BA (Hons) Early Learning

Overview

BA (Hons) Early Learning (120 credits)

One year - full-time or two years part-time

The BA (Hons) Early Learning is an intensive work-based higher education qualification for experienced early year’s practitioners who have completed a Foundation Degree in Children’s Care Learning and Development or equivalent undergraduate qualification.

On the full-time programme students must engage in 20 hours per week of work-based learning either with their current employer, or on a voluntary basis in a registered early years setting. Part-time students must engage in 10 hours per week of work- based learning either with their current employer or on a voluntary basis in a registered early years setting. Students are required to attend college for one day each week, normally Wednesdays from 0900-18.00.

The programme focuses on developing students’ knowledge and understanding of the principles and values that underpin the learning and development of young children primarily from birth to 12 years old, and to critically apply these values and principles in order to develop their professional practice.

The course is designed to offer students the opportunity to progress to teacher training or further postgraduate study. Students can also choose to work towards Early Years Professional Status either alongside the BA (Hons) Early Learning or after completion of the degree.

The programme has an established reputation and is supported by local employers and by the Local Education Authority.

In order to succeed on the programme students need to be hardworking and committed individuals who wish to improve their knowledge and understanding and their academic skills.

The BA (Hons) Early Learning programme is underpinned by the following principles and values agreed by the course team, and articulated in module lectures particularly in the Early Learning Practice Module. They are embedded in the Professional Practice Standards which students use as a tool for critically evaluating their own practice.

Effective practice in the early years is based upon:

Committed enthusiastic and reflective practitioners with a breadth and depth of knowledge, skills and understanding involving: 

  • Establishing and maintaining good relationships with both children and other adults
  • Understand the diverse ways that children develop and learn
  • Knowledge and understanding to actively support and extend children’s learning styles and interests
  • Working with parents, carers, the wider community and other professionals within and beyond the setting

BA (Hons) Early Learning (60 credits)

Part-time

The BA (Hons) Early Learning is an intensive work-based higher education qualification for experienced early year’s practitioners who have completed a Foundation Degree in Children’s Care Learning and Development or equivalent undergraduate qualification.

On the part-time programme students must engage in 10 hours per week of work-based learning either with their current employer, or on a voluntary basis in a registered early years setting. Students are required to attend college for one morning each week normally Wednesdays from 0900-13.00.

The programme focuses on developing students’ knowledge and understanding of the principles and values that underpin the learning and development of young children primarily from birth to 12 years old, and to critically apply these values and principles in order to develop their professional practice.

The course is designed to offer students the opportunity to progress to teacher training or further postgraduate study. Students can also choose to work towards Early Years Professional Status either alongside the BA (Hons) Early Learning or after completion of the degree.

The programme has an established reputation and is supported by local employers and by the Local Education Authority.

In order to succeed on the programme students need to be hardworking and committed individuals who wish to improve their knowledge and understanding and their academic skills.

The BA (Hons) Early Learning programme is underpinned by the following principles and values agreed by the course team, and articulated in module lectures particularly in the Early Learning Practice Module. They are embedded in the Professional Practice Standards which students use as a tool for critically evaluating their own practice.

Effective practice in the early years is based upon:

Committed enthusiastic and reflective practitioners with a breadth and depth of knowledge, skills and understanding involving:

  • Establishing and maintaining good relationships with both children and other adults
  • Understand the diverse ways that children develop and learn
  • Knowledge and understanding to actively support and extend children’s learning styles and interests
  • Working with parents, carers , the wider community and other professionals within and beyond the setting

Content and Modules

There are two pathways for this programme; the Honours degree or the Ordinary degree route which is full-time (120 credits) and the Ordinary Degree route which is part-time (60 credits).

Modules studied:

Honours degree route - full-time

  • Early Learning Practice - 40 credits(Mandatory)
  • Research II - 40 credits (Mandatory)
  • Early Childhood Intervention - 20 credits (Mandatory)
  • Critical Theory and Practice - 20 credits (Mandatory)

Honours degree route - part-time

  • Early Learning Practice - 40 credits (Mandatory)

With a choice of 1 module from:

  • Early Childhood Intervention - 20 credits (Optional)
  • Critical Theory and Practice - 20 credits (Optional)

Further Information

Student testimonial:

"I chose the BA (Hons) Early Learning course as it had a good balance of academic and practice modules, which I found to be a very beneficial aspect of the course as I was able to build upon my existing experience and skills. Completing the BA (Hons) Early Learning has provided me with many opportunities to develop my knowledge and skills as an Early Years Practitioner. Although it was hard work, I have developed my knowledge of underpinning theory and been able to link these directly to improve my practice. I feel this increased knowledge has enhanced not only my skills but also my confidence and employability".  

At a glance details

UCAS Code:

X312 BA/EL

Typical Offer:

A Foundation degree (or equivalent)

Location:

UCS Ipswich| (campus code I)

Duration:

One year full-time (including 20 hours of work-based learning in the work place and one day of classroom attendance) or two years part-time (including 10 hours of work-based learning in the work-place and half a day of classroom attendance

Related courses

Related links

 
All UCS degrees are jointly validated by the Universities of East Anglia and Essex