Early Childhood Studies Top-up

Why study with us?

This top-up pathway is part of the BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies programme and is designed flexibly to meet your training needs. It focuses on the central issues and policies related to the provision of services for young children from birth to age eight.

The University of Cumbria is an ideal place to study. We have a strong history in delivering early years courses to a wide range of professionals and practitioners. You will be taught by a supportive, well-qualified team of tutors, skilled and knowledgeable in the subject and with experience in a wide range of early years settings.

What can this course lead to?

The course will help prepare you for a wide range of professions and the further training associated with early childhood and the provision of children's services. These include early years professional, early years teacher, play worker and other roles in children's centres across the private, voluntary, public and independent sectors.

Resources and facilities

We have several excellent resources to help you excel in your studies. All students have access to our Blackboard Virtual Learning Environment which can provide easy online access to course information, course materials, relevant web links and an online discussion board.

We have a well-stocked library and a Learning Gateway, which offers an interactive, flexible space to study. You can also take advantage of our Library and Student Services (LiSS), which provides learning resources, equipment, student advice, skills training and study space.

Have a look at our learning resources for Early Years Education.

Entry requirements See course specific entry requirements listed below.

More about levels and credits

Selection criteria

Applicants should have successfully completed the Teaching and Learning Support foundation degree. Students with other level five qualifications may be considered after a mapping process is completed.

All applicants will require an enhanced Criminal Records Bureau check.

Modules

• Current issues in the early years
• Personal and professional understanding of child development
• International perspectives
• Multi-agency working
• Special study

Course summary

This course is ideal for students who want to follow early childhood studies that focus on the lives and backgrounds of children up to eight years old.

The pathway is designed flexibly to meet your training needs and will include several aspects of early childhood studies: legislation, policy and practice for working with young children; governmental and other agendas for the early years and children aged 0-8; historical and perceptions of International Practices; societal and cultural factors in understanding young children and their families and communities.