Early Childhood Studies
Entry requirements
A level
UCB will accept A Level in General Studies for this course and will also take into consideration applicants who are studying an extended project.
Access to HE Diploma
You will need a minimum of 96 UCAS Tariff points. A minimum of 15 Level 3 credits at Distinction.
GCSE/National 4/National 5
To enrol on our Early Childhood Studies BA (Hons) with Graduate Practitioner Competencies status, you will require GCSE / IGCSE English language and Maths grades 9-4/A*-C, or Functional Skills Level 2. If you do not have GCSE / IGCSE Maths grade 9-4/A*-C, you can still enrol on our degree course but will not be eligible for Graduate Practitioner Competencies status.
HNC (BTEC)
A relevant HNC or a foundation degree with 120 credits.
HND (BTEC)
A relevant HND or a foundation degree with 240 credits.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
This can be achieved from either an Extended Diploma or a combination of smaller BTEC qualifications.
You will need a minimum of 96 UCAS Tariff points
T Level
A T-level graded Pass with a core component of grade C.
UCAS Tariff
Level 3 qualifications are accepted at UCB for entrance, a minimum of 96 UCAS Tariff points will be required. If you are unsure if your qualification is accepted call us on 0121 604 1040 or email [email protected].
About this course
**This course is accredited by the University of Warwick**
**OVERVIEW**
**Early childhood is viewed as the most formative period of our lives, shaping the foundations for our whole future. If you are passionate about working with young children and their families, our Early Childhood Studies (Graduate Practitioner) degree will give you the knowledge and experience to become a highly qualified graduate practitioner and open the doors to a rewarding career helping to meet the needs of children.**
Covering work with children aged 0-8 years, our course offers the special benefit of being one of the first Early Childhood Studies degrees in the UK – and the only one in the Birmingham area – to include the new **Graduate Practitioner Competencies**. Awarded in your final year, these demonstrate your holistic understanding of early childhood and your ability to critically apply knowledge to practice. By adding Graduate Practitioner Competencies to your final award, you’ll be at the forefront of graduate practice and have new opportunities to strengthen your employability, as well as for progression onto postgraduate academic programmes or professional training in everything from teaching to social work and play therapy.
Our course will teach you about key characteristics of childhood and how to meet the developmental needs of young children, including wider topics such as inclusion, health, safeguarding, and leadership. You will also gain extensive work experience across a variety of placements and go on visits to observe different childhood approaches first-hand, as well as having opportunities for additional qualifications and enrichment activities including Makaton training, Paediatric First Aid, introductory Lego therapy, and baby massage sessions.
**WHY CHOOSE THIS COURSE?**
- **Work placements** – From day care and nurseries to primary school mentoring and special education, gain real-life experience on a variety of placements throughout your degree
- **Enrichment** – Widen your skills with enrichment opportunities such as Lego therapy, Makaton training, baby massage, Paediatric First Aid, and food hygiene
- **Industry approved** – Our course includes the Graduate Practitioner Competencies developed by the ECSDN (now included in the QAA Early Childhood Studies Subject Benchmark Statements with practice at Level 6 recognised by the DfE)
**PLACEMENTS**
Our course includes a mandatory requirement of 200 hours on placement each year. Year 1 and 2 placements will focus on early childhood (ages 0-8) while the Year 3 placement will be determined where possible by your eventual career choice.
Employers we have worked with include Aston University Nursery and Pre-school, Birmingham Centre for Arts Therapies, Arden Primary School, Queen Alexandra College, James Brindley Parkway, Little Scallywags Day Nursery and St Thomas Centre Nursery.
**CAREERS AND PROGRESSION**
Examples of careers you could pursue following this course:
- Early years teacher/primary school teacher
- Learning mentor
- Family support worker
- Special educational needs coordinator (SENCO)
- Social worker (NHS)
- Mental health nurse
You could also progress onto one of our postgraduate courses at University College Birmingham.
- **Please refer to our website www.ucb.ac.uk for the latest updates to this course**
Modules
**YEAR 1**
- Equality, Diversity and Inclusive Play
- Growth, Learning and Development
- Introduction to the Early Years Framework
- Nurturing Children's Health and Well-being
- Pioneers, Pedagogy and Philosophy
- The Child in Society
**YEAR 2**
- Child Protection and Safety in Practice
- Developing Research
- Effective Leadership and Management Skills
- SEND within the Early Years Sector
- Theoretical Perspectives of Child Development
Plus one option from:
- Children of the Future
- Creativity and Play in the Early Years
**YEAR 3**
- Dissertation (SEHC)
- Enhancing Employability for Graduate Practice
- Leading and Managing Systems
Plus one option from:
- Children's Voice
- Socio-Historical Aspect of Childhood
Assessment methods
**Note: Indicative information only. Actual timetables and assessment regimes will be issued at your induction. Please be aware that methods of delivery for this course may be altered due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic – for the most up-to-date information, please refer to our website: www.ucb.ac.uk**
**ASSESSMENT**
Estimated breakdown of assessment for this degree course:
- **Coursework** – 100%
Our teaching and assessment is underpinned by our Teaching, Learning and Assessment Strategy 2021-2024.
Tuition fees
Select where you currently live to see what you'll pay:
The Uni
University College Birmingham
Education - BA/BSc
What students say
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Childhood and youth studies
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Childhood and youth studies
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Looking further ahead, below is a rough guide for what graduates went on to earn.
Childhood and youth studies
The graph shows median earnings of graduates who achieved a degree in this subject area one, three and five years after graduating from here.
£19k
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£24k
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