20 credits)
• The Foundation Years with Early Childhood Graduate Practitioner Competencies* (20 credits)

Facilities

Teaching will take place at the Reg Vardy Centre, situated on the award-winning Sir Tom Cowie Campus at St Peter's. This stunning riverside location benefits from dedicated library services and has superb transport links with the city centre and City Campus.

Entry requirements

We don’t currently display entry requirements for Ireland. Please contact the Student Admin team on or .

To apply for this course you usually need one of the following:

• Foundation Degree in a relevant subject (such as Education and Care)
• 240 credits (or equivalent) of a recognised UK undergraduate award, in a relevant subject to Level 5.

You must also have all of the following:

Fees and finance

The annual, full-time fee for this course is:

• £9,535 if you are from the UK*/Europe
• £16,500 if you are an international student

*Undergraduate fees are set according to rules from Government in line with forecast inflation. The fee for your first year of study for 2025/26 will be £9,535. You will pay tuition fees for every year of study. Fees may increase every year based on the Retail Price Index.

Tuition fees for part-time students are £7,145 per 90 credits. Please note that part-time courses are not available to international students who require a Student visa to study in the UK.

Career ready

Gaining an undergraduate degree in Childhood Studies will boost your career prospects and allow you to progress faster. You'll also be eligible to apply for a range of master's courses (level 7), such as MA Childhood and Youth Studies, Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) courses, MSc Inequality and Society, and MA Social Work.

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Degree Overview:

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BA (Hons) Childhood and Society Studies (Top-Up)

The program is designed for professionals working with children and young people who want to gain a full undergraduate degree in Childhood Studies. It provides a deeper understanding of childhood-related topics and allows individuals to analyze their own practices and those of others in childhood settings. Completion of the program may enhance career prospects and opens doors for further study.

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Key Objectives:

• Develop a broader understanding of childhood-related issues and concepts.
• Analyze and improve your own practices and those of others in childhood settings.
• Enhance your employability in the field of childhood studies.
• Prepare for further study at the postgraduate level.

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Unique Features:

• Opportunity to study the optional pathway in Early Childhood Graduate Practitioner Competencies, leading to the degree title BA (Hons) Childhood and Society Studies with Early Childhood Graduate Practitioner Competencies.
• This pathway enhances employability and meets the growing demand for qualified early childhood practitioners.
• Part-time study option available for working professionals with commitments.
• Evening classes and online learning ensure flexibility for working individuals.
• Strong link to current practices and real-world applications.
• Taught by experienced and knowledgeable faculty with expertise in childhood studies.

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Program Delivery:

• Duration: Part-time (2 years) or Full-time (1 year)
• Class Schedule: Evenings, 2 sessions per week (part-time), Full-time schedule will be provided at a later date.

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Optional Pathway:

• Early Childhood Graduate Practitioner Competencies: This pathway prepares individuals for professional practice in the early childhood sector.
It emphasizes child development, early intervention strategies, and best practices for nurturing care. ##

Outline:

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Module Structure:

The program comprises a blend of core and optional modules. Part-time students can also opt for the additional pathway in Early Childhood Graduate Practitioner Competencies.

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Core Modules (National Level 6 - 40 credits each):

Work Based Research Project: Develop research skills and apply them to a specific topic in childhood studies. Equality and Diversity: Explore issues of equality and diversity in society and their impact on children and young people. Leading Practice for Children and Young People: Examine effective leadership practices within childhood settings and develop your own leadership skills. Education and Society: Understand the relationship between education and society and its implications for child development and learning.

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Optional Modules (National Level 6 - 20 credits each):

• Creative Teaching and Thinking
• The Foundation Years
• Children, Young People and Digital Learning
• The Foundation Years with Early Childhood Graduate Practitioner Competencies (available only for part-time students with employment and experience)

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Additional Pathway for Part-time Students:

• Early Childhood Graduate Practitioner Competencies:
• Consists of 4 modules totaling 60 credits.
• Focuses on the development and application of knowledge and skills relevant to early childhood practice.

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Module Descriptions:

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Core Modules:

• Work Based Research Project: Students will choose a specific topic related to their professional practice and conduct independent research to answer relevant questions.
The project requires critical analysis of existing literature, data collection and analysis, and the presentation of findings.
• Equality and Diversity: This module explores various aspects of equality and diversity, including race, class, culture, disability, gender, and sexual orientation.
Students will analyze how these factors impact children's experiences and learn to critically assess societal responses and provisions aimed at achieving equality.
• Leading Practice for Children and Young People: The module examines various leadership styles and theories relevant to childhood settings.
Students will investigate effective leadership practices, explore ethical considerations, and develop their own leadership skills through real-world case studies.
• Education and Society: Students will gain a comprehensive understanding of the relationship between education and society.
They will examine historical, sociological, anthropological, and philosophical perspectives on education and learn how various contexts impact students' learning experiences.

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Optional Modules:

• Creative Teaching and Thinking: This module focuses on developing innovative teaching practices for diverse groups of children, spanning from large groups to individual children.
Students will explore creative teaching strategies, develop support resources, and critically analyze current educational policies and rhetoric.
• The Foundation Years: The module examines the concept of nurturing care and its importance in early childhood development.
Students will learn about early intervention strategies and best practices for creating supportive learning environments for young children.
• Children, Young People and Digital Learning: Designed for educators across all levels, from early childhood to higher education, this module promotes a shared understanding of digital competence needs.
Students will explore various digital learning techniques and strategies to help learners achieve their academic potential.
• The Foundation Years with Early Childhood Graduate Practitioner Competencies: This module combines essential learning from "The Foundation Years" with a focus on developing and demonstrating competence in nine Early Childhood Graduate Practitioner Competencies.
Students will gain practical experience and gather evidence of their proficiency in these competencies. ##

Assessment:

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Assessment Methods:

• Assessed coursework assignments, including essays, reports, presentations, and other activities.
• Examinations, both written and in-class.
• Practical activities and demonstration of skills.
• For the Work Based Research Project, students will submit a comprehensive report and present their findings to a panel.

