Early Childhood Studies Top-up

This course is accredited by the University of Warwick

OVERVIEW
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.

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.

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.

WHY CHOOSE THIS COURSE?
- Work placement – Gain invaluable experience working in a real-life setting on a work placement as part of your top-up course


- In-depth research – Carry out your own research project on a topic that you are passionate about and is relevant to your professional aspirations


- Specialise your studies – Choose from a variety of optional modules, including Children's Voice and Pedagogical Leadership in Play


- Enrichment – Boost your employability with exciting enrichment opportunities as well as additional qualifications including Paediatric First Aid and Food and Hygiene


PLACEMENTS
Our top-up course includes a mandatory requirement of 200 hours on placement, with the setting determined 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

Investing £300 million in its campuses, University College Birmingham is all about degrees that get you hired and practical support to get you through.

Its higher education qualifications are hands-on and shaped by the needs of industry, all taught by experienced industry experts across its seven campuses in the heart of Birmingham, a hub of business districts, nightlife, cultural attractions, parks and entertainment.

Some courses have a 2 Day Degree option, meaning you only have to be on-campus two consecutive days a week, freeing up the rest of the week for work, caring responsibilities and other commitments.

The university works with over 1,000 employers to benefit students, is accredited by top industry bodies and organisations, and is a centre for excellence across a range of subjects. As well as a £6,000 Cost of Living Allowance, it also offers Kick-Start funding of up to £800 a year to help pay for expenses such as uniform, food and drink.

Register your interest today and secure your place at University College Birmingham!