Main details
Course overview
Module options
Playlist
Entry requirements
Fees & funding
Our academics
Facilities
Future prospects
Next steps

Undergraduate

Education and Childhood Studies (1 year top-up)

A smiling teacher in a primary school classroom

A primary school child paints an image of a circuit

Exterior of the seven-storey Brynmor Jones Library on a sunny day

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Develop the skills and knowledge you need to progress in the early years sector and top up your foundation degree to full Honours.

You could go on to a broad range of graduate opportunities in children and young people’s services as well as QTS or Masters-level study.

Make a difference to the next generation of thinkers, makers and dreamers.

Our Brynmor Jones Library is a superb learning space with more than a million books, over 400 open-access PCs and a range of study spaces.

Study theory in our lecture rooms, learning as part of a committed community who all share an interest in developing excellent learning opportunities.

Code

Duration

Mode

Top up your foundation degree to a full BEd Education and Childhood Studies degree with this one-year course. And make a real difference to the lives of young children.

This programme has been carefully designed to provide professional progression for those who have completed a Level 5 qualification in Early Childhood, Education Studies or a related discipline.

You’ll develop your knowledge and understanding of the sector, exploring relationships between different aspects of the field of study. And could progress to further study at Master’s level or Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).

Early years

simulated learning environment
Forest School

certification opportunity
Supports progression

to QTS and Master’s level
Top up

your foundation degree to full Honours
Access

to a range of certified training courses

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Course overview

Module options

About this course

Top up your foundation degree to a full Honours degree in one year, gaining practical skills while you learn. This programme has a strong emphasis on social justice – giving you the chance to make a difference to the lives of children.

You’ll examine global perspectives in early childhood education and care and analyse alternative learning environments.

Our on-campus simulated early years learning environment gives you the chance to develop practical skills. This engaging, inclusive space incorporates a range of materials, resources and technology. Your training will include outdoor play and learning opportunities, including the option to study towards an accredited Forest School certification. This prepares you to work outside with children, taking into account a range of extra needs, and gives you a valuable extra qualification.

This course is designed to progress your professional pathway. You’ll graduate ready for further study at Master’s level and QTS.

Scheduled study hours and how you’re assessed

Throughout your degree, you’re expected to study for 1,200 hours per year. That’s based on 200 hours per 20 credit module, including scheduled hours and independent study. How this time is divided across the year varies and depends on the module you are studying.

How you'll be assessed depends on the course you study, and the modules you choose. You may be assessed through a mix of examinations, coursework, presentations and group projects.

education student in the classroom with children

Choose your modules

Each year, you’ll study modules worth a certain number of credits, and you need 120 credits per year. Most modules are 20 credits – so you’ll study six modules each year. Some longer modules, such as a dissertation, are worth more. In these cases, you’ll study fewer modules - but the number of credits will always add up to 120. Some modules are compulsory, some are optional, so you can build a course that’s right for you.

Voice and Influence

This dynamic module will extend your knowledge and understanding of the role and purpose of voice and influence in your practice with children, young people, families, adults and communities. It is crucial that people have a voice and the opportunity to influence decisions that affect them and the matters that are of importance to them. The module will examine models of voice and influence from forums and campaigns to the role of the media. It will also explore issues of advocacy and ways to support children, young people, adults and communities in representing their views, needs and wishes to decision-makers.

Compulsory•20 credits

International Perspectives in Childhood

Analyse current national and international pedagogical approaches and research in early childhood studies and related practice. Specifically, you will critically appraise political, economic and familial factors impacting the social construction of childhood.

Compulsory•20 credits

Extended Research Project

This module offers an exciting opportunity for you to delve deeply into and explore a contemporary issue which you feel passionate about that is relevant to your programme of study. You will have the opportunity to design, develop and conduct your own research project. Through the process of this research and writing your dissertation you will develop specialist knowledge and skills relevant to your graduate future, whether that be employment or postgraduate study.

Compulsory•60 credits

Environments for Learning

You will identify and apply pedagogical knowledge of how to develop enabling environments for children, young people and families. An innovative approach to a range of pedagogical approaches including Forest Schools, home learning environment and community based projects. Optional accredited Level 2 Forest Schools training is available through this module.

