Course overview
Being awarded the Higher Technical Qualification (HTQ) ensures that:
> the quality of teaching and learning meets employer needs
> there are robust quality monitoring systems in place to meet the needs of employers
This part-time programme is a foundation degree for early years' practitioners. You will be at least 18 and have experience of working with children in a variety of contexts. It comprises two years of part-time study at one of the University’s partner colleges. This enables you to progress on to the final year of the BA (Hons) Young Children and Early Childhood (Top-up).
The award of Teesside University is delivered in partnership with Darlington College (01325 503030) and Redcar & Cleveland College (01642 473132). The course runs at these colleges, not at Teesside University.
Course details
Course structure
Year 1 core modules
Examine social policy and its links to early years practice with a focus on how policies about professional practice enables effective work with children and families.
You study the links made between a child’s natural play focus and the benefits this has on the active learning process. You investigate how the early years practitioner can foster an engaging and positive approach to learning and development.
Professional Development Projects Level 4
Explore the relationship between professional development and academic reflection within early years. You reflect on your professional practice to identify future skills development.
Traditional and Contemporary Perspectives of Childhood Development
You study different perspectives of childhood and create professional understandings relating to a child’s ability to live, learn and develop.
Year 2 core modules
Examine the influences on a child’s learning in the early years. Explore research into the importance of the first years of a child’s life and the impact on later life.
Professional Development Projects Level 5
Explore the relationship between professional development and academic reflection within early years. You reflect on your professional practice to develop your skills as an early years practitioner.
Protecting Children and Promoting Well-Being in the Early Years
Study the importance of protecting children and promoting their wellbeing. You explore safeguarding policy and practice and examine how the professionals involved meet children’s needs and maintain their rights.
Examine how research is carried out in the early years. You explore models of research along with terminology for research, explore paradigms, research methodologies, sampling and ethics.
Modules offered may vary.
How you learn
You will be taught through seminars, lectures, interactive workshop sessions and our virtual learning environment with allocated tutorial support which focuses on study skills. Research-based findings on study skills will be used within the learning strategy. You will access self-study resource materials - media and internet. You will receive written and oral feedback to help you improve your future work.
How you are assessed
The programme is assessed through coursework which includes essays, reports, case studies, research reports and portfolio work.
Our Disability Services team provide an inclusive and empowering learning environment and have specialist staff to support disabled students access any additional tailored resources needed. If you have a specific learning difficulty, mental health condition, autism, sensory impairment, chronic health condition or any other disability please contact a Disability Services as early as possible.
Find out more about our disability services
Find out more about financial support
Find out more about our course related costs
Entry requirements
Entry requirements
In order to access the programme individuals must be working (paid or unpaid) in an appropriate early years setting (for example a school, nursery, children’s centre, Sure Start setting, childminding setting) and have professional access to children between the ages of birth to eight years for the duration of their studies.
In addition, applicants must:
- be 18 years or over at the start of the course;
- have a Level 3 childcare qualification or equivalent;
- have access to 150 hours minimum working within an early years setting each academic year. You must arrange this yourself and have evidence from your placement provider;
- attend an interview prior to joining the programme
- have an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check (formerly an enhanced Criminal Records Bureau check)
For entry to level 5/year two, applicants must:
- have 120 credits at level 4 in a Child Care FD or equivalent.
- have access to 150 hours minimum working within an early years setting each academic year. You must arrange this yourself and have evidence from your placement provider;
- have an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check (formerly an enhanced Criminal Records Bureau check)
Contact your local college for specific advice.
For general information please see our overview of entry requirements.
You can gain considerable knowledge from work, volunteering and life. Under recognition of prior learning (RPL) you may be awarded credit for this which can be credited towards the course you want to study.
Find out more about RPL
Employability
Career opportunities
Gaining a degree in childhood studies enables career progression within all aspects of professional childcare.
