BA (Hons) Childhood Studies (top up)

Program Overview

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The Childhood Studies BA (Hons) Top-Up Program is a one-year, twilight-based program designed for professionals working with children and young people. It provides a top-up option to obtain a full BA degree after completing a relevant foundation degree, focusing on child development, learning, and associated fields. The program combines classroom sessions, online learning, independent study, and work-based learning, with a focus on practical skills and knowledge applicable to real-world work settings.

Program Outline

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Degree Overview

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Objective:

The Childhood Studies BA (Hons) Top-Up program aims to offer students who have completed a relevant foundation degree the opportunity to further their education and obtain a full BA degree. This one-year, twilight-based program enables students to deepen their knowledge and understanding of child development, learning, and related fields while working in a paid or voluntary role with children or young people.

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Key points:

• Provides a top-up option to obtain a full BA degree after completing a relevant foundation degree.
• One-year program offered on a twilight basis (after 5pm).
• Designed for professionals working with children and young people in various settings.
• Focuses on child development, learning, and associated fields.

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Outline

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Program Content:

• Theoretical Foundation: Explores psychology, sociology, policy, and the history of education in relation to child development and learning.
• Professional Development: Enhances practical skills and knowledge applicable to real-world work settings.
• Research Engagement: Introduces research methods and analysis for evaluating evidence-based practices.
• Specialization options: Allows students to tailor their studies to specific areas of interest or expertise within the field.

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Structure:

• 1-year program divided into three semesters.
• Each semester focuses on specific modules related to the program's objectives.
• Flexibility for students to balance work and study commitments.
• Additional Saturday events offered for wider academic and professional development opportunities.

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Modules:

• Core modules:
• Independent Enquiry Part One
• Research-Informed Practice in Employment-based Contexts
• Contemporary Childhood Issues
• Contemporary Learning Theory
• Optional modules:
• Students can select from a variety of options based on their interests and career aspirations.
• Examples of optional modules include:
• Early Childhood Education
• Play and Learning
• Children's Literature
• Special Educational Needs and Disabilities
• Descriptions provide information on learning outcomes, content, assessment methods, and instructors.

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Assessment

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Assessment Methods:

• Variety of assessment methods used to evaluate student learning, including:
• Individual and group assignments
• Presentations
• Portfolios
• Case studies
• Work-based tasks

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Assessment Criteria:

• Assessments are graded based on module-specific objectives and quality criteria for the level.
• Criteria cover areas such as knowledge, understanding, critical analysis, application, and communication skills.

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Teaching

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Teaching Method:

• Emphasis on interactive and student-centered learning.
• Combination of lectures, seminars, group work, and independent study.
• Utilize innovative "work-based tasks" designed to bridge theory and practice.

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Faculty:

• Experienced and passionate tutors with expertise in childhood studies and related fields.
• Committed to creating a supportive and collaborative learning environment.

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Unique Approach:

• Blended learning approach seamlessly integrates traditional classroom instruction with online learning and work-based activities.
• Innovative "work-based tasks" encourage real-world application of concepts and critical reflection on professional practices.

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Careers

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Career Paths:

• Graduates pursue diverse career paths in various sectors, including:
• Education (early years, primary, secondary)
• Social care
• Health
• Speech and language therapy
• Leadership roles in childhood settings
• Many graduates choose to pursue postgraduate study, including teacher training programs and Master's degrees.

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Career Opportunities:

• The program equips graduates with the knowledge, skills, and credentials to pursue rewarding careers working with children and young people.
• Opportunities may arise in diverse settings such as schools, nurseries, children's centers, youth clubs, hospitals, and social work agencies.

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Outcomes:

• Graduates report high levels of satisfaction with the program and its impact on their professional development.
• Many graduates secure successful positions in their chosen field or progress to further academic study.

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Other

• Applicants must hold 240 credits of advanced standing (usually a foundation degree or similar).
• GCSE English language grade C (or equivalent) is required.
• Students must be in a full-time work-based role (paid or voluntary) spending at least 15 hours per week in a child or young people's setting.
• A satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check is required.
• This program is full of support from tutors who have critical conversations with you to support critical thinking as well as opportunities to work with your peers to gain deeper understandings from other perspectives in seminar time.

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UK

Full-time: £9,250

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Overseas

Full-time: £15,500

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Home (UK) Fees

The fees above are for the 2024/25 academic year but may be subject to change following any announcements by the UK Government (approved by Parliament) regarding maximum Undergraduate tuition fee caps for 2024/25. In addition, the University reserves the right to increase all full-time and part-time Undergraduate tuition fees mid-course, in line with any further inflationary increase in the Government tuition fee cap which is approved by Parliament. Students with an Overseas fee status will be eligible for an International student Scholarship fee discount of £1,500, which will be applied to all Full-time Undergraduate courses with a tuition fee of £15,500.