BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies (Top-Up)

Overview

Transform your passion for early childhood education into a degree-level qualification. Our program, offered in partnership with London Early Years Foundation, is designed for professionals seeking to elevate their skills and knowledge.

Award

BA (Hons)

Start date(s)

15 September 2025

UCAS Code

Course specifications

View course spec

Course length

Part-time (2 years)

Campus location

London Early Years Foundation

School

School of Education

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Why choose this course?

The BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies top up is designed to help you to develop the skills, knowledge and confidence to succeed in your studies with the University of Wolverhampton and London Early Years Foundation at degree level.

The course at Level 6 offers a unique blend of theories and practices in relation to Early Childhood and Early Childhood Services. We recognise that you will have a unique learning journey and we will maximise your potential through optional assessment choices such as a dissertation, interview, written assessments, reports and written plans.

Your teaching staff at London Early Years Foundation and the University are active researchers and these interests contribute to high quality teaching. You will benefit from the latest research in the areas of Early Childhood such as ‘mental health and resilience,’ ‘early year’s professionalism,’ men in childcare’ and ‘pedagogy of play.’

Your teaching team has a range of expertise and practice in Early Childhood which will help you to make the link between your learning on the course and your experiences and practice. This course is taught part-time so you are able to study more flexibly and you have the opportunity to relate work-related experiences or voluntary placements to your learning on the course.

What happens on the course?

As a student on this course, you will further develop the skills and knowledge required to work with children from conception to eight years, their families and the services that support them.

At your learning on this course will involve gaining knowledge about the multiple perspectives of babies, young children, families and communities by drawing on a range of subject areas, such as history, psychology, education, health, welfare, sociology and social policy, cultural studies, law, and political and economic perspectives.

By drawing on these different perspectives you will understand and analyse the processes that shape childhood and babies and young children’s lives. You will also understand and analyse ethical principles, children’s rights and perspectives on childhood, outdoor play, multi-agency working, and leadership for sustainability in early year’s contexts, the early year’s curriculum and inclusive play provision.

Your engagement with London Early Years Foundation will provide you with the opportunity to be tale part in research, present findings of research at conferences.

Course Modules

Year 1

• Dissertation
  • Module: 6ED015
  • Credits: 40
  • Period: 1
  • Type: Core
• Evaluating The Early Years Curriculum
  • Module: 6CF010
  • Credits: 20
  • Period: 1
  • Type: Core
• Childhood and Youth in a Global Context
  • Module: 6CF016
  • Credits: 20
  • Period: 1
  • Type: Optional
• Leadership for Sustainability
  • Module: 6CF022
  • Credits: 20
  • Period: 1
  • Type: Optional
• Learning in the Outdoor Environment
  • Module: 6CF018
  • Credits: 20
  • Period: 1
  • Type: Optional
• Pedagogy of Play
  • Module: 6CF020
  • Credits: 20
  • Period: 1
  • Type: Optional
• Perspectives on Children and Childhood
  • Module: 6CF017
  • Credits: 20
  • Period: 1
  • Type: Optional

Year 2

• Evaluating The Early Years Curriculum
  • Module: 6CF010
  • Credits: 20
  • Period: 2
  • Type: Core
• Leading Quality in Practice
  • Module: 6CF011
  • Credits: 20
  • Period: 2
  • Type: Core

Additional Information

Course Fees and Finance

Location	Mode	Fee	Year
Home	Part-time	£3083 per year#
Home	Part-time	£3178 per year#

Entry Requirements

• For Direct entry to Level 6 you need to have achieved a Foundation Degree; BTEC HND or 240 higher level credits in a subject related area.
• Successfully short listed applicants may be invited to attend an interview at London Early Years Foundation.
• Entry to this course requires a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) which will be undertaken through London Early Years Foundation.

Funding

• Tuition Fees Loan(Home Fee Status):
  • Most students will be able to apply for a loans to pay for these subject to eligibility.
  • To find out more information please refer to the government Student Finance website.
• Changes for EU students:
  • The UK government has confirmed that EU students starting courses from 1 August 2021 will normally be classified as having Overseas Fee status.
  • More information about the change is available at UKCISA:
• EU citizens living in the UK with 'settled' status, and Irish nationals living in the UK or Ireland, will still be classified as Home students, providing they meet the usual residency requirements, for more information about EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• Self-funding:
  • If you don’t want to take out a loan to pay your fees or if you aren’t eligible to receive a loan, you might want to take advantage of the University’s scheme to pay by instalments: See How to pay.
• For more information please contact the Gateway.
• Your employer, embassy or organisation can pay for your Tuition fees:
  • If your employer, embassy or organisation agrees to pay all or part of your tuition fees; the University will refer to them as your sponsor and will invoice them for the appropriate amount.
  • We must receive notification of sponsorship in writing as soon as possible, and before enrolment, confirming that the sponsor will pay your tuition fees.
• Financial Hardship:
  • Students can apply to the Dennis Turner Opportunity Fund.
  • for help with course related costs however this cannot be used for fees or to cover general living costs.
• Bursaries and Scholarships:
  • In addition the University also offers a range of Bursaries and Scholarships packages
  • You can find more information on the University’s Funding, cost, fee and support pages.

