Program Overview

BA Childhood Practice

The BA Childhood Practice is a part-time, work-based degree that aims to develop degree-level professionals and future leaders in the early years and childcare sector. The program is designed to meet the developing professional needs of the Early Years and Childcare Workforce, with a focus on work-based learning and professional development.

Key Facts

• Study mode and duration: Part-time, work placement
• Applicant visit day: March each year
• Validated by: Scottish Social Services Council

Course Overview

The course structure is divided into three main aspects of professional development, as outlined in the Scottish Social Services Council document - The Standard for Childhood Practice (2015). The degree is a part-time blended learning program involving weekly live online and on-campus sessions, weekly recorded online lectures, and live support sessions on occasional Saturdays.

What You'll Study

Core modules provide students with sound theoretical knowledge, underpinning the issues for the wide age range of children from birth to 16 years. The course takes a holistic view of children's development, learning, and well-being, covering areas such as:

• Protecting and caring for children
• Working with parents and carers, families, communities, and other agencies
• Developing practice in the leadership of others informed by an understanding of children and childhood
• Developing knowledge and understanding of relevant organizational frameworks
• Developing a critical understanding of policies, practices, and legal requirements relevant to the service
• Developing an understanding of how young children learn and develop across childhood and through to teenage years

Work Placement

The program is available to early years and childcare workers working in a wide range of settings and employed anywhere across both urban and rural Scotland. All prospective students should be employed in a childhood practice setting in line with SSSC guidelines. Relevant settings include:

• Nurseries
• Childminders
• Playgroups
• Crèches
• Wrap-around care
• School-aged daycare
• Children and family centers
• Activity and adventure centers
• Additional support needs services

Learning and Teaching

The degree is a part-time blended learning program involving:

• Weekly live online and on-campus sessions
• Weekly recorded online lectures
• Live support sessions on occasional Saturdays
• A blend of e-learning, using a high-quality virtual learning environment

Entry Requirements

Application is direct to the University. Candidates should be employed in registered day care of children and educational services or work with children and families in a variety of non-statutory contexts (minimum two years' experience post-practice qualification). All applicants require a SSSC-recognized practice qualification and must be currently employed within a childhood practice setting.

Fees and Funding

All fees quoted are for part-time and per academic year unless stated otherwise. Fees may be subject to updates to maintain accuracy. Tuition fees will be notified in your offer letter.

• Scotland: £910
• England, Wales & Northern Ireland: £4,768
• Republic of Ireland: If you are an Irish citizen and have been ordinary resident in the Republic of Ireland for the three years prior to the relevant date, and will be coming to Scotland for Educational purposes only, you will meet the criteria of England, Wales & Northern Ireland fee status.
• International: £9,925

Careers

The BA in Childhood Practice aims to meet the developing professional needs of the Early Years and Childcare Workforce. The Scottish Government has made this area of study a national priority by calling for a dramatic increase in the number of qualified Childhood Practice managers. By the time you graduate from this course, you'll have gained the confidence and understanding to put your professional expertise into practice and gain promotion or a challenging and exciting career change. Recent job titles include:

• Lead Child Development Officer
• Manager of School-aged Daycare
• Early Years Education Officer
• Head of Centre
• Senior Early Years Worker
• Team Leader in Early Years
• Family Support Manager
• Residential Care Worker Recent employers include:
• Local Authority Nurseries
• Primary Schools
• Private Nurseries
• Private Schools
• Charitable Organizations
• Community Organizations

International Students

We have a thriving international community with students coming here to study from over 140 countries across the world. Find out all you need to know about studying in Glasgow at Strathclyde and hear from students about their experiences. We have a number of scholarships available to international students. Take a look at our scholarship search to find out more.