BA (Hons) in Early Childhood Studies

Transcription

1 BA (Hons) in Early Childhood Studies at Ashton Sixth Form College Validated by Staffordshire University Guidance & Information

2 Ashton Sixth Form College Higher Education Contents Contents... 1 When are the deadlines?... 3 What is a BA (Hons) Top Up?... 3 Who is the course for?... 3 What will the course cover?... 3 What do I need to do the course?... 4 How is the course assessed?... 4 How long does the course take?... 5 How much does the course cost?... 5 Where can I progress to?... 5 Notes

3 Guidance and Information Pack BA (Hons) in Early Childhood Studies Michelle Schofield First Class Honours Degree in Early Childhood Studies My name is Michelle and I have recently completed my BA (Hons) in Early Childhood Studies. I started attending Ashton Sixth Form College when I left school and I completed my BTEC National Diploma in Early Years. Upon completion I began work in my chosen career. Later, I decided that I wanted to go back to college to study for a Degree to enhance my career prospects. I chose to return to Ashton Sixth form College as an adult learner to complete my Foundation Degree. They offered the course that I was looking for at an affordable price. The College is local, which enables me to fit the course into my busy work and family life. I completed my Foundation Degree and then stayed at Ashton Sixth Form College to top up to the BA (Hons) in Early Childhood Studies. My tutor was extremely supportive and would often stay behind to discuss assignments and I could always contact her in between classes via or telephone when she was always responsive. The courses which I have completed have been useful, interesting and enabled me to gain higher qualifications to progress to management level in my chosen career. The course has been difficult at times; however I have been well supported and worked hard. The facilities and support at Ashton Sixth Form College are excellent, the tutors take a personal interest in you to ensure that you reach your potential and therefore I would recommend Ashton Sixth Form College to my friends and colleagues. 2

4 Ashton Sixth Form College Higher Education Round One: When are the deadlines? 7 th June 2015 Interviews held from June July Round Two: (Subject to availability of places) 6 th July 2015 Interviews held from July September Round Three: (Late applications) 29 th August 2015 Interviews held in September What is a BA (Hons) Top Up? A BA (Hons) Top Up provides learners who already hold 240 credits in a relevant field with the extra 120 credits required to progress to a full Honours Degree. Who is the course for? This course is designed for students who are currently working with children and possess 240 credits from a relevant qualification, for example a Foundation Degree in Early Childhood Studies. This course is aimed at students who would like to build on their knowledge and experience whilst topping up to a full BA (Hons) Degree. It is designed for people working with children in either a paid or voluntary capacity for at least two days per week in an early years setting. Students can enrol on the course from other institutions with differing Foundation Degrees. What will the course cover? This course is made up of the following four modules: Module One: Advanced Child Development This module covers the key issues in children s holistic development. Students will be introduced to the theories surrounding the all round development of the child, including the heredity versus environment debate. Learners will focus on the contribution of various theories on children s learning and behaviour and will look at the effect of language on the development of thought, within a social and cultural context. This module will also look into ethical, professional and cultural issues that may affect the way we perceive and interpret the behaviour of others. Module Two: Leadership and Teams The aim of this module is the provide students with an opportunity to investigate the organisation, leadership and management of children s education and care setting in the UK. Students will also look into current legislation and policies within historical and hierarchical imperative; identify how the trend towards privatisation of services has affected settings; and debate Government demands for career paths for professional status and entrepreneurship in the light of their own abilities and experiences of management and leadership within a children s education and care team. 3

5 Guidance and Information Pack BA (Hons) in Early Childhood Studies Module Three: Reflective Practitioner This module will develop students professional and personal practice, as well as provide an opportunity to reflect upon a change in their work practice linked to organisational need. Students will also reflect on personal attitudes, commitments and practice within the workplace and the benefits of reflective practice to professional development. Learners will evaluate a range of research methods and discuss the ethical and moral responsibilities of the reflective practitioner, including confidentiality, validity, reliability and deception. Module Four: Independent Research Project The purpose of this module is to provide an opportunity for participants to engage in a small scale independent research project, allowing students to build on and develop research skills; to implement different research methodology; and to undertake small scale research, utilising appropriate academic conventions. What do I need to do the course? A minimum of three GCSEs grade C or above, including English and Maths or a relevant level 2 equivalent. Be able to demonstrate your ability and capacity to write at an appropriate level for your programme (identified ALS needs that may impact on written English skills will be taken into account). 240 credits from a relevant study programme, such as a Foundation Degree in Early Childhood Studies or similar. Be able to demonstrate your capacity to study at level 6 (assessed by application, interview and performance in previous study). Proof of a current DBS disclosure or a Declaration of Criminal Convictions. Employment, either paid or voluntary, supporting learning in an educational setting for at least two full days per week, arranged prior to the commencement of the course. Three years post qualifying experience, paid or voluntary. Applications from mature students are welcome and encouraged. Must be aged 18 or over. Applicants for whom English is a second language and who do not possess a level 2 qualification require a current IELTS 6.0 score, with no single score lower than 5.5. Letter from employer in support of work based activities How is the course assessed? This course is assessed through a range of formative and summative assessment methods, including a research project, presentations and an exam. 4

6 Ashton Sixth Form College Higher Education How long does the course take? This is a part time course that will take one year to complete, with college attendance on one evening per week. The first two modules are studied over the first two terms; at this point, students may wish to either leave the course and apply for the award of ordinary Degree (non honours), or continue to the Honours route. How much does the course cost? The fee for this course is 3,600. Students accepted onto this programme are generally entitled to a tuition fee loan from Student Finance England. Further information on student finance can be found in the accompanying Student Finance Information booklet or at: Please note that it is your responsibility to apply for the loan. Students might also ask their workplace for support in funding this course. Where can I progress to? A degree in Early Childhood Studies offers access to a wide variety of career and academic options. For example, you may progress to employment within family and children centres, care support, educational administration and management, play work and learning support. You may also wish to gain a Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) by progressing onto a Post Graduate Certificate of Education (PGCE) or Schools Direct programme route. You could also take a Master s Degree in Early Childhood or another relevant field. 5

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