Open University

Top-up BA (Honours) in Early Childhood

This top-up degree has one stage, comprising 120 credits.

• You’ll start at Stage 3, where you’ll study two 60-credit modules.

Stage 3 (120 credits)

You'll study both of the following:

• Young lives, parenting and families (KE322)    
• Contemporary research with children and young people (E320)

Teaching, Learning and Assessment Methods

Knowledge and understanding of children from birth to eight and other age groups as part of contextualising your studies, developing interdisciplinary research, knowledge and policy base underpinning multi-agency working are developed through the main teaching materials and in-text questions, tasks and activities.

The main teaching material is offered through supported open-learning modules and includes module texts, audio-visual material, and directed reading. Summative assessment is by written tutor-marked assignments (TMAs) and by end-of-module assignments/examinations where appropriate. Tutors support your development through online and telephone support, emails, tutorials, and written feedback on assignments.

Cognitive skills are assessed by module assignments. These will allow you to demonstrate your ability to structure a clear and reasoned argument, and critically analyse module issues. They will also allow you to demonstrate independent thinking skills; to demonstrate your understanding of theoretical concepts and the underpinning principles for practice as they apply to children, childhood and families in different contexts; and to show evidence of reflection and use appropriate methods of enquiry.

Key skills are promoted within learning materials and as part of continuous assessment.

Assessment criteria of TMAs require you to demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively and appropriately in a variety of formats. Learning skills focusing on planning, self-assessment, identifying strengths and weaknesses, setting priorities and targets, and reviewing and reflecting are also addressed. Teamwork will be fostered through case studies, practice-focused activities, and by encouraging students to work together electronically. Opportunities to develop personal ICT skills will be a component of all modules within the degree.

Professional skills are developed as part of:

• An increased awareness and understanding of good practice
• Understanding the importance of information-sharing and developing critical analytical practice about listening to children, promoting children’s well-being, and multi-agency working
• Supporting children’s learning and development using teaching materials and practice-focused reflection.

The degree provides opportunities for you to develop and demonstrate knowledge and understanding, qualities, skills and other attributes in the following areas:

Knowledge and understanding

On completion of this degree, you will gain the knowledge and understanding of:

• How children grow, develop and learn throughout childhood with a particular focus on birth to 8 years
• The principles, theories and multiple perspectives on early childhood
• The diverse social, cultural and historical constructions of the child and childhood and the significance of family, community and ecological contexts
• Children's rights and the impact of inequalities on children, families and their communities across the world
• The process of inclusion and the development of inclusive practice to promote equality and participation
• Safeguarding principles and legal frameworks and the importance of multi-agency working
• The importance of children’s voices and their perspectives
• Early childhood research paradigms and the range of research methodologies used in early childhood and how research can inform practice. 

Cognitive skills

On completion of the degree you will be able to:

• Analyse and discuss competing concepts, theories, research and practice critically and systematically
• Identify and reflect on your own and others’ values and positions and consider the implications for practice
• Reflect upon the role of the researcher and the ethical considerations for the study of children and their families
• Take different perspectives on issues and problems to present, develop and summarise arguments and arrive at supported conclusions.

Practical and/or professional skills

On completion of the degree you will be able to:

• Demonstrate the ability to constructively critique theories and research in the area of early childhood
• Demonstrate the knowledge and awareness of the skills needed for different pedagogical approaches, including the formation and promotion of mutually respectful relationships with children, families, colleagues and other professionals.
• Use the communication skills and tools necessary to converse, debate, negotiate, persuade and challenge the ideas of others
• Develop sensitivity and awareness of different contextual and inter-personal factors that shape behaviour and social interaction
• Recognise the importance of contributing, collaborating and taking leadership responsibility within a team.

Key skills

On completion of the degree you will be able to:

• Organise and synthesise arguments associated with early childhood
• Communicate and write accurately and clearly in different genres that take account of purpose and content
• Read independently and purposefully, identifying and recording what is relevant from a range of resource material and different media
• Understand and engage in digital practices and share digital content in collaborative activities.

Skills for career development

This degree is designed to contribute to the development of a highly skilled and effective workforce and integrated coherent services for children. In addition to specialist knowledge and understanding of early childhood, it emphasises independent thinking, develops analytical and communication skills and will help you become a clear and confident writer – all attributes that are highly valued by employers.

You will acquire a broad set of employability skills, including:

• Analysing, critically evaluating and effectively communicating information to others
• Competence in team and project work, supporting and/or supervising others
• Organising, synthesising and questioning opinions and arguments
• Evaluating the appropriateness of different approaches to problem-solving
• Managing and organising time, resources and information to support decision-making
• Reflecting on your own learning and performance and taking steps to improve it
• Using ICT effectively and being able to interpret data.

Career relevance

This BA (Hons) in Early Childhood is an excellent foundation for entry to a range of careers working with and for young children and their families. If you are already employed, the degree may enable you to access a management role. 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 counting in staff: child ratios within an early years setting. 

The degree is also suitable for those wanting to move into careers in teaching, health or social work. Please note that 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.

The BA (Hons) 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; and the Teacher Training & Education in Wales website.

Other careers

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.

With our unique approach to distance learning, you can study from home, work or on the move.

You’ll have some assessment deadlines to meet, but otherwise, you’ll be free to study at the times that suit you, fitting your learning around work, family, and social life.

For each of your modules, you’ll use either just online resources or a mix of online and printed materials.

Each module you study will have a module website with

• A week-by-week study planner, giving you a step-by-step guide through your studies
• Course materials such as reading, videos, recordings, and self-assessed activities
• Module forums for discussions and collaborative activities with other students
• Details of each assignment and their due dates
• A tutorial booking system, online tutorial rooms, and your tutor’s contact details
• Online versions of some printed module materials and resources.