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Outline:

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Year 1:

• Dissertation (40 credits): This module involves developing a research dissertation in collaboration with a supervisor.
It focuses on drawing on literature and research to develop a critical review of previous theories, concepts, and research around a chosen subject area.
• Evaluating The Early Years Curriculum (20 credits): This module offers a deep dive into the Early Years Foundation Stage for children aged birth to five and the Primary National Curriculum in England.
It involves reflecting on key theories, pioneers, and research, and its influence on pedagogical approaches and curriculum design.
• Childhood and Youth in a Global Context (20 credits): This module provides an opportunity to learn about child and youth provision and support from an international perspective.
It involves critically comparing provision in the UK and globally, appraising the reasons for diverse approaches, and analyzing government policy, curriculum ideologies, and professional training.

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Year 2:

• Evaluating The Early Years Curriculum (20 credits): This module offers a deep dive into the Early Years Foundation Stage for children aged birth to five and the Primary National Curriculum in England.
It involves reflecting on key theories, pioneers, and research, and its influence on pedagogical approaches and curriculum design.
• Leading Quality in Practice (20 credits): This module focuses on critically appraising leadership skills when developing high-quality early years provision that supports babies and young children's development.
It involves evaluating concepts, theories, and principles related to leadership and how they can be applied to high-quality practice in early years settings.

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Optional Modules:

• Leadership for Sustainability (20 credits): This module explores ways in which early childhood professionals lead and make provision for sustainable development within early childhood education.
It focuses on understanding different theories and approaches to sustainable development, focusing on children's well-being and development.
• Learning in the Outdoor Environment (20 credits): This module delves into learning in the outdoors for children from birth to 8.
It considers how developing opportunities for learning in the outdoors relates to relevant curricula frameworks and researches various pedagogical approaches.
• Pedagogy of Play (20 credits): This module explores how early childhood professionals make provision for play and playful approaches to learning and teaching.
It involves focusing on pedagogical decisions, techniques, and strategies used to support learning and teaching through play.
• Perspectives on Children and Childhood (20 credits): This module explores the historical, social, cultural, and economic contexts of children and childhood.
It focuses on appraising how changing social and cultural constructions of children can impact their lives in diverse communities and societies.

University of Wolverhampton

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Overview:

The University of Wolverhampton is a public university located in Wolverhampton, England. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses, as well as degree apprenticeships and CPD short courses. The university is known for its strong focus on student support and its commitment to providing a high-quality learning experience.

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Services Offered:

The University of Wolverhampton offers a variety of services to its students, including:

Academic Support:

The university provides academic support services such as tutoring, writing workshops, and study skills development.

Student Support:

Students have access to a range of support services, including disability support, mature student support, and career guidance.

Accommodation:

The university offers a variety of on-campus accommodation options, as well as information and support for finding off-campus housing.

IT Services:

Students have access to a range of IT services, including computer labs, Wi-Fi, and online learning platforms.

Library:

The university library provides access to a wide range of resources, including books, journals, and databases.

Gym:

The university has a gym with a variety of facilities, including a fitness center, swimming pool, and sports courts.

Students' Union:

The Students' Union provides a range of services and activities for students, including social events, clubs, and societies.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

Students at the University of Wolverhampton can expect a vibrant and supportive campus environment. The university has a strong sense of community, with a variety of clubs, societies, and events to get involved in. The university also has a number of facilities and services to support student life, including a gym, a Students' Union, and a library.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Strong Student Support:

The university is known for its strong focus on student support, with a range of services available to help students succeed.

Affordable Living:

The university offers a variety of affordable accommodation options, as well as information and support for finding off-campus housing.

High-Quality Learning Experience:

The university is committed to providing a high-quality learning experience, with experienced lecturers and modern facilities.

Strong Graduate Outcomes:

A high percentage of the university's graduates are employed or in further education within 15 months of graduation.

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Academic Programs:

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

Arts, Business, and Social Sciences:

The university has a strong reputation in these fields, with programs in areas such as creative industries, social science, humanities, business, and law.

Education, Health, and Wellbeing:

The university offers a variety of programs in these fields, including education, nursing, midwifery, psychology, health and society, and sport.

Science and Engineering:

The university has a strong reputation in these fields, with programs in areas such as architecture, built environment, engineering, computing, mathematical sciences, life sciences, and pharmacy.

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Other:

The university has a strong commitment to research, with a number of research centers and institutes. The university also has a strong international focus, with a number of programs and services for international students.