Course summary
OVERVIEW Build a career in childhood services with UWS’s BA (Hons) Childhood Studies programme. Throughout this programme 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 the leadership of learning in 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). PROGRAMME HIGHLIGHTS • This programme offers the opportunity to build a career supporting children and their families in a variety of environments. • This programme will deepen your understanding of issues related to early childhood and services for children and families. • Guest lectures from multi-agency professionals will increase your understanding of broader aspects relating to work within the early years sector. NB: Students will be required to join Disclosure Scotland’s Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme – see scotland.gov.uk CAREERS 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. Graduates also go on to postgraduate study, including at UWS, on programmes such as: • Graduate Diploma Childhood Practice • PGDE Primary • MEd Education Studies • MSc Social Work
Modules
Year two 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. Year three Through your studies and work-based learning opportunities, 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. Year four The Honours year supports you to 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 programme 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. At Level 10, the programme 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
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
UCAS Tariff - Not accepted
A level - Not accepted
Scottish Higher - Not accepted
Scottish HNC - Pass
Scottish HND - Pass
T Level - M
Entry may be considered with SCQF Level 7/NQF Level 4 qualification in a subject broadly relevant to Childhood Studies, e.g. Education, Social Sciences, Child Health or similar, subject to individual review.
Additional entry requirements
Criminal records declaration (DBS/Disclosure Scotland)
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
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 | £15000* | Year 1 |
International | £15000* | 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
Sponsorship information
Visit www.uws.ac.uk/scholarships
Provider information
University of the West of Scotland
Paisley Campus
High Street
Paisley
PA1 2BE