What You Will Study

You will study a range of theoretical and work-related components which will enhance your understanding of working with children in early years and primary education. You will have the opportunity to choose a topic for a research project which will contribute to your knowledge of a specific area.

You will also have the opportunity to choose an optional module (subject to student numbers) based on your future career goals.

Level 4 modules:

  • Child development theory and practice
  • Safeguarding children
  • Employability
  • Study Skills
  • Understanding children’s behaviour
  • Holistic development in early childhood

Level 5 Modules:

  • Play-based learning
  • Children and society
  • Research Project in Young Children's Learning and Development
  • Health Issues in Childcare 
  • Current Issues 
  • Primary education policy and practice
  • Attendance Expectations
    • Full-Time: you will attend college twodays per week and 12 hours employed or in a placement in an early years setting.
    • Part-Time: you will attend college one day per week and six hours employed or in a placement in an early years setting.
  • How You Will Be Assessed

    Knowledge is assessed by means of assignments, reports, portfolios, assessed presentations and a delivered micro-teach.

    You will also need to demonstrate your competence in your workplace or placement and you will have the opportunity to choose a topic for a research project that will contribute to your knowledge of a specific topic.

  • Entry Requirements

    Minimum 48 UCAS tariff points from relevant Level 3 study such as a Level 3 Diploma in Early Years or A Levels.

    AND

    GCSE Grade 9-4 in English Language.

    OR

    Applicants for the full-time route who have A Levels or Level 3 qualifications unrelated to the early years and education sector will be considered.

    Applicants with other qualifications may be considered, depending on experience.

    Applicants wishing to apply for Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) will also be considered. You will have to provide a portfolio of evidence detailing prior knowledge and achievements.

  • Fee Information

    These fees relate to 2024/25:

    Full-time: £6,950 per year
    Part-time: £4,633 per year

  • Further Study

    Successful completion will provide the opportunity to further your studies with a direct route to the BA (Hons) Early Childhood Education and Care (Top-Up) degree at the University Centre. Past students have also progressed to the Primary Teaching (Top-Up) degrees with QTS or the PGCE, Youth and Community and Business and Management (Top-Up) degrees.