Early Years: Teaching & Learning BA (Hons) top-up

Why choose this course?

If you have a foundation degree in Early Years (or equivalent), you can progress to this BA (Hons) degree. The course studies cover effective Early Years pedagogy and practice, play-based philosophies, developmental theories, transitions within Early Years, current and critical issues in education and multidisciplinary working, creativity across the curriculum as well as researching an area of interest.

You will develop critical thinking and understanding whilst exploring theory and practical themes through a range of learning experiences.

Apply for this course
Attendance UCAS code Year of entry
1 year full time (employment based) X111 2020 (Clearing)
2021

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 Employment based, with some attendance at Kingston Hill
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Reasons to choose Kingston University

  • This qualification is valued by employers and will be a mark of your professional excellence and expertise.
  • You will be able to combine academic study with work-based learning, attending one teaching session per week at Kingston University.
  • There are no exams. Assignments enable you to draw on your professional knowledge in work-based situations.

What you will study

The course covers the following areas:

  • effective Early Years practice
  • play-based pedagogies
  • a range of transitional experiences
  • current issues in education and multidisciplinary working
  • inclusive practice and differentiated approaches
  • creativity across the curriculum
  • planning for critical issues
  • research design and methodology

Modules

Core modules

Transition and Transformation

30 credits

This module is an exciting opportunity for students to engage with an in-depth child study. It provides a forum in which to reflect upon the child and his/her transitional process within the context of the Early Years environment. It explores theoretical frameworks and current thinking about transition and how this can inform and enrich practice. This module offers students the opportunity to develop their knowledge and understanding of how the process of transition can have a positive or negative impact on a child's identity. Students are encouraged to identify elements of their practice that can be enhanced to increase wellbeing and transformation for children and their families.

Creativity and Critical Thinking

30 credits

This module introduces students to different perspectives of 'creativity' and the impact on curriculum practice. It considers the role of creativity and critical thinking in extending a child's conceptual and creative development. It also explores the interplay between the child, adults, the environment (physical and emotional) and legislation when considering the impact on creativity through themes including humour, music, role play, Forest School, mark making and art. Teaching and learning is explored through creative interpretations and analyses underlying issues that may provide barriers to learning. Students are encouraged to explore their creative skills and to relate underpinning theory to their practice.

Critical Choices For Leaders

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.

Dissertation in an aspect of Professional Practice

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.

Entry requirements

If you would like to join us through Clearing 2020, please call our Clearing hotline on 0800 0483 334 (or +44 020 8328 1149 if you are calling from outside the UK) and speak to our friendly and knowledgeable hotliners who will be able to provide information on available courses and will guide you through your options.

Please note the entry requirements listed below are for 2021 entry only.

Typical offer 2020

  • FdA in Early Years or equivalent qualification
  • 240 CATS points
  • Employment in appropriate setting for 16 hours a week minimum for the duration of the course
  • Normally two years' experience in appropriate setting
  • Your background experience, previous education and training will be considered if you do not meet the formal entry requirements

Entry requirements 2021

FdA (or equivalent) in Early Years and experience in a relevant setting. Employment in an appropriate setting (paid or voluntary) for at least 16 hours per week for duration of the course. Shortlisted applicants may be invited for an interview.

Alternative routes

We will consider a range of alternative qualifications or experience that is equivalent to the typical offer.

Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL) is offered for those who are unsure of the current value of their qualifications. We are seeking people who wish to enthuse and motivate young children as well as developing further their own knowledge, skills and understanding in young children's care and education.

International

International students who have the necessary visa/permit to work in the UK are welcome to apply. Please note the course does not meet the criteria for UK Tier 4 student visa. If you are unsure of the current immigration rules, please contact our CAS and Visa Compliance team at UKVI@kingston.ac.uk.

Teaching and assessment

Teaching includes lectures, work-based learning activities, tutorials, online learning, workshops and seminars. You will also be supported by a work-based professional advocate.

Guided independent study

When not attending timetabled sessions you will be expected to continue learning independently through self-study. This typically will involve reading journal articles and books, working on individual and group projects, undertaking preparing coursework assignments and presentations, and preparing for exams. Your independent learning is supported by a range of excellent facilities including online resources, the library and CANVAS, the online virtual learning platform.

Academic support

Our academic support team here at Kingston University provides help in a range of areas. 

Dedicated personal tutor

When you arrive, we'll introduce you to your personal tutor. This is the member of academic staff who will provide academic guidance, be a support throughout your time at Kingston and who will show you how to make the best use of all the help and resources that we offer at Kingston University. 

Your workload

Year 1

Year 1
  • Field work: 512 hours
  • Scheduled teaching: 528 hours
  • Guided independent study: 160 hours

 

  • Year 1 -  44% of your time is spent in timetabled teaching and learning activity

How you will be assessed

Progress is measured by assignments, demonstration of professional competence in work-based situations, and practical demonstrations that apply the knowledge you have gained. There are no written exams.

