Program Overview
This online degree program enhances knowledge in early childhood studies for those with a Level 5 qualification in the field. Over one or two years of study, it develops understanding in child protection, leadership, and critical reflection. The program is ideal for professionals in health, education, and social care seeking career advancement or academic exploration in early childhood.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
This online top-up degree is ideal for those who already work in an early childhood setting and hold a Level 5 qualification. It allows you to top-up to a full BA (Hons) degree with one or two years of online study. The program deepens your knowledge of early childhood studies to meet the demands of integrated care and education for children from birth.
Objectives:
- Develop a broad understanding of early childhood education and care that can be applied in social care and health, education and related areas.
- Advance your professional development through studying core modules including The critically reflective practitioner, child protection and leadership.
- Enhance your professional development plan (PDP) through the application of learning materials to current practice within early childhood studies, as well as the use of critical reflection within modules.
Outline:
The course is structured into five key modules including:
- Child protection: This module extends your existing theoretical and practice-based knowledge and understanding of the role of Early Years’ practitioners in protecting children from abuse and supporting children at risk. It examines the current legislative and procedural framework for child protection and the responsibilities of the multi-disciplinary team within us.
- Contesting childhood: This module explores the socially constructed nature and incidence of child abuse within the culture and cross-cultural contexts of British society. Effective models of practice will be examined with reference to both the role of practitioners in supporting children at risk and examples of failures to provide such protection.
- Leadership in early childhood education and care: This module focuses on the key aspects of leadership in early childhood education and care, including developing a critical understanding of leadership theories and models, exploring the role of the leader in promoting quality and innovation, and developing skills in leading and managing teams.
- Independent study: This module allows you to explore a topic of your choice in more depth. You will be able to choose a topic that is relevant to your own interests and career goals.
Assessment:
The course is assessed through 100% coursework with a range of methods, such as essays, research reports, presentations, group work and practical reports.
Teaching:
- The course is delivered online, with a combination of live sessions and pre-recorded materials.
- You will be taught by experts in the field and will benefit from the latest research discoveries from a committed multi-disciplinary academic team.
- The curriculum is structured to provide a cohesive focus on the key aspects of childhood studies from a multi-disciplinary perspective.
Careers:
This course is ideal for anyone currently working with children across health, education and social care, or anyone interested in early childhood as an academic discipline. It is suitable for those wishing to broaden their skills and career by taking additional qualifications. Well qualified professionals will find there are ample opportunities for promotion and progression to leadership positions in children’s services. Following completion of this course, graduates can also consider our exciting range of postgraduate courses, including the MA Education or MA Inclusion and SEND.
Other:
- The course is delivered in three 10-week terms, known as trimesters.
- You can choose to study one module per trimester or two modules per trimester.
- The course is supported by a research active academic team.
- You can try a course taster to get a feel for the online learning experience.
- The course is subject to change, with content being reviewed regularly to improve the experience and graduate prospects.
- UK fee: £5,430 (2024/25) ‡
- International fee: £5,430 (2024/25) ‡
Entry Requirements:
- You'll need one of the following:
- HND or Foundation Degree in a relevant subject (equivalent of 240 credits),
- Evidence of significant work and life experience may be taken into consideration upon application. In order for experiential learning to be considered, you would need to hold at least 60 credits at both level 4 and 5 in a relevant subject.
Exemptions:
- Exemptions can be made on the basis of prior academic study, professional qualifications or professional experience. Students that have already studied at another institution, completed a training course or have work experience which appears equivalent to one or more modules of this programme, may be able to translate this prior learning into credits towards course modules so that they do not have to study them again. For this course you will need at least one of the following:
- IELTS (International English Language Testing System) 6.0 (with 5.5 in each skills test)
- For international students, if you do not hold IELTS, we will accept the following:
- 12 English Language credits at Level 2 from a pre-2014 Access to HE Diploma
- Cambridge English Scale: B2
- International GCE O-Level English Language: Grade C
- International GCSE English/English as a Second Language: Grade C
- Functional Skills Level 2 English
