BA (Hons) Education Studies & Early Years

Course Overview

This programme offers students the opportunity to progress from a Foundation Degree in Early Years and gain a full BA (Hons) degree.

Working in the Early Years sector puts you at the forefront of a child's development. You will be able to design a curriculum, work with parents and industry professionals to stimulate a child's learning.  

This course will build on the knowledge and skills you have already developed in the workplace and on the Foundation Degree in Early Years allowing you to progress in your career. You will be required on campus one day per week, while the rest of the time you will be in a workplace, allowing you to take the knowledge you learn in the classroom straight into your early years setting. 

This course is offered in partnership with, and validated by, University of Hertfordshire. This course is studied part-time, more information on the study patterns available can be found in the Programme Specification. Your individual circumstances will be discussed with one of our tutors upon application.

What will I study?

You will study four modules over the year which are listed below. The main aim of the course is to ensure you finish this course as a well-educated and confident professional. 

You will also develop personally, professionally and academically, enhancing your ability to think critically about Early Years Education. You will be able to take the skills you have learnt on the course throughout your career, allowing you to continually learn and implement new creative ideas to support a child's development in your workplace. 

It is designed to recruit students from a diverse range of backgrounds, who have an interest in Early Years education. Students will be able to make the links between education policy, its delivery and the experience of groups and individuals.

Modules

Studied over three semesters, modules include:

• Promoting Positive Relationships in Professional Practice - 30 credits
• Promoting Children's Critical Thinking through Creative Practice - 30 credits
• Research Project in Early Years and Educational Contexts - 30 credits
• Psychology Perspectives in Early Years and Education - 30 credits

The programme of study runs on one full day a week and is taught through lectures, workshops, tutorials, presentations, and whole or small group discussions.

There are no exams throughout the programme. Instead, it consists of 100% coursework with set deadline dates. The end of module assessments includes a range of methods such as essays, reports, presentations, posters, and leaflets.

All students are expected to have access to a suitable work-related experience in an Early Years setting, for a minimum of 200 hours per year.

Entry requirements

Alongside access to 200 hours of work placement in an Early Years Provision in a paid or voluntary compacity, you will also require:

• A Level 5 Foundation Degree (or equivalent) in Early Years
• GCSE Grade C or above in English and Maths.

All applicants will be interviewed.

The programme is subject to the University of Hertfordshire's Principles, Policies, Regulations and Procedures for the Admission of Students to Undergraduate and Taught Postgraduate Programmes and will take account of University policy and guidelines for assessing accredited prior certificated learning (APCL) and accredited prior experiential learning (APEL).

Additional costs

Course fees are £6,935 per year.

We understand that the costs of college may be daunting but we are here to support you.

View our financial support information

What could I do next?

Graduates could follow a career in education or Early Years practice or could use their degree as a strong foundation for entry into a wide range of other professions. Graduates could progress to a postgraduate teaching qualification in education, or train to be an Early Years Teacher, or they may decide to continue their studies with a Master’s degree.

This degree will also help you progress within the sector and could even lead to management roles.

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