The BA in Early Childhood Studies programme is suitable for those wanting to work in a number of sectors, including early years, primary school teaching and community work. The programme will help you develop a number of personal and professional skills as you will undertake placement hours to enhance your skill set and apply theory to practice. Once you have completed the course, you can go into several different career routes such as teaching, early years management and MA study.
Voluntary placements need to be undertaken in a school or early years setting rated as good or outstanding by Ofsted. Practice-based learning is combined with campus-based sessions at the UCNL; full-time attendance on the course is normally 12 hours, two day a week, over three years. It is a work-based course which will see you combine practice-based learning with campus-based sessions, allowing you to gain industry experience whilst studying.
The aims of this programme are:
- To develop highly skilled, knowledgeable early years practitioners
- To develop reflective practitioners who are innovative and creative in supporting children’s outcomes
- To provide a critical overview of political debates that surround education, health and social care
- To challenge the inequalities that exist for some children and their families
- To provide opportunities for students to evaluate current evidence-based research findings which inform developments in practice
- To develop a systematic understanding the role of partnership working
- To be an advocate for children’s rights and provide children with a voice
Graduate Practitioner – This is a pathway option for those who wish to work in early years, be counted in ratio and achieve a full and relevant degree. This option will enhance your practical experience and graduate employability. Applicants will need to successfully meet the entry requirements and meet all competencies.
Key Information
Course Level
Level 6
Delivery
Full-Time
Duration
3 Years
UCAS Code
CS6G
Awarding Body
On this course you will study a range of engaging modules, considering various aspects of early childhood practice and making connections to professional experience gained.
Modules studied:
Level 4 year 1
Research and Foundational Theories [40 credits]
Educational Continuum [20 credits]
Level 4 year 2
Safeguarding [20 credits]
Children, Families and Society [20 credits]
Observation and Assessment [20 credits]
Level 5 year 3
Special Educational Needs and Disabilities [20 credits}
Research and Contemporary Theories [40 credits]
Level 5 year 4
Effective Pedagogy option 1 (0-4 years) option 2 (5-8 years) [20 credits]
Employability [20 credits]
Multi Agency Working [20 credits]
Level 6 year 5
Current Issues and Contemporary Debates [20 credits]
Language, Learning and Literacy [20 credits]
Innovation and Change [20 credits]
Level 6 year 6
Early Years Dissertation [40 credits]
The Reflective Practitioner [20 credits]
All modules are subject to availability and this list may change at any time
The programme will require private study to access study materials and engage with 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
- Short exams
32 UCAS Tariff points from a combination of acceptable Level 3 qualifications which may include: A-level, BTEC Diplomas/Extended Diplomas.
Level 2 Requirements (GCSE level):
Not a requirement but good practice: Grade 4/C in GCSE English and Mathematics.
Additional requirements
• A suitable DBS Enhanced Certificate is required.
• There is a requirement of either paid or voluntary placement, for a minimum of 2 day per week.
We are committed to creating educational opportunities for people from a variety of backgrounds and situations. If you have been out of formal education for some time, and/or you do not have the qualifications stated, we might still be able to consider your application and offer you a range of support. We are here to help. Please get in touch to find out more.
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 PA
Additional Costs
Your Tuition fees cover most costs associated with your course (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
Level 3 qualification to train as a Forest School Practitioner
- A DBS check will be required, which you must pay for.
Apply or enquire about this course
To find out more and apply for this course, please contact us via the telephone number below.
- Course code: CS6G
- Institution code: N64
- Campus name: University Campus North Lincolnshire (UCNL)
- Campus code: N