Course Overview
This top-up degree is designed for individuals committed to improving the lives of children, young people, and families, or those looking to advance their current Foundation degree qualification. The program helps students develop skills as critically reflective practitioners, enabling them to analyse and critique ideas and practices.
Topics may include:
- Concepts of Childhood
- Global Perspectives on Education
- Contemporary Discourses in Early Years
- The Creative Reflective Practitioner
- Dissertation.
Assessment Methods
The programme does not have exams. Each module is assessed through assignments, which may include reflective essays, the development of learning resources, and presentations.
Progression Options
Graduates can secure employment in various early years settings, such as a children’s centre worker, early years practitioner, or a role within a primary school. The degree can also lead to management and leadership positions in early years settings, children’s centres, and schools. Many students also pursue postgraduate qualifications like PGCEs and Master’s degrees.
Entry Requirements
Applicants must have a Foundation Degree, HND, or an equivalent Level 5 qualification in a relevant discipline. They also need at least four GCSEs, including English and maths, at grade 4 or above, or a recognised equivalent. A Disclosure and Barring Service check is required before starting any work placement.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can apply directly on any of the UCS College Group websites, whether you wish to study at Bridgwater College, Cannington College, Strode College, or Taunton College. Simply use our “Find a Course” feature and follow the on-screen instructions – be sure to have your important information to hand.
We aim to offer a careers service that is accessible to everyone. We will seek to equip all our students with the skills and knowledge that will enable them to operate confidently, effectively, and independently in life and work. All students have the opportunity to meet with a Careers Advisor for 1:1 career support.
The Student Experience Team can mentor and signpost students who are struggling with a range of issues that are negatively impacting their day-to-day life. The Student Experience Team works closely with the Safeguarding & Lifestyle Teams to promote proactive wellbeing enrichment sessions. The team can refer on to counselling when appropriate.
We provide top-quality workshops and teaching areas across our Colleges for subjects such as art, design and media, hair and beauty, catering, automotive engineering and construction. You can review our campus facilities by navigating to the “College Life” section of our websites.
For us, the success of our students always comes first. By investing in our built environment, we are investing in your future.
All of our students will have a personal tutor to support them with their academic progress and personal development. The tutorial programme consists of 1:1 support, group tutorials and guest speakers, plus targeted online resources which complement the UCS College Group Advantage scheme.
The Safeguarding Team can offer advice and guidance on anything that may be affecting your young person and their studies – no problem is too big or too small!
Please email our Safeguarding team at staysafe@ucscollegegroup.ac.uk. If you query is urgent, please come to the College Reception and ask to speak to a Safeguarding Officer.
If you cannot find an answer to your question in this FAQ section, you can ask us a question by visiting our Contact Us page.