The approximate percentage for how you will be assessed on this course is as follows, though depends to some extent on the optional modules you choose:

Year 1

Year 1
  • Coursework: 100%

Feedback summary

We aim to provide feedback on assessments within 20 working days.

Your timetable

Your individualised timetable is normally available within 48 hours of enrolment. Scheduled teaching takes place one evening per week between 5pm and 9pm. 

Who teaches this course?

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.

Antje Dragoni-Ouni

Antje Dragoni-Ouni

Course director

Mary Hodson

Mary Hodson

Ms Hazel Marian

Ms Hazel Marian

Joanne McKibbin

Joanne McKibbin

Course fees and funding

2020/21 fees for this course

The tuition fee you pay depends on whether you are assessed as a 'Home' (UK or EU), 'Islands' or 'Overseas' student. In 2020/21 the fees for this course are:

 Fee category Amount
Home (UK and EU students) £9,250*
International £14,600

This fee applies to students studying for the Education BA(Hons) top-up in the 2020/21 academic year.

Please note that a reduced fee of £7,300 will apply to foundation students from our franchise partners only. This only applies to students who directly progress from the FdA to the Top-Up, if there is a break between the two courses then the full fee will apply.

* For full time programmes of a duration of more than one academic year, the published fee is an annual fee, payable each year, for the duration of the programme. Your annual tuition fees cover your first attempt at all of the modules necessary to complete that academic year. A re-study of any modules will incur additional charges calculated by the number of credits. Home/EU tuition fees may be subject to annual increases but will not increase by more than the fee caps as prescribed by the Office for Students or such other replacing body. Full time taught International fees are subject to an annual increase and are published in advance for the full duration of the programme.

Eligible UK and EU students can apply to the Government for a tuition loan, which is paid direct to the University. This has a low interest rate which is charged from the time the first part of the loan is paid to the University until you have repaid it.

2019/20 fees for this course

The tuition fee you pay depends on whether you are assessed as a 'Home' (UK or EU), 'Islands' or 'Overseas' student. In 2019/20 the fees for this course are:

 Fee category  Amount
Home (UK and EU students) £9,250*
Overseas £14,200
Islands (Channel Islands and Isle of Man) To be confirmed by the Island Authorities

This fee applies to students studying for the Education BA(Hons) top-up in the 2019/20 academic year.

Please note that a reduced fee of £7,300 will apply to foundation students from our franchise partners only.

* For full time programmes of a duration of more than one academic year, the published fee is an annual fee, payable each year, for the duration of the programme. Your annual tuition fees cover your first attempt at all of the modules necessary to complete that academic year. A re-study of any modules will incur additional charges calculated by the number of credits. Home/EU tuition fees may be subject to annual increases but will not increase by more than the fee caps as prescribed by the Office for Students or such other replacing body. Full time taught International fees are subject to an annual increase and are published in advance for the full duration of the programme.

Eligible UK and EU students can apply to the Government for a tuition loan, which is paid direct to the University. This has a low interest rate which is charged from the time the first part of the loan is paid to the University until you have repaid it.

Additional costs

Depending on the programme of study, there may be extra costs which 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, 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, security checks such as DBS, uniforms, specialist clothing or professional memberships.

Text books

Our libraries are a valuable resource with an extensive collection of books and journals as well as first-class facilities and IT equipment. You may prefer to, or be required to, buy your own copy of key textbooks.

Computer equipment

There are open-access networked computers available across the University, plus laptops available to loan. You may find it useful to have your own PC, laptop or tablet which you can use around campus and in halls of residences. Free WiFi is available on each of the campuses.

Printing

In the majority of cases coursework can be submitted online. There may be instances when you will be required to submit work in a printed format. Printing and photocopying costs are not included in your tuition fees.

Travel

Travel costs are not included but we do have a free inter-site bus service which links the campuses and halls of residence.

Note for EU students: UK withdrawal from the European Union

The Government has confirmed that EU students applying for places at universities in England in the 2021/22 academic year will be eligible for student loans and grants throughout their degree programmes.

The decision means they will be eligible for the same funding and support available to current EU students and the University will continue to charge at the 'home' fee rate.

These rights will continue for the full duration of their courses, even if the UK exits the European Union during that period.

Facilities

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 each 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, maths and music.

Facilities

After you graduate

This qualification is respected by employers and seen as a mark of 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 students return to Kingston University for postgraduate and continuing professional development studies. These include Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) leading to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS) and Masters studies.

Types of jobs

  • Early Years manager
  • Children's Centre manager
  • Early Years Lead practitioner
  • Family Outreach worker
  • Assessor/Tutor
  • Play worker
  • Early Years advisor
  • Early years group leader
  • Early youth educator
  • Higher level teaching assistant