Compulsory•20 credits

4 Modules

Playlist

Katie Hobson

Student story 1 min

Rewilding Reading

Research Highlight 9 mins

Teaching facilities

University Life 1 min

Life on campus

University Life 2 mins

Entry requirements

UK
International

What do I need?

If you require a student visa to study or if your first language is not English you will be required to provide acceptable evidence of your English language proficiency level.

See other English language proficiency qualifications accepted by the University of Hull.

If your English currently does not reach the University’s required standard for this programme, you may be interested in one of our English language courses.

Visit your country page to find out more about our entry requirements.

Fees & funding

UK
International

How much is it?

Additional costs you may have to pay

Your tuition fees will cover most costs associated with your programme. There are some extra costs that you might have to pay, or choose to pay, depending on your programme of study and the decisions you make:

Books (you can borrow books on your reading lists from the library, but you may buy your own)
Optional field trips
Study abroad (incl. travel costs, accommodation, visas, immunisation)
Placement costs (incl. travel costs and accommodation)
Student visas (international students)
Laptop (you’ll have access to laptops and PC’s on campus, but you may want your own)
Printing and photocopying
Professional-body membership
Graduation (gown hire and photography)

Remember, you’ll still need to take into account your living costs. This could include accommodation, travel, food and more.

How do I pay for it?

How much is it?

Additional costs you may have to pay

Books (you can borrow books on your reading lists from the library, but you may buy your own)
Optional field trips
Study abroad (incl. travel costs, accommodation, visas, immunisation)
Placement costs (incl. travel costs and accommodation)
Student visas (international students)
Laptop (you’ll have access to laptops and PC’s on campus, but you may want your own)
Printing and photocopying
Professional-body membership
Graduation (gown hire and photography)

Remember, you’ll still need to take into account your living costs. This could include accommodation, travel, food and more.

How do I pay for it?

Our academics

Our team of highly respected and experienced tutors are all experts in their specialisms.

Taught by a team of experts in the fields of education, social care, health, inclusion and therapeutic approaches, you’ll gain real, practical knowledge that will be invaluable in your future career.

See more academics for this subject

Featured academic

Dr Jo Traunter

Jo’s teaching and research interests are in early childhood education and care. She brings over 20 years’ experience of different early years teaching methods and activities to her role as Head of Subject for Education, Childhood and Youth Studies.

Featured academic

Kerrie Lee

An experienced early years practitioner, Kerrie's research focuses on how environment, space and place interact and shape the lives of young people. She is working on a consultation for new projects to support early years in museums and galleries.

Take a look at our facilities

Early Years Room

Develop practical skills in our on-campus simulated early years learning environment. This engaging, inclusive space incorporates a range of resources and technology.

Forest School Training Centre

Discover the benefits of learning beyond the classroom in our Forest School Training Centre with gardens, wooded area and wildflower meadows.

Brynmor Jones Library

Our seven-storey library is a superb learning space. As well as more than a million books, there’s a variety of study areas, over 400 open-access PCs and one amazing view.

Group Lecture Room

Collaborate in group lecture rooms working as part of our vibrant community of students and staff who all share an interest in developing excellent learning opportunities for others.

See more in our virtual tour

Child and teacher playing in the Early Years Room

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A student sitting on green grass reading a book

Future prospects

Our degrees reflect the high demand for well-trained professional practitioners. The range of opportunities for graduates in children’s services is varied and wide.

You could work in a variety of roles in the children’s workforce, including community family support worker, early years practitioner or educational support officer.

You’ll also graduate ready for further study – pathway such as QTS or Master’s level degree – to boost your professional pathway.

Your next steps

Like what you’ve seen? Then it’s time to apply.

The standard way to apply for this course is through UCAS. This will give you the chance to showcase your skill, qualities and passion for the subject, as well as providing your academic qualifications.

How to apply

Not ready to apply?

Visit our next Open Day, and see all that Hull has to offer for yourself. Talk to our lecturers about your subject, find out what university is really like from our current students, and take a tour of our beautiful campus and amazing facilities.

Book your place now

Education and Childhood Studies (1 year top-up)

About this course