Course summary
OVERVIEW The BA (Hons) Childhood Studies is a top-up degree designed for holders of HNCs (or equivalent) and enables you to build a career in childhood services. Throughout this course you will gain an understanding of the issues related to early childhood and services for children and families. You will learn about the values underpinning children’s services, and the importance of working in partnership with professionals from a range of disciplines. You will consider issues relating to management and leadership of early learning and childcare services. To develop your practical knowledge, you’ll have the chance to complete two three-week blocks of work-based experience each year. In Year 3 you will have the option to complete placement in an international setting (currently available in Italy, Spain and Germany). PRACTICAL FOCUS This course is very practially-focused. Throughout the course, you will have the chance to apply your knowledge in a professional setting with blocks of work-based experience each year. In Year 2, you will complete one three-week block placement in Term 2; in years 3 and 4, you will complete two three-week placements, one each in Terms 1 and 2. Recent student placements were located in local authority establishments and private providers. In addition, throughout your studies, we incorporate guest lectures from multi-agency professionals. These increase your understanding of broader aspects relating to work within the early years sector and enhance your academic studies. CAREER PROSPECTS Jobs BA (Hons) Childhood Studies graduates have gained employment in integrated childcare services with children under five years, out-of-school care, and in project work offering support for children and their families in roles such as family support workers, early years practitioners, and NHS community nursery nurses. Further Study Further study towards Graduate Diploma in Childhood Practice qualifications, depending on experience, is possible. This enables registration with Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) as Lead Practitioner/Manager. Depending on additional qualifications that graduates from this course may have, you may also be eligible to apply for a range of postgraduate programmes, including Initial Teacher Education (Primary), Social Work and Psychology. Note that for Iniitial Teacher Training (PGDE) courses, and other courses, graduates at postgraduate level may need to demonstrate that they possess the equivalent of a pass in SQA Higher English snd Internmediate 2 Maths in addition to a degree in order to apply as this is a requirement from respective professional recognition bodies/institutes.
Modules
As this is a top-up degree, your studies start at Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework at Level 8, or what is second year of degree studies. In Year 2, through your studies and work-based learning opportunities, you will learn about health and well-being, social justice and equality, holistic child development and develop your self-reflection skills. Leadership and teamwork skills are developed in a variety of early learning and childcare settings. You will also reflect on how to effectively support children’s communication and early literacy skills. In Year 3, you will learn more about management and leadership skills in an early years setting. You will explore multi-agency working and the importance of providing effective integrated services. You will have opportunities to promote creativity across the curriculum. International policies and practices of early education and childcare are studied. You will be introduced to qualitative research methods and undertake a research project. There are opportunities to undertake an international placement. In the the final, Honours year of study, you will develop specialist knowledge and practice in an area of your own interest. You will also deepen your knowledge of the core themes of theory, research and practice through undertaking a research study and dissertation. You will have opportunities to explore inter-professional working through asset based approaches to supporting families. You will explore a range of pedagogical approaches to facilitating children’s play, learning and development.
Assessment method
The course will be delivered using a blend of learning and teaching strategies. These include use of the UWS virtual learning environment (Moodle), Interactive Whiteboards, online tutor/student led discussions. Lectures, tutorials, student-led seminars, group-work, role-play, presentations, workshops, problem-based learning and work-related learning will be used to develop student learning. In the final year of study, (SCQF Level 10), the course will be delivered partially online utilising a blended learning format of class sessions, tutorials and online activities. Throughout the programme learning and assessment will have a work based focus.
Qualified teacher status (QTS)
To work as a teacher at a state school in England or Wales, you will need to achieve qualified teacher status (QTS). This is offered on this course for the following level:
- Course does not award QTS
How to apply
31Jan
This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.
Application codes
Please select a course option – you will then see the application code you need to use to apply for the course.
