Early Childhood
You’ll investigate early childhood from national and international perspectives with a focus on the central importance of children’s voices and the participatory nature of young children’s experiences. You’ll also gain an understanding of early childhood in diverse social, cultural and multi-disciplinary contexts.
| Award Name | Degree - Honours Bachelor at UK Level 6 |
|---|---|
| NFQ Classification | |
| Awarding Body | Open University |
| NFQ Level |
| Award Name | NFQ Classification | Awarding Body | NFQ Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Degree - Honours Bachelor at UK Level 6 | Open University |
Duration
How long it takes
Part time – 6 years
Full time – 3 years
Time limit – 10 years
Study method: Distance learning.
How much time do I need?
• Most of our students study part time, completing 60 credits a year.
• This will usually mean studying for 16–18 hours a week.
Entry Requirements
There are no formal entry requirements to study this qualification.
You do not need to be working with young children in order to study this qualification; however to enhance your learning in core practice-focused modules, it is strongly recommended that students gain direct experience with young children (birth to 7 years). Students not working with young children (employed or in a voluntary capacity) will need to negotiate opportunities to gain such practical experience.
It is your responsibility and that of your employer - not the OU’s - to ensure the necessary Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check (or equivalent if not working in England) required for the setting and country in which you’re working is obtained and that you meet the ‘fit person’ criteria for work with young children. If you are in any doubt about your eligibility, or to find out more, contact the relevant agency in your country.
Careers / Further progression
Career relevance
This degree is consistent with the latest QAA subject benchmark statement for Early Childhood Studies and has been designed for existing early years practitioners (normally with a Level 3 early years qualification) or those interested in finding out more about young children’s learning and development. You should be aware this is a practice-focused, not practice-based, qualification with no elements of observed and assessed practice, and as such, it is not considered full and relevant for the purpose of counting in staff:child ratios within an early years setting. However, it is an excellent foundation for entry to a range of careers working with and for young children and their families. It is also suitable for those wanting to move into careers in teaching, health or social work.
Please note:
In England, this course does not provide Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS) or Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). GCSE passes at Grade 4 (C) or above in English and Maths are normally required for post-graduate study and for teaching a GCSE Grade 4 (C) pass in Science is also a requirement.
In Scotland, this qualification does not lead to Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) registration. However, if you’ve already achieved SSSC registration through related qualifications, such as HNC Childhood Practice, you might be able to transfer credit to this qualification.
Further information about Early Childhood qualifications can be found:
• For England, on the Department for Education (DfE) website.
• For Wales, on the Care Council Wales (CCW) website.
• For Scotland, on the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) website.
• For Northern Ireland, on the Department of Education (DENI) website.
Other careers
The BA (Honours) Early Childhood may be helpful if you’re interested in further training for Early Years Initial Teacher Training (Early Years Teacher Status – Birth to 5) or postgraduate qualifications in primary teaching with Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). However, we cannot guarantee automatic progression to initial teacher education (ITE). Check with your local ITE training provider about their entry policy. For up-to-date information see the Department for Education website in England; the Teach in Scotland website in Scotland; the Department of Education in Northern Ireland; and the Teacher Training & Education in Wales website. More information can also be found about routes to entering teaching by downloading our Becoming a teacher booklet.
Many graduate-level jobs are open to graduates of any discipline, particularly in business, finance, management consultancy and the public sector. Some careers may require further study, training and/or work experience beyond your degree.
Exploring your options: see 'Course Web Page' link below for further information.
Further information
Register for this course.
Start dates
• October 2024: Registration closes 05/09/2024
• Credit transfer: apply by 08/08/2024
BA (Honours) Early Childhood
If you currently work with children from birth to seven years, or are looking to learn more about young children’s lives and experiences, this degree could be of interest to you. You’ll investigate early childhood from national and international perspectives with a focus on the central importance of children’s voices and the participatory nature of young children’s experiences. You’ll also gain an understanding of early childhood in diverse social, cultural and multi-disciplinary contexts.
Key features of the course
• Professionally and vocationally relevant across many early childhood contexts.
• Takes a holistic approach to understanding early childhood from a range of perspectives.
• Covers young children’s play and creativity within the context of the family and early childhood settings.
• Encourages critical understanding and reflection on contemporary issues and debates in early childhood.
Please note that in England, this course does not provide Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS) or Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), nor does it meet the 'Full and Relevant' criteria of The Department for Education. In Scotland, this course is not equivalent to childhood practice qualifications at any level and would not be suitable for those seeking lead practitioner or manager level registration with SSSC. GCSE requirements may affect eligibility. See the Careers section for further details.
We also offer a Diploma of Higher Education in Early Childhood (W50) that is the same in structure as the first two-thirds of this degree; similarly, our Certificate of Higher Education in Early Childhood (T26) corresponds to the first third.
This qualification has three stages, each comprising 120 credits.
• You’ll start Stage 1 with two modules that explore how children learn; and the importance of children’s play.
• Then, in Stage 2, you’ll study a module that further develops and broadens your knowledge and understanding of young children’s lives and learning, followed by one from a list of options.
• Finally, in Stage 3, you’ll complete your degree with two further modules – one that focuses on the development of a multidisciplinary professional workforce for children and one that will introduce you to a range of research methods and analytical techniques.
See 'Course Web Page' link below for more information on modules.
Learning outcomes, teaching and assessment
This qualification develops your learning in four main areas:
• Knowledge and understanding.
• Cognitive skills.
• Practical and professional skills.
• Key skills.
The level and depth of your learning gradually increases as you work through the qualification. You’ll be supported throughout by the OU’s unique style of teaching and assessment – which includes a personal tutor to guide and comment on your work; top quality course texts; elearning resources like podcasts, interactive media and online materials; tutorial groups and community forums.
Tel: +353 1 678 5399
Our advisers are available to take your call Monday to Friday from 08:30 to 17:00, excluding public holidays.