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BA (Hons) Children, Learning and Development Top Up Education Pathway

The BA (Hons) Children, Learning and Development is ideal for those who have recently completed a relevant foundation degree and requires students to be either working or volunteering in an appropriate setting for 14 hours per week during term time.

Education (5-19 years)

Voluntary placements need to be undertaken in a school or educational setting rated as good or outstanding by Ofsted. Practice-based learning is combined with campus-based sessions at the University Centre; full-time attendance on the course is normally 7 hours, one day a week, over one year. It is a work-based course which will see you combine practice-based learning with campus-based sessions, allowing you to continue in work whilst studying.

Programme Aims

  1. To prepare students in aspects of management and leadership in education to take wider responsibilities within their chosen field of practice
  2. To provide opportunities for study and critical evaluation of contemporary educational research
  3. To develop critically reflective and ethically aware educators of babies, children and young people
  4. To broaden students’ perspectives by developing awareness of international curricula and cultures in education or early childhood studies

During this programme, students will study 4 modules and will complete a dissertation. Core and pathway specific modules relevant to the chosen sector will be studied which develop practice whilst challenging students’ understanding and knowledge of children and young people.

The programme will address concepts related to leadership and management; safeguarding and professionalism, developing an appreciation of the complex circumstances underpinning children’s development, learning and success in a modern society. Contemporary issues are investigated, bringing current topics to the fore to be debated and applied to experiences. An individual research project provides the opportunity for reflection on working practices. By the end of the programme, students will be fully equipped with a repertoire of skills and knowledge relating to early childhood/ education.

The Degree is one of many courses available at the UCNL. You will be enrolled with the UCNL and be a registered student of the University of Hull.

Key Information

  • Course Level

    Level 6

  • Delivery

    Full-Time

  • Duration

    1 Year

  • UCAS Code

    M7A3

  • Awarding Body

    University of Hull


Apply or Enquire

Level 6 modules:

  • Leadership and Management in Early Childhood 20 credits
  • Safeguarding 20 credits
  • Contemporary Issues and International Comparisons 20 credits
  • The Developing Education Practitioner 20 credits
  • Dissertation 40 credits

A variety of assessment methods are used including written essays, case studies, reflective logs and oral presentations. All assessments allow students to reflect on practice and make relevant links to theory and to develop key employability skills.

On this course you will study a range of engaging All modules are subject to availability and this list may change at any time

The programme will require approximately 6 hours a week of private study to access materials and engage in wider reading and research.

Occasional changes to modules and course content may take place. Students will be notified when applicable.

Students will study full time through face to face (on-campus)

Students will be supported through:

Seminars

Seminars will allow for focussed discussion in small groups which encourages participation, fosters active debate, and allows participants to learn from the different opinions and the experiences of others. Seminars develop transferrable skills in active listening, negotiation and conflict resolution, self-expression and general oral communication.

Collaborative Work

In-class activities or online discussion forums are an important feature of many seminars and workshops. This meets the requirements of working in the sector; employers stress collaborative and team-working abilities as desired graduate attributes. Collaboration also provides a valuable opportunity to engage in shared learning. Initially supported and guided study will be the approach adopted but students will be required to develop independence and self-direct their study as they progress through the programme.

Workshops

Workshops take place in small groups or discussion forums but are more practically focussed than seminars. Workshops will also be arranged to support students’ developing research and IT skills.

Virtual Learning Environment

Extensive use will be made of the institutional VLE. Beyond being a repository of material, the CANVAS provides a student lead experience which supports all learning and teaching activities mentioned. Students are encouraged to construct their own community of practice with the support of the teaching staff. The VLE allows for connectively and flexible study opportunities for student engagement.

Group tutorials

Students will be offered group and individual tutorials to provide one to one student support either face to face or via the VLE. This is a useful way for students to access support for their studies and assessments and allows students to discuss the application of their knowledge to practice. The tutorials are available at flexible times of the week to support with work and other commitments.

Assessment Approach

 A range of assessment methods underpin the development of student transferable skills and make a positive contribution to the students’ learning experience. Assessment is both formative and summative. The diverse assessment strategies meet the varied needs of students and include:

Academic Essays

Presentations

Debates

Reports linked to practice

Posters/leaflets

Applicants will come from a variety of different professional backgrounds which may include childminders; early years practitioners; support assistants working in either a mainstream or special school and teaching assistants working in the education sector.  This might be in a full time or voluntary capacity.

Importantly applicants will hold a Level 5 qualification (or equivalent) and have 240 credits in a work-related area and are additionally required to hold a current DBS Enhanced Certificate.

Applicants are required to either be in paid employment or undertaking a voluntary placement for a minimum of 1 day per week. This will underpin practitioners’ experiences in the workplace through studying a variety of modules that will enhance and support career progression.

Grade 4/C in GCSE English and mathematics is desirable but not essential. If you do not have these qualifications, you will still be accepted onto the programme but would need to realise that future employment might require this.

 We accept a diverse range of qualifications, this includes considering prior learning as credit towards your York degree. This means you can apply to be exempt from taking certain modules on your degree, if you have previous relevant qualifications or experience.

Recognition of prior learning

We can assess whether you can demonstrate sufficient knowledge, understanding and skills in order to be exempt from studying some required modules. This can be used in two ways:

  • Prior certificated learning (formal qualifications) at a level equivalent to higher education credit
  • •Experiential learning where your work experience and non-certificated learning can be recognised.

As part of this programme of study you will be required to have a valid enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. You will be required to pay the cost of this. A DBS must be in place before you start your placement. You may be able to supply an existing DBS but this must be within 3 years of issue.

There are a range of career pathways or higher level education programmes available to you on completion of this programme:

– Early Years Teacher (after PGCE, SCITT or similar)
– Primary Teaching (after PGCE, SCITT or similar)
– Post Graduate Course
– Nursery Management
– Community Play Support
– Teaching Assistant
– School, Family and Welfare Liaison
– Special Education Needs Support
– Specialist Subject Support
– Mentoring

 

Upon completion of the BA Hons Children’s Learning and Development, there is also the opportunity to progress to the MA Education Studies.

Financial Support

UK students can take out a tuition fee loan to cover the cost of their course and a maintenance loan to cover living costs.

We also have a range of other financial support available.

Course Fees

UK

£7940.00

Additional Costs

Your Tuition fees cover the majority of costs associated with your programme (including registration, tuition and assessment.)

There may be some extra costs that you might need to make or choose to pay for example:

– Books. You’ll have access to books from your module reading lists in the HE library, but you may want to buy your own copies
– Printing and photocopying
– Trips and enhancement opportunities

  • A DBS check will be required, which you must pay for.

Apply or Enquire

Applying to multiple providers, including us?

  • Course code: M7A3
  • Institution code: N64
  • University name: DN Colleges Group
  • Campus name: University Campus North Lincolnshire (UCNL)
  • Campus code: N

Apply on the UCAS website

Applying only to University Campus North Lincolnshire? You can directly apply.

If you are applying only to University Campus North Lincolnshire and not to any other universities or providers, you can do so directly by using the following link.

Apply directly to us if we are your only option

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