Program Overview

EARLY CHILDHOOD STUDIES

BA (Hons) Top-up

Overview

Enhance your existing knowledge of characteristics of childhood and issues around development. Opportunity to progress onto teaching qualifications.

Award

BA (Hons)

Duration

1 year full-time

UCAS Code

X300

Placement

200 hours

Entry

September

Fees

View Fees

Department

Department of Education

Course Breakdown

Modules

Core Modules

Dissertation (SEHC)

Engaging in individually selected and directed research is one of the highlights of an undergraduate degree and in this module you will be introduced to the skills and competences needed to explore your selected topic in depth to ensure you gain the most from this opportunity. Research at this level can be a daunting process but you will be appointed a dissertation tutor who will help guide you through this important and rewarding process.

Enhancing Employability for Graduate Practice

Developing and recognising graduate competencies for the early year's workforce will enable you to set yourself apart from the crowd, presenting to future employers the skills necessary to undertake your professional role in a competitive employment arena. The vocational practice you experience on this module will enhance your professional development by advancing and consolidating your theoretical knowledge, increasing your professional skill set skills and enriching your personal and professional confidence.

Leading and Managing Systems

The module explores leadership and management, contemporary issues and current trends in order to enhance quality assurance and to support change that may improve the educational/child centred experiences of children in the early years. The module content encourages students to identify their settings'/work place needs and to work collaboratively with the staff, other professionals, children and their families in order to devise and implement an action plan for creating improvement and change.

Optional Modules

• Children's Voice
• Pedagogical Leadership in Play
• Socio-Historical Aspect of Childhood

Entry Requirements

Academic

A relevant HND or a foundation degree in the areas of Early Years, Childcare or Advanced Practice with Children and Families, with 240 credits.

GCSEs

GCSE/IGCSE English language and maths grades A*-C/9-4 or equivalent.

Key Information

Teaching and Assessment

• Assessment: Estimated breakdown of assessment for this course: Coursework – 100%
• Our teaching and assessment is underpinned by our Teaching, Learning and Assessment Strategy.

Additional Qualifications and Training

• To support your employability, a Paediatric First Aid and a Food and Hygiene certificate will be offered as part of your degree course. University College Birmingham will fund these requirements for all students.
• A variety of other enrichment opportunities will also be offered to further widen your skills and knowledge base in support of your future career and study aspirations, with funding available via Kick-Start (see information below).

Kick-Start Scheme

• As a new student studying this course full-time, you will receive £300 per year through our Kick-Start Scheme (UK students only, eligibility criteria applies). This scheme will support your studies and future career by contributing to course-related materials, uniform or selected items on campus. You may also qualify for an additional £500 per year.

Accreditations, Endorsements, and Partnerships

• University College Birmingham works with a wide range of organisations to ensure you receive the best possible training and qualifications recognised by industry.

Work Placements

• Work placements are vital for gaining real-life experience and for building your confidence and skills before you finish your course – and they may even lead to a job when you graduate. Our Hired team can help find the ideal placement for you.
• Our BA Early Childhood Studies top-up course includes a mandatory requirement of 200 hours on placement, with the setting determined by your eventual career choice.

Career Opportunities

• Family support worker (graduate): Average Salary: £35,000
• Mental health nurse: Average Salary: £33,951
• Social worker (NHS): Average Salary: £31,071
• Learning mentor: Average Salary: £22,500
• Early years teacher/primary school teacher: £26,000/£29,364
• Special educational needs coordinator (SENCO): Average Salary: £30,172

Meet Your Lecturers

• Rebecca Taylor: Head of Department
• Alison Williams: Lecturer
• Caroline A Prior: Senior Lecturer
• Emma Davis: Lecturer
• Jayne Hackett: Lecturer in Education
• Laura Holloway: Lecturer
• Michelle Windridge: Lecturer