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
- Year 2
- Year 3
Entry requirements for advanced entry (i.e. into Year 2 and beyond)
Year 2 Entry: SQA HNC/BTEC Level 4 HNC: Childhood Practice; Early Education & Childcare; Childcare & Education; Additional Support Needs; Social Care; Social Sciences; Social Services SVQ Level 3 Social Serivces (Children & Young People) Year 3 Entry: SQA HND: Childhood Practice; Early Education & Childcare; Childcare & Education; Additional Support Needs; Social Care; Social Sciences
International applicants
ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS: For applicants whose first language is not English, the University sets a minimum English Language proficiency level. These are shown below.
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
Scottish HNC - Pass
Scottish HND - Pass
T Level - M
Additional entry requirements
Criminal records declaration (DBS/Disclosure Scotland)
Interview
English language requirements
| Test | Grade | Additional details |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS (Academic) | 6 | IELTS 6.0 with 5.5 minimum in each skill / component. |
| Cambridge English Advanced | 176 overall with no sub-test less than 169 | |
| Cambridge English Proficiency | 176 overall with no sub-test less than 169 | |
| Trinity ISE | Pass | ISEII with the minimum of a Pass in all sub-tests |
| PTE Academic | 54 | An overall score of 54 with no element below 51 |
| TOEFL (iBT) | 78 | no sub-test less than: Reading: 17; Listening: 17; Speaking: 17; Writing: 17 |
For applicants whose first language is not English, the University sets a minimum English Language proficiency level. The reason for this is that it’s essential that you are able to read, speak and understand the English language to get the most out of your time at UWS. All international applicants are required to meet minimum English language standards, with the exception of: // Native speakers of English // Erasmus students (unless advised otherwise) // non-Erasmus students from EU partner institutions (your institution must provide confirmation of your English language ability in the absence of a formal qualification) The qualifications above must have been gained within two years prior to the start of your course at UWS.
UWS's English language requirements
https://www.uws.ac.uk/international/english-language-requirements/
Student Outcomes
Operated by the Office for Students
Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)
Go onto work and study
The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| Scotland | £1820* | Year 1 |
| England | £9250* | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £9250* | Year 1 |
| Wales | £9250* | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £9250* | Year 1 |
| Republic of Ireland | £9250* | Year 1 |
| EU | £15250* | Year 1 |
| International | £15250* | Year 1 |
*This is a provisional fee and subject to change.
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
TUITION FEE INFORMATION - SCOTTISH STUDENTS:
Eligible Scottish domiciled students can usually apply to have their tuition fees paid for them each year of their studies by the Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS). If you're not sure about your eligibility, you should contact SAAS. You need to apply to SAAS each year of study to have your tuition fees paid directly to UWS.
TUITION FEE INFORMATION - UK, IRISH & GIBRALTARIAN STUDENTS:
Eligible students who are domiciled in England, Wales, or Northern Ireland as well as from the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man, Gibraltar or the Republic of Ireland will qualify for tuition fees of £9,250 per academic session of study to a maximum of three years if you are studying on a four year bachelor degree course (eg. BAcc (Hons) / BA (Hons) / BEng (Hons) / BSc (Hons)). So, if your degree is four years' duration, you will only be charged tuition fees for three years. Similarly, if you are studying a five year integrated master's degree course (eg. MEng (Hons)) the you will only be charged tuition fees for four years.
TUITION FEE INFORMATION - INTERNATIONAL (NON-EU) & EU STUDENTS:
These tuition fees apply to all non-EU, EEA, and all other EU students (excluding those from Republic of Ireland and Gibraltar, whose fee level is as per UK (non-Scottish) students - see section above for more details).
ADDITIONAL COSTS:
The cost of attending university is an investment in your future career.
In addition to tuition fees and living expenses, some courses involve extra costs such as consumable study materials, field trips, equipment and uniforms. You may also want to purchase some core texts and technology such as a new laptop etc. Some of these additional costs are optional, some, such as uniforms or safety equipment may be mandatory.
Check the course entry on our website for more more information.
Sponsorship information
Visit www.uws.ac.uk/scholarships
Provider information
University of the West of Scotland
Paisley Campus
High Street
Paisley
PA1 2BE