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Assessment Criteria:

• All assessments will be evaluated based on specific criteria related to learning outcomes, demonstrating knowledge and understanding, critical analysis, problem-solving skills, communication abilities, and professional practice.
• Each module may have unique assessment criteria that will be provided to students at the beginning of the semester.

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Grading System:

Grades are assigned using a standard letter grade system (A-F) and a corresponding grade point value.

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Feedback:

Students will receive regular feedback on their progress through written comments on assignments, verbal feedback in class, and personalized feedback during individual consultations.

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Teaching:

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Teaching Philosophy:

The program uses a learner-centered approach, promoting active participation, critical reflection, and collaborative learning. Teaching styles vary depending on the specific module, but all instructors aim to create a supportive and interactive learning environment.

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Teaching Methods:

• Lectures and seminars provide foundational knowledge and facilitate in-depth discussion.
• Group work and collaborative projects encourage teamwork and hone communication skills.
• Practical exercises and case studies help students apply theoretical concepts to real-world situations.
• Independent research projects allow students to explore their interests and develop research skills.

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Faculty Expertise:

The program is taught by experienced and qualified faculty with expertise in childhood studies, education, and related fields. Staff members have extensive experience working with children and young people, which adds a valuable practical dimension to their teaching.

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Unique Approaches:

• Integration of research and practice: The program places a strong emphasis on applying research findings to real-world scenarios.
Students are encouraged to connect their learning to their professional experiences and contribute to advancing knowledge in the field of childhood studies.
• Leadership development: The program equips students with leadership skills crucial for working effectively in various childhood settings.
They will learn to manage teams, navigate complex ethical dilemmas, and advocate for the needs of children and young people.

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Student Support:

The program offers various support mechanisms to ensure student success. Students can access academic advisors for guidance, receive disability support services, and benefit from online learning resources and libraries. The University also offers personal counseling and mental health support services.

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Virtual Learning Environment:

The program utilizes a virtual learning environment where students can access course materials, submit assignments, engage in online discussions, and receive announcements and updates.

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Careers:

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Career Opportunities:

Graduates of the BA (Hons) Childhood and Society Studies (Top-Up) program are well-positioned for a variety of careers working with children and young people, including:

• Early Years Educator
• Primary School Teacher
• Youth Worker
• Social Worker
• Child Psychologist
• Educational Psychologist
• Family Support Worker
• Community Development Worker
• Policy Analyst

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Further Study:

The program also serves as a strong foundation for further postgraduate study, such as:

• MA Childhood and Youth Studies
• Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE)
• MSc Inequality and Society
• MA Social Work

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Graduate Employability:

The program aims to enhance graduates' employment prospects by equipping them with the knowledge, skills, and experience necessary for success in the chosen field. The program curriculum aligns with current industry standards, and many graduates secure employment opportunities in their area of interest.

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Other:

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Additional Information:

• The program welcomes students with diverse educational backgrounds, including those who hold an existing Level 5 qualification in relevant subjects like Education and Care.
• Students who have completed a Foundation Degree in relevant areas may be eligible for direct entry into the second year of the Top-Up program.
• The program has strong links with various organizations working with children and young people, potentially leading to internship opportunities for students.
• The University's location in Sunderland provides easy access to a diverse range of childhood settings, offering practical learning experiences for students.

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The annual, full-time fee for this course is: £9,250 if you're from the UK/Europe £16,000 if you're an international student (EU nationals will receive a £5,750 scholarship to reduce their fee to £10,250) Part-time fees are £6,935 per 120 credits. Part-time study isn't available to international students who require a student visa to study in the UK.

• The discounted fee will be reflected in your offer letter.
Learn more in our Help and Advice article.

University of Sunderland

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Overview:

The University of Sunderland is a public university located in Sunderland, England. It offers a diverse range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines. The university has a strong focus on providing a supportive and inclusive learning environment for its students.

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Services Offered:

The University of Sunderland provides a comprehensive range of services to its students, including:

Academic Support:

Access to libraries, learning resources, and academic advisors.

Student Support:

Counseling, mental health services, and disability support.

Accommodation:

On-campus and off-campus housing options.

Career Services:

Career guidance, job search assistance, and internship opportunities.

Student Life:

A vibrant student union, clubs, societies, and social events.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

The university boasts a diverse and inclusive campus community where students can connect with people from different backgrounds and cultures. Students can participate in extracurricular activities, engage in personal and professional development opportunities, and enjoy a vibrant social scene.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Top-Quality Facilities:

The university has modern facilities, including a state-of-the-art library, sports facilities, and dedicated learning spaces.

Inclusive Culture:

The university fosters a welcoming and inclusive environment for all students.

Vibrant City:

Sunderland is a dynamic city with a rich history and a low cost of living.

Strong Industry Links:

The university has strong connections with local businesses and industries, providing students with valuable career opportunities.

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Academic Programs:

The University of Sunderland offers a wide range of academic programs, including:

Arts and Design:

Fashion, Photography, Fine Art, and Graphic Design.

Sciences:

Pharmacy, Nursing, Medicine, and Biology.

Business and Law:

Business Management, Finance, Law, and Tourism.

Computing and Engineering:

Computer Science, Software Engineering, and Electrical Engineering.

Education and Social Sciences:

Education, Psychology, and Social Work.

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Other:

The university has campuses in Sunderland, London, and Hong Kong, offering students a global learning experience. It is also recognized for its commitment to sustainability and equality, diversity, and inclusion.