BA (Hons) Early Childhood Level 6 Top-Up

The BA (Hons) Early Childhood (Level 6 Top-up Degree) provides a progression route for you if you work in the childcare sector and want to top-up your HND or Foundation Degree in Early Years.

It is a one-year full-time programme of study at our Brockenhurst campus, which is delivered one day a week.

The range of modules will enable you to explore key aspects of childhood, with a balance of practical and theoretical application of knowledge.

You will develop problem-solving, critical analysis and independent thinking skills, plus you will learn more about an area of specific interest through an independent project.

You will also spend time with the New Forest National Park Rangers as part of your ‘Learning, teaching and caring in adventure education’ module.

Why choose
BA (Hons) Early Childhood Level 6 Top-Up?

At Brock we deliver this programme in partnership with the University of Chichester, which supports us to provide a high quality learning experience.

All members of the teaching team are Early Years practitioners with a wide range of experience both in the Early Years sector and as academics.

Degree classifications and module grades for this course have been consistently good and in line with those of students studying in a university-campus environment.

The Early Years sector changes rapidly and continually, which is why we listen intently and respond promptly to government and employer demands, ensuring you are fully prepared for your career.

Teaching & learning

Your teachers will draw on the latest research and established academic theory through a variety of blended methods, including: direct teaching, seminars, problem-solving sessions, activity-based learning and adventure education.

The teaching team has published articles and advised on various Early Years issues. They have also won an Innovation Award for teaching and learning.

Information & support

As a higher education student, you will receive many forms of support. However, there may be additional costs for specific things like academic poster printing and binding your independent project.

We expect you to be in Early Years practice for a minimum of 12 hours a week and attended 6 hours of College, which will include lectures and individual tutorials.

We then expect you to spend a further 4-6 hours a week studying independently.

Student transfer arrangements

Transfer-in

You can apply directly using the online application form and by communicating with our Early Childhood and Health department.

Importantly, you may have accumulated academic credit elsewhere that can be credited to you as evidence of prior learning. The process of transferring credit will be considered in line with Brockenhurst College and the University of Chichester’s admissions policy, which you can access here.

Transfer to alternative programmes

Arrangements for transferring-out of your programme will initially require a meeting with the Head of Curriculum.

Please also refer to the University of Chichester’s transferring-out process, which can be accessed here, and scroll down to ‘Student Transfer Arrangements’.

In addition, you can view the University of Chichester’s Academic Regulations  – Section 1: 4B Transfer to Alternative Programmes – here.

Cost

£6,000

Minimum entry requirements

• Level 5 Higher National Diploma in Working with Children and Families / Level 5 Foundation Degree Early Years (240 credits).

• GCSE Maths and English at grade C/4 or equivalent is desirable.

• You must be employed for a minimum of 12 hours per week or undertaking voluntary employment in an Early Years Setting/ Environment 0-8 age range.

• You must hold or obtain a satisfactory enhanced DBS check.

• If you wish to progress to EYTS / PGCE / SCITT training following the completion of your degree, GCSE Science, Maths and English at Grade C/4.

Course structure

You will learn through a wide variety of teaching methods including lectures, group work, seminars and presentations.

The following modules are indicative of the course structure and content:

Children, Stories and the Media

This module explores the use of children's stories and the media to appraise current and past constructs of childhood.

Independent Project

The Independent Project is a long-term piece of analytical research on a topic associated with your studies.

Crime and Childhood

This module is designed to explore aspects of criminal law and offending in relation to childhood. The social construction of childhood will be examined both historically and internationally.

Leading Professional Practice

This module aims to introduce you to the key factors that affect strategies for leading and implementing change in the workplace or voluntary sector.

The Digital Child

This module aims to introduce you to digital experiences of childhood and the effects of technology on children in a fast-changing world.

What can I do with this qualification?

This degree qualification will equip you to explore a range of careers in the Early Years sector. It will also enable you to progress onto postgraduate qualifications, leading to work in the fields of health, education and social work. 

Examples of job roles include: Learning Mentor (LM); Early Years Teacher (EYTS); Primary School Teacher (SCITT); Special Educational Needs (SEND) Teacher; Early Years Lecturer; Early Years Outreach Worker (EYOW).

In addition, we have a progression agreement with South Coast SCITT (School Centred Initiated Teacher Training) at Bransgore Primary School, which is run through the University of Winchester.

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