Childcare and Teacher Training

Early Childhood Studies BA (Hons) Top-Up

In Brief

Start Date / Duration

This course will start in September. The course runs full time for one year starting in Early September and finishing in mid to late May. Students attend for one full day 9.30am - 4.30pm. The day and further information will be confirmed at interview.

Entry requirements

At Barnsley College we are committed to recruiting students with talent and potential and who we feel will benefit greatly from their academic and non-academic experiences here. We treat every application on its own merits; we value highly the experience you illustrate in your personal statement. The following information is designed to give you a general overview of the qualifications we accept. If you are taking qualifications that are not included below, please contact our Admissions Office who will be happy to advise you. Successful completion of a foundation degree in a relevant area or equivalent Level 4 and 5 qualifications.

We require GCSE English Language at minimum Grade C or 4 (or accepted Level 2 equivalent).

We welcome students with a range of qualifications and we treat every application on its own merits.

DBS Requirements

Applicants who are offered a place and accept will be contacted regarding the DBS application, which will be completed via an external company.

 

You will achieve

Professional Practice: Early Childhood Studies BA (Hons) Level 6 top-up degree, this qualification is validated by Leeds Trinity University.

Awarding Body

Leeds Trinity University logo

Validated by Leeds Trinity University

UCAS Course Code

PECH

Course overview

Are you ready to progress in your career? Do you want to become a leader in an early years setting? Our Professional Practice degree in Early Childhood Studies is a work-based learning Level 6 top-up degree. It’s designed to be studied on completion of a foundation degree (or equivalent Level 5 qualification), in an area related to early years care and education and/or the support of children and families.

Course content

You’ll have the opportunity to develop your subject expertise by exploring contemporary issues in the care, education, health and welfare of young children and their families. In the context of your own professional practice, you’ll evaluate current debates, government strategies and initiatives. Applying theory to practice, you’ll undertake a range of work-based activities, including workplace analysis of the practices and models of management, teamwork, children’s learning and experience. You’ll develop an understanding of the key issues related to ethical practice, as well as learn how to reflect critically on workplace practices in a professional fashion.

You’ll receive extensive support throughout your studies, starting with a specially designed induction programme. We also encourage you to identify a workplace mentor who could support you with your studies and research, (this will be discussed at your interview in more detail)

Modules

The module details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.

On this course, you will study a range of modules, which may include the following:

  • Evaluating Current Debates and Developments
  • Work Related Project
  • The Early Years Professional
  • Developing Through Play: Theoretical Perspectives

Teaching and Learning

The teaching team at Barnsley College aim to provide with an excellent student experience and provide you with the tools and support to help you achieve your academic, personal and professional potential.

Focussing on the following

  • High quality teaching
  • An engaging and inclusive approach to learning, assessment and achievement
  • A clear structure through which you progress in your academic studies, your personal development and towards professional-level employment or further study
  • We have a strong reputation for developing student employability, supporting your development towards graduate employment, with relevant skills embedded throughout your programme of study

We endeavour to develop curiosity, confidence, courage, ambition and aspiration in all students through

  • Student Involvement and Engagement
  • Inclusion
  • Integrated Programme and Assessment Experience
  • Digital Literacy and Skills
  • Employability and Enterprise

To help you achieve your potential we emphasise learning as a collaborative process, with a range of student-led and real-world activities. This approach ensures that you fully engage in shaping your own learning, developing your critical thinking and reflective skills so that you can identify your own strengths and weaknesses, and use the extensive learning support system we offer to shape your own development.

We believe the secret to great learning and teaching is simple: it is about creating an inclusive learning experience that allows all students to thrive through:

  • Personalised support
  • Expert lecturers
  • Strong connections with employers
  • An international outlook
  • Understanding how to use tools and technology to support learning and development

 

A variety of assessment methods are used, matched to the learning outcomes for your programme, allowing you to apply and demonstrate the full range of knowledge and skills that you have developed.

 

We advise students to bring their own laptop or tablet device to taught sessions to help with note taking and research. You will need to bring pens paper and your own small stationery items.

We advise students that there may be additional course costs in addition to annual tuition fees. These include:

  • Books – recommended and required reading lists will be provided at the start of your course. All the books and e-books are available from our Library to borrow but you may choose to purchase your own.
  • Print costs – students have access to a number of printers on campus and there is a small charge for printing, printing credit can be topped up on campus.

 

 

You will study at a Barnsley College town centre campus, more details will be provided at interview.

Once you graduate, you’ll be ready to begin a career as a nursery leader, family support worker, teacher, play worker, play therapist or social worker (after postgraduate study).

 

How much does the course cost?

Course fees: £5,995 per year for those that enrol in September 2024. £6,165* per year for those that enrol in September 2025 (*maximum fee per year is subject to approval).

Extra information

We offer a service to any student who has a diagnosis of anything persistent or long-term which might interfere with how they study and manage their day-to-day academic engagement. The service is flexible and shaped around the needs of each individual; it might be consistent support or intermittent support.

For further information please visit the Disability and Dyslexia Service (DDS) web page for more information.

As a Higher Education student living in England you may be eligible for the non-means tested Tuition Fee Loan from the Government and a Maintenance Loan.

Students with children or dependant adults may qualify for a Childcare Grant or Adult Dependants’ Grant. Students can apply for these at the same time as applying for a Maintenance Loan.

Remember: Eligible students will not have to pay tuition fees in advance and can apply for the Maintenance Loan before they start the course.

Visit the Student Finance page on the Government website for further details and to apply.

For further information please contact our friendly Information Team on +44 (0)1226 216 123 or email info@barnsley.ac.uk

Barnsley College has a range of sports opportunities for all students to take part in, gain professional training and compete nationally and internationally. We also have a state-of-the-art fitness village, Honeywell Sports Village where students can make use of our fitness suite, spinning studio and classes for competitive rates. You don’t have to be studying sport to get involved in the Sports Academy.

Please note we reserve the right to change details without notice. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

Early Childhood Studies BA (Hons) Top-Up

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