If you have a foundation degree in Early Years and are employed in a setting, this course offers a work-based route to a BA (Hons) degree. You'll earn while you learn, combining academic study with work-based learning.
This course has been designed to develop your leadership practices within an educational setting. You'll build upon your working practice knowledge and examine the latest research and issues concerning early education. The course covers diversity and equal opportunities, inclusion, critical choices, liaison with multi-agencies and other adults, pastoral care, management and leadership roles, and researching and developing an area of interest.
You'll develop your critical thinking and understanding whilst exploring theory and practical subjects through a range of learning experiences. Assignments enable you to draw on your professional knowledge in work-based situations.
Attendance | UCAS code | Year of entry |
---|---|---|
1 year full time (employment based) | X112 | 2022 2023 |
External applicants: please note that places for external applicants are limited on this course. If you studied your Foundation Degree at a college that is not within the Kingston University partnership, please apply early to avoid disappointment.
Location | Kingston Hill |
The course covers the following areas:
You will explore leading through transitions, diversity and equal opportunities and leadership theories.
30 credits
This module critically analyses relevant legislation, research, theory and literature to underpin effective pedagogical practices in transition for children, families, practitioners and professionals. Students are required to engage with online learning materials, including an audit tool, to inform professional dialogue concerning transition. The module encourages personal and professional reflection of transition practice and how this might be modified to improve outcomes for children and families.
30 credits
This module examines leadership in relation to diversity, equality of opportunity and inclusion within Early Years provision. Key legislation, statutory and ethical frameworks are analysed, identifying implications for policies and procedures in Early Years settings. National and international perspectives are explored encouraging students to identify influences that inform decisions. Methods of observations and documentation are critiqued, with data collection used to select strategies for developing an inclusive learning environment.
30 credits
This module explores a range of theoretical perspectives including leadership and management theories. Students are introduced to key factors that affect change in their work environment. It explores current issues and dilemmas facing practitioners in the field of Early Years and identifies strategies that may support personal and professional development. Key policies, legislation and statutory frameworks are critiqued. The module provides an overview of recent and relevant intrapersonal, inter-professional and multi-professional factors that impact provision, including safeguarding and child protection.
30 credits
This module introduces students to a range of methodologies, which will enable them to design and implement a small-scale enquiry, which is relevant to their interest, role and work place. Students will gain an understanding of the philosophies and practices of systematic enquiry in Early Years-related fields and its application within their professional and pedagogical contexts.
The information above reflects the currently intended course structure and module details. Updates may be made on an annual basis and revised details will be published through Programme Specifications ahead of each academic year. The regulations governing this course are available on our website. If we have insufficient numbers of students interested in an optional module, this may not be offered.
You will attend taught sessions once a week, usually a Tuesday evening, between 5 and 9pm. (Please note that the time and day of teaching is dependent on student numbers and University resources).
There are occasional Saturday sessions that are scheduled in advance and you will be notified of dates at the start of the academic year. Teaching includes lectures, work-based learning activities, tutorials, online learning, workshops and seminars.
This course is a work-based learning degree with part-time study at Kingston University. Our lecturers all have experience teaching in their specialist fields and remain actively connected to over 200 partner colleges and schools in the central and Greater London region.
Depending on the programme of study, there may be extra costs that are not covered by tuition fees which students will need to consider when planning their studies. Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessment and operating University facilities such as the library, access to shared IT equipment and other support services. Accommodation and living costs are not included in our fees.
Where a course has additional expenses, we make every effort to highlight them. These may include optional field trips, materials (e.g. art, design, engineering), security checks such as DBS, uniforms, specialist clothing or professional memberships.
The Kingston Hill campus features an outdoor learning environment where trainee teachers lead curriculum-linked natural sciences activities with children. It includes a specially built 'cubby house', outdoor pond, beehive and nature trail. It offers early years students the opportunity to simulate teaching and learning with natural materials.
There are a number of teaching rooms set up to replicate actual classrooms. Each classroom is subject based – such as an art room, science lab – and is equipped with all the relevant facilities you will need to practise your lessons before taking them into school.
Our library (the Nightingale Centre) has an excellent range of teaching resources to help you plan and teach your lessons, such as a range of children's topic books, music and nursery rhymes on CD, as well as artefacts and kits that can be used to illustrate historical periods, different religions, science, mathematics and music.
This qualification is valued by employers and will be a mark of your professional excellence and expertise, enabling you to develop your career. Once you complete this course, you will be well-placed to pursue postgraduate opportunities to enhance your professional development in education and related fields. Many graduates return to Kingston University for postgraduate and continuing professional development studies. These include Postgraduate Certificate of Education (PGCE) leading to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS, Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS) or other masters studies.