Early Childhood Studies — BA (Hons) Top Up

The BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies (Top-up) is a one-year full time higher education qualification for experienced early years practitioners who have successfully completed a Foundation Degree in Early Years Practice or equivalent L5 qualification, who want to progress into further responsibility within the early years sector or postgraduate study to switch careers.

Students will gain knowledge and understanding of the principles and values that underpin early years in order to develop their professional practice. The programme aims to encourage students to reflect and critically analyse a range of perspectives in relation to contemporary issues in the early years.

Within the programme, there will be opportunity for students to attain a level of professional practice. The Level 6 Top-up degree in Early Childhood Studies is an employment-related educational qualification which will provide students with the specialist knowledge and skills required within the Early Years sector. All modules link theory to practice. Students who are not employed in the early years sector will be required to complete 70 hours in a chosen early years setting as part of the Professional Practice module.

The BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies (Top-up) is validated by The Open University.

The programme handbook for this course is available to applicants online:

BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies (Top-up) Programme Handbook (2024-25)

This programme is validated by The Open University. To access the OU Regulations and OU Students' Guide, please follow the links below:

OU Regulations

OU Students' Guide

Modules studied:

• Contemporary Issues in Early Childhood
• International Perspectives of Early Childhood
• Professional Practice
• Play & Pedagogy
• Dissertation for Early Childhood Studies

How will I be taught?

Teaching and learning methods and activities employed by the Programme Team will be balanced between tutor centred and student-centred activities that enable maximum participation and discussion during lessons.

The range of teaching and learning methods and activities include lecture; teaching workshop; seminars; group critiques; self-directed learning; peer group learning; written work; oral presentation; group work and library study.

There is also an emphasis on independent learning across each module where additional reading and activities will be placed on the VLE linking to key lessons. Indicative resources are also listed in each module handbook to support and encourage independent learning.

How will I be assessed?

The course comprises of 5 mandatory modules across the academic year, there are no optional modules to choose from. These 5 modules equate to 120 credits. Each module carries two assessed components which are all based on coursework.

Students will receive timely, relevant, and constructive feedback on all summative assessed components to enable skills to continue and develop throughout the course, there are also opportunities set to discuss feedback on a one-to-one basis. Formative assessment is given on the dissertation proposal to support progression with the year-long dissertation and through class activities and discussion.

The programme aims to provide key knowledge and develop transferable skills, and assessment tasks are developed to put this knowledge into practice and research issues further.

The variety of assessments include: a research dissertation, portfolio, essays, presentations, debates, report and reflective accounts.

Who is the course intended for?

The BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies (Top-Up) is a one-year full time higher education qualification for experienced early years' practitioners who have successfully completed a Foundation Degree in Early Years or equivalent L5 qualification who want to progress into further responsibility within the early years sector or postgraduate study to switch careers.

Additional costs

This course may require students to apply for a DBS check, depending on the student's current employment status, students, if employed at the start of the course will already have a DBS, students who require a placement whilst on the course will be required to obtain a DBS check.

Please note: this course will only run when it has a sufficient number of applicants.

Qualifications

Within the scheme, there will be opportunity for learners to attain a level of professional practice. The level 6 top-up degree in Early Years is an employment-related educational qualification which will provide students with the specialist knowledge and skills required within the Early Years sector. All modules link theory to practice.

Student Benefits

Academy Bakery

The Academy Bakery is located on the Duke Street campus, producing a range of first class baked goods daily. These include artisan breads, patisserie and biscuits, as well as special occasion/novelty cakes by award-winning master-bakers. Students are offered a range of discounts throughout the year.

The Academy Bakery

Academy Hair and Beauty Salons

Duke Street is also home to The Academy Hair and Beauty salons. They offer generous student discounts on a wide range of hair and beauty treatments, at a fraction of high-street prices. These include styling, cutting, perming, highlights, facials, manicures, electrolysis and traditional and homeopathic massage.

The Academy Salons

Academy Restaurant

Duke Street campus is also home to the College’s Academy Restaurant. Often referred to by it’s customers as Liverpool’s hidden gem, the restaurant serves top class cuisine, at highly competitive prices. Food is expertly prepared by professional chef/tutors and young chefs in training and offers students a range of discounts at different times of the year.

The Academy Restaurant

Microsoft Office 365 - Free

When you become a student of the College you’ll receive full access to Microsoft Office 365. This allows you to install the software on your own computer and other devices at home, completely free of charge.

Onsite Sports Facilities/Fitness Suite

The college has excellent sports and fitness facilities at its Roscoe Street campus. Students pay a one-off membership fee for all year round usage of weekly supervised gym sessions, as well as access to a number of sporting clubs and events.