| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2024-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
The Early Childhood Studies BA (Hons) Top-up degree at University College Birmingham is a one-year program designed for individuals with prior qualifications in early years education. It enhances their knowledge and expertise in the field, preparing them for highly qualified practitioner roles within the early years sector. The program includes a mandatory 200-hour work placement, an independent research project, and various enrichment opportunities, equipping graduates with the skills and experience to make a positive impact on the lives of children and families.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
Overview:
The Early Childhood Studies BA (Hons) Top-up degree course at University College Birmingham is designed for individuals with prior qualifications in early years education, allowing them to enhance their knowledge and expertise in the field.
- Become a leader and manager: Gain valuable insights into leadership and management practices, key competencies for the early years workforce.
- Specialize your studies: Choose from various optional modules such as Children's Voice, Socio-Historical Aspects of Childhood, and Pedagogical Leadership in Play.
- Conduct in-depth research: Pursue your passion and professional aspirations by undertaking a research project on a chosen topic.
- Gain valuable work experience: Complete a 200-hour work placement relevant to your future career.
Description:
This intensive program offers the opportunity for personal and professional development by advancing and consolidating your theoretical knowledge, increasing your practical skillset, and enhancing your professional confidence. It prepares graduates to pursue various fulfilling careers within the early years sector, shaping the future of the next generation.
Outline:
Program Content:
- Characteristics of childhood and issues around development: Gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of childhood and its various developmental stages.
- Work placement: Gain practical experience in the real world through a 200-hour placement in an early years setting, aligning with your career aspirations.
- Research project: Conduct independent research on a chosen topic, allowing you to delve deeper into your interests and develop valuable research skills.
Structure:
The Early Childhood Studies Top-up program is a one-year, full-time course. It consists of core modules and optional modules, allowing you to tailor your studies to your interests and career aspirations.
Course Schedule:
The program typically runs from September to June. Students are expected to attend lectures, seminars, and tutorials throughout the academic year.
Modules:
Core Modules:
- Dissertation (SEHC): Conduct in-depth research on a chosen topic, receiving guidance from a dedicated dissertation tutor.
- Enhancing Employability for Graduate Practice: Develop essential graduate competencies and skills relevant to professional roles in early years settings.
- Leading and Managing Systems: Explore leadership and management principles in early years settings, focusing on quality assurance and positive change initiatives.
Optional Modules:
- Children's Voice: Investigate the concept of children's voice and explore strategies for supporting their participation and agency in professional contexts.
- Pedagogical Leadership in Play: Gain a comprehensive understanding of pedagogical leadership principles within play-based learning environments.
Individual Module Descriptions:
Dissertation (SEHC):
This module allows you to independently research a chosen topic under the guidance of a dissertation tutor, enabling you to delve deeper into your interests and develop valuable research skills.
Enhancing Employability for Graduate Practice:
This module focuses on developing and recognizing graduate competencies relevant to the early years workforce. It equips you with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in your future professional role.
Leading and Managing Systems:
This module explores contemporary leadership and management practices within early years settings, focusing on quality assurance and improvement initiatives. It equips you with the skills to effectively lead and manage teams within the sector.
Children's Voice:
This module delves into the concept of children's voice, exploring various theoretical perspectives and practical strategies for supporting children's participation and agency in professional contexts.
Pedagogical Leadership in Play:
This module focuses on understanding and implementing pedagogical leadership principles within play-based learning environments. It explores contemporary and classical theories related to leadership and management within early years settings. It explores how social, economic, political, and technological factors influence the lives of children throughout history and in contemporary societies.
Assessment:
Assessment Methods:
The assessment methods for this program include:
- Coursework: This constitutes 100% of the overall assessment.
- Dissertation: Students are assessed on the quality of their research and analysis, writing skills, and ability to meet deadlines. However, they typically focus on:
- Subject knowledge: Demonstrating a deep understanding of the relevant subject matter.
- Critical thinking: Ability to analyze information, evaluate arguments, and form logical conclusions.
- Communication skills: Effectively communicating ideas through written and oral presentation.
- Research skills: Ability to conduct independent research, analyze data, and draw meaningful conclusions.
- Professionalism: Demonstrating a professional attitude, meeting deadlines, and adhering to ethical standards.
Teaching:
Teaching Methods:
The program utilizes various teaching methods to cater to different learning styles and preferences. These include:
- Lectures: Faculty members deliver lectures to introduce key concepts and theories.
- Seminars: Smaller group discussions encourage deeper exploration of topics and facilitate interaction between students and faculty.
- Tutorials: One-on-one or small group sessions provide personalized support and guidance.
- Workshops: Interactive workshops provide hands-on experience with specific skills and techniques.
- Independent study: Students are encouraged to engage in independent study to deepen their understanding and explore their interests.
Faculty:
The program is delivered by experienced faculty with expertise in early childhood education, development, leadership, and management. They are passionate about their fields and dedicated to providing students with a high-quality learning experience.
Unique Approaches:
- Work placement: The mandatory 200-hour work placement offers invaluable real-world experience and allows students to apply their theoretical knowledge in a practical setting.
- Research project: The independent research project allows students to explore their personal interests and develop valuable research skills.
Careers:
Potential Career Paths:
Graduates of this program are equipped with the knowledge and skills to pursue a wide range of careers within the early years sector, including:
- Early years teacher: Working with children from birth to five years old in a variety of settings, including nurseries, preschools, and reception classes.
- Primary school teacher: Teaching children from five to eleven years old in primary schools.
- Special educational needs coordinator (SENCO): Supporting children with special educational needs and disabilities in schools and other settings.
- Mental health nurse: Working with children and young people experiencing mental health issues.
- Social worker (NHS): Supporting vulnerable children and families within the National Health Service.
- Learning mentor: Providing individual or group support to children and young people who are struggling with their learning or development.
- Educational researcher: Conducting research on early childhood education and development, contributing to the advancement of the field.
Career Opportunities:
The early years sector offers a wide range of career opportunities, with demand for qualified professionals expected to continue growing. Graduates can work in various settings, including:
- Nurseries
- Preschools
- Primary schools
- Children's centers
- Family support organizations
- Hospitals
- Charities
- Research institutions
Career Outcomes:
Graduates of this program are highly sought after by employers due to their strong academic background, practical experience, and research skills. They can expect to find fulfilling and rewarding careers within the early years sector, making a positive impact on the lives of children and families.
Other:
Enrichment Opportunities:
The program offers various enrichment opportunities, including:
- Paediatric First Aid certificate: This essential qualification equips students with the skills to provide emergency first aid to children.
- Food and Hygiene certificate: This certificate ensures students have the knowledge and skills to maintain a safe and hygienic environment for children.
- Kick-Start Scheme: This scheme provides eligible UK students with £300 per year to support course-related expenses, such as learning materials, uniform, or travel costs.
Unibuddy Community:
Students can join the Unibuddy Community to connect with other students who have applied for the same course, allowing them to share experiences and ask questions before starting their studies.
Facilities:
The program benefits from modern facilities, including:
- Lecture theaters: Equipped with the latest technology.
- Interactive group working spaces: Encouraging collaboration and group discussions.
- Extensive library resources: Providing access to a wide range of books, journals, and online databases.
A half-year tuition fee is £4,625. There will be no change to this tuition fee for the forthcoming two academic years (2023/24 and 2024/25).
International students
If you are an international student enrolling on a full-time foundation degree or a BA/BSc in 2023/24, your fee for this academic year will be £13,500 per year. The course fee for academic year 2024/2025 is £14,000 per year. If you complete a placement year, there will be an administration fee of £500 for a full year or £250 for a half-year placement.
