University Campus Suffolk Programme Specification Course Title: BA (Hons) Children s Care Learning and Development (Progression year) A joint award of the University of East Anglia and the University of Essex The information contained within this programme specification is correct as at January 30 th 2013 UCAS Course Code / UCS Course Code: Level of Award Level 6 Professional Accreditation Course Summary The BA (Hons) Children s Care, Learning and Development degree is a work-based progression course for experienced practitioners who have successfully completed the FdA Early Years degree, or a similar undergraduate course. As an employment-based learning course, students will require the support of their employer to successfully complete the course of study. These courses are designed to offer the practitioner the opportunity to progress to Teacher Training or further study. The course is also known at the Ipswich campus as the BA (Hons) Early Learning, which has an established reputation and is supported by local employers and the Local Education Authority. Students could choose to attain Early Years Professional Status after completion of the Degree Entry Requirements Candidates will normally hold: A NQF Level 4 qualification with 240 credits at Level 2; such as Foundation Degree in Early Years, Higher National Diploma in Early Childhood, Dip HE in a relevant subject, with either - a minimum of 40 credits at level 2 of a work based learning component included OR - Work experience at an appropriate level and within an appropriate setting for a minimum of 1 year full time. Students are required to be in relevant/appropriate employment undertaking relevant work for the duration of the programme to be able to meet learning outcomes. To complete the programme full-time students are required to work twenty hours a week and part-time students ten hours a week in appropriate settings. Mature student are welcome to apply. Students without appropriate Level 2 Research methods will normally be expected to undertake this before they commence their dissertation. You should also have a clear check from the Disclosure and Barring Service
Course Aims 1. To ensure in-depth critical understanding of children s development in the context of western society. 2. To develop and enhance the thorough application of theory to practice through self-negotiated work based learning and reflection. 3. To develop the skills of an independent learner. 4. To ensure critical understanding of legislative frameworks and their application to practice. 5. To develop awareness of research methodologies and the application to practice Learning Outcomes These course aims are broken down into sets of related skills, which are known as learning outcomes. A. Knowledge and Understanding A1 Demonstrate detailed and well developed knowledge and critical understanding of theories of children s development and how they can be applied to the children s workforce. A2 Demonstrate a good working knowledge of and good theoretical awareness of research methodologies and the application to practice. B. Mental or cognitive skills B1 Demonstrate good knowledge and developed critical understanding of legislative frameworks and their application to practice. C. Subject Specific and Practical Skills C1 Demonstrate the exploration and enhancement of the appropriate values and beliefs for working in the Children s workforce. C2 Demonstrate the development and enhancement of the application of theory to practice through work based learning and reflection. C3 Demonstrate the development of the skills of an independent learner. D. Key Skills Key Skills, also known as graduate key skills, transferable skills or general skills, comprise communication, information technology, problem solving, numeracy, working with others and improving own learning. D1 Demonstrate a range of employability skills
The BA Children s Care Learning and Development consists of the following: Module Level Credits Mandatory Or Optional Intervention 6 20 Optional* Practice in Children s 6 40 Mandatory Care Learning and Development Communication in 6 20 Optional * Childhood Child health 6 20 Optional * *You need to choose one of the optional modules BA (Hons) Children s Care Learning and Development consists of the following: Module Level Credits Mandatory or Optional Intervention 6 20 Mandatory Practice in Children s 6 40 Mandatory Care Learning and Development Communication in 6 20 Optional Childhood Child health 6 20 Optional Dissertation 6 40 Mandatory Teaching, Learning and Assessment The strategies employed are lectures, seminars, small group activities, step-by-step discussions, group discussion, debate, guided reading with follow up activities, use of case or observation studies, self-directed study, mentoring and tutorials. These methods will encourage the student to become a self-motivated, independent learner capable of directing their own study, whilst maintaining the academic rigour and quality expected of undergraduate study. Tutorials and mentor support in the work place are central to the course and provide opportunities for clarification and explanation; receiving further information and guidance; open ended discussion; practical advice; developing enthusiasm; supporting interest; developing interpersonal and communication skills. Throughout the course students are required to take major responsibility for their own learning, exhibiting autonomy and contribution to the development of their learning. Students are assessed through a mixture of essays, reports and professional portfolio as appropriate for the learning outcomes of each individual module.
Benchmarks / Professional Standards / Competency Frameworks QAA (2008) Level 6 Benchmarks And elements of:- QAA (2007) Social Policy and Administration Benchmarks QAA (2007) Psychology Benchmarks QAA (2007) Sociology Benchmarks QAA (2007) Early Childhood Studies QAA (2007) Education Studies Benchmarks Timetable The teaching is divided into two semesters and it is taught on one day a week from 2 pm to 9 pm if it is full time and 6 pm to 9 pm for part time Course Delivery In the Higher Education area of UCS Lowestoft Placements / Work Based Learning / Work Experience Students studying full-time will be expected to accumulate at least 20 hours of work-based learning practice each week for the duration of their study. Part-time students will be expected to accumulate at least 10 hours of work-based learning practice each week for the duration of their study. Work-based learning activities will be set against established professional practitioners standards, and students are expected to demonstrate effective and reflective practice underpinned by appropriate knowledge and understanding. All students will be required to hold a clear check from the Disclosure and Barring Service and to gain the written permission of their employers in order to demonstrate opportunity and access to workbased learning in an appropriate setting. ] Tutorial and Study Support Students will be given a personal tutor and will be supported by academic staff and the course team.
Opportunities on Completion of the Course On completion, students should be able to progress within the field of Children s Care, Learning and Development and opportunities exist in schools, playgroups, nurseries, social care and voluntary organisations. With an honours degree students will be able to progress onto post-graduate studies at University Campus Suffolk. Some students may wish to pursue teaching as a career. Students may also pursue the new pathway of Early Years Professional Status Alternative format Should you require this programme specification in an alternative format, please contact us on 01473 338000. University Campus Suffolk reserves the right to amend the information in this programme specification as and when required.