Early Childhood Studies Top-up BA (Hons)

**This course is accredited by the University of Warwick**<br/><br/>**OVERVIEW**<br/>**Do you have knowledge of working with young children and their families? Want a career helping to shape the foundations for the future of the next generation? Our Early Childhood Studies top-up degree course builds upon your existing training for the early years sector and will help you become a highly qualified graduate practitioner ready to enter a rewarding career in this field.**<br/><br/>Covering work with children aged 0-8 years, this top-up course is designed for anyone who has previously studied a relevant subject (up to Level 5), boosting your understanding of childhood, development and growth as well as creating new learning opportunities. You will explore themes of leadership and management and key competencies for the early years workforce, along with a range of optional modules, from pedagogical leadership in play to socio-historical aspects of childhood.<br/><br/>As part of our top-up Early Childhood Studies course, you will conduct in-depth research into a topic that matches your personal interests and ambitions, while you will also undertake a work placement related to your future career. On completing the course, you will be able to pursue a range of careers within the sector, while if you have ambitions to become a teacher, you can progress onto our PGCE Primary Education QTS (Qualified Teacher Status) postgraduate course.<br/><br/>**WHY CHOOSE THIS COURSE?**<br/>- **Work placement** – Gain invaluable experience working in a real-life setting on a work placement as part of your top-up course<br/><br/><br/>- **In-depth research** – Carry out your own research project on a topic that you are passionate about and is relevant to your professional aspirations<br/><br/><br/>- **Specialise your studies** – Choose from a variety of optional modules, including Childrens Voice and Pedagogical Leadership in Play<br/><br/><br/>- **Enrichment** – Boost your employability with exciting enrichment opportunities as well as additional qualifications including Paediatric First Aid and Food and Hygiene<br/><br/><br/>**PLACEMENTS**<br/>Our top-up course includes a mandatory requirement of 200 hours on placement, with the setting determined by your eventual career choice.<br/><br/>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.<br/><br/>**CAREERS AND PROGRESSION**<br/>Examples of careers you could pursue following this course:<br/>- Early years teacher/primary school teacher<br/><br/><br/>- Learning mentor<br/><br/><br/>- Family support worker<br/><br/><br/>- Special educational needs coordinator (SENCO)<br/><br/><br/>- Social worker (NHS)<br/><br/><br/>- Mental health nurse<br/><br/><br/>You could also progress onto one of our postgraduate courses at University College Birmingham.<br/><br/><br/>- **Please refer to our website www.ucb.ac.uk for the latest updates to this course**<br/>

At University College Birmingham, you'll learn from expert lecturers with access to a network of employer connections and world-class facilities.<br/><br/>With one of the most diverse student bodies in the UK, the university have invested a huge £200 million into their facilities, which include their Health Skills and Simulation Suite, Human Performance Laboratory, Centre for Sustainable Construction and Business School, giving students the chance to gain practical experience and prepare for their future careers.<br/><br/>You'll also be living in one of the best student cities in the UK. With a student population of over 80,000, Birmingham is brimming with student hotspots. Bars, pubs and clubs are dotted around the city, alongside beautiful green spaces, shopping options and business hubs. You'll also be in the home of some of the best food in the UK, with Birmingham being the home of the balti!<br/><br/>University College Birmingham's brilliant student support teams will help you throughout your studies. They offer one-to-one academic support, development sessions and skills workshops alongside health and wellness support. Students also have access to student experience mentors to help them reach their potential.<br/><br/>Register interest today and find your place at University College Birmingham!