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 and primary curriculum practice, how children learn and develop through play, transitions within Early Years, current issues in education and multidisciplinary working; inclusive practice and differentiated approaches, assessment for learning, creativity across the curriculum, planning for and making critical choices, and researching and developing areas of interest.
You will develop critical thinking and understanding whilst exploring theory and practical subjects through a range of learning experiences.
| Attendance | UCAS code | Year of entry |
|---|---|---|
| 1 year full time (employment based) | X111 | 2019 2020 |
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 |
Reasons to choose Kingston University
- This qualification is valued by employers and will be a mark of your professional excellence and expertise.
- You'll 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 and primary curriculum practice;
- how children learn and develop through play;
- transition from Foundation Stage to Key Stage 1;
- current issues in education and multidisciplinary working;
- inclusive practice and differentiated approaches;
- assessment for learning;
- creativity across the curriculum;
- planning for critical issues;and
- the opportunity to research and develop a particular area of interest.
Please note: to obtain QTS you will need to complete a PGCE after successfully completing this course.
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 Early Years and Key Stage 1 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. The module content encourages students to identify elements of their practice that can be enhanced so that it results in increased well-being and transformation for the child.
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 creativity and critical thinking plays 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. The module explores teaching and learning 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 practice.
Critical Choices For Leaders
30 credits
This module is a core requirement of the BA(Hons) Early Years: Education and Leadership in Practice and BA(Hons) Early Years: Teaching and Learning programmes. The content explores leadership and management theories and students are introduced to key factors that affect strategies for implementing change in their work environment. It explores current issues and dilemmas facing practitioners in the early years field and identifies strategies that may support personal and professional development. Key legislation and statutory frameworks are critiqued identifying implications for early years' settings. The module provides an overview of recent and relevant interprofessional factors that affect 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 manage the implementation of a small-scale enquiry, which is pertinent to their interest and work place. They will gain an understanding of the philosophies and practices of systematic enquiry in education-related fields and its application within the professional and pedagogic 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
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 | |
| % of your time is spent in timetabled teaching and learning activity: | 87% |
| Scheduled teaching and learning: | 1040 hours |
| Guided independent study: | 160 hours |
Contact hours may vary depending on your modules.
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 |
| 100% coursework |
Feedback summary
We aim to provide feedback on assessments within 20 working days.
Your timetable
Your individualised timetable is normally available to students within 48 hours of enrolment. Scheduled teaching takes place one evening per week between 5 and 9pm. For undergraduate students Wednesday afternoons are normally reserved for sports and cultural activities, but there may be occasions when this is not possible. Timetables for part-time students will depend on the modules selected.
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.
Course fees and funding
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.
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 Post Graduate Certificate of Education, Birth to Five Years with Early Years Teacher Status (Early Years Initial Teacher Training), the Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) leading to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and MA studies.
Types of jobs
- Childcare development adviser
- Children centre participation officer
- Early years group leader
- Early youth educator
- Education adviser
- Primary teacher
- Graduate teacher
- Higher level teaching assistant
- Nursery manager
Employers
- Surrey County Council
- Wimbledon Park School
- Caroline Nursery
- London Borough of Enfield
- Thames Ditton Infants
- Wandsworth Primary Play Association
- Top of the Class
- Childbase Ltd
