BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies (Graduate Practitioner) (Top-Up)

The course blends theory with practice as there is the expectation that you will complete a placement in an early years setting or school for the duration of your studies.

The multi-disciplinary programme prepares students for careers in early years education and care or primary education as a teaching assistant or class teacher, family support, health and social services.

This degree has been designed with the demands of employers in the early years/school sector in mind, along with the principles of Early Years Initial Teacher Training (EYITT). We are pleased to be able to offer you the opportunity to complete the Early Childhood Graduate Competencies as part of your course. The Graduate Competencies are completed alongside the third year of your degree and give successful students, a level 3 equivalent qualification to work with children aged 0-8 years as a Graduate Practitioner.

The third year top-up is taught by a highly experienced, professional team with expertise in the fields of education and the early years sector. It draws on external practitioners and experts in the field to provide specialist input.

You will have the opportunity to explore theoretical perspectives and work based practice through lectures, workshops, presentations, work-based projects, electronic discussions and assignments. There is a strong emphasis on the development of ICT, communication and presentation skills.

With a full BA Hons degree and appropriate entry requirements, you could progress into primary teacher training or Early Years teacher training both of which would require a further year of study.

Some students decide to continue their studies moving on to Masters level study in Education, Early Years or Social Work.

Some students progress into management posts in early years settings or full day care.

Modules

These are the modules for the last academic year. These are currently under revalidation so some of these modules can be subject to change

Year 1

You will need:

• GCSE English at grade 4 (C) or above

• Successful completion of FdA Early Years and Education or other relevant foundation degree

• A relevant level 3 qualification in early years or supporting teaching and learning

• An enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check

International (EEA) applicants

International applicants from the European Economic Area (EEA) may be asked to complete IELTS and achieve a level 7 if there are significant doubts about an applicant's level to communicate. A NARIC statement of comparability will be required to translate grades into their UK equivalents

How long is this course?

1 year

When does this course start?

02/09/2026

How many hours / days per week is this course?

1 day per week from 10am (6 hours attendance including lectures, seminar activities, study skills support and tutorials), day TBC but likely to be Wednesday. Plus 2 x full days in work and placement. This course is delivered face-to-face on the university centre campus.

Fee information

Information about course fees and student finance can be found below.

Finance at UcWA

What qualification will I achieve?

BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies

How is my course assessed?

Assessment activities include a major project dissertation, written essays, poster presentations, portfolio building, group presentations, a creative writing task along with one practical activity to be carried out in the workplace or placement setting.

Are there any additional costs?

DBS check (if required): £45

Trip: A trip to the Museum of Childhood is organised. Entry to the museum is free, the return train fare from King's Lynn is approximately £27

How may hours am I expected to self-study?

Approximately 20 hours per week

Work placement:

If not employed in the industry, work placement is expected in a school or early years setting of the student's choice for 2 days a week

The course team

Kathryn Le Serve spent many years working in various early years and school provision before working as an Early Years Advisor in Norfolk. She taught on various early years courses in the county before coming to teach at the university centre. Kathryn is Course Director for the BA Hons and the Foundation Degree and has been teaching on the degree programme for 16 years. Her areas of specialism include outdoor play and learning and early years pedagogy.

Jeanette Nowrung has been working in the early years sector of over 30 years. Currently she is the manager of 2 outstanding settings (Ofsted 2019 and 2020). She has been teaching at the university centre on a part time basis for over 25 years. Her areas of specialism include safeguarding, embracing diversity and leadership and management. Jeanette has taught on the degree programme for 18 years, currently teaching on the second and third year.

Terms and changes to programmes

Every effort to ensure the information on this page is accurate, however there may be scenarios where the college is required to make amend or alter aspects of the programme, college provision or delivery. Should this occur after you have accepted a place at the college, you will be consulted and agreement sought. You will be entitled to withdraw from any obligations to the college, and where relevant receive any refund or compensation, as per your Terms and Conditions and the Student Protection Plan of the relevant validating awarding organisation. More information is available on our Terms page.