Entry requirements: It is expected that students will be qualified to NVQ Level 3 or equivalent and a range of qualifications are applicable. Previous work experience is recognised through APEL
Part-time: 3-6 years (duration is dependent upon level of work-based learning and APEL)
This programme is delivered at:
Basingstoke College of Technology (BCOT) Level 4 only
King Alfred Campus, Winchester
If English is not your first language: IELTS 6.0 (including 6.0 in writing) or a TOEFL score of 550 (paper-based) or 213 (computer-based) or equivalent
Start dates: September
Application process: Direct Entry Application Form
All applicants need to complete a Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) check
Contact us
Course Enquiries and Applications
Telephone: +44 (0) 1962 827234
Email: course.enquiries@winchester.ac.uk
A core feature of our degree is that it offers wide access for students who would not normally be able to access university provision. Applicants are often working in some way, either as early years practitioners or as teaching assistants. The degree is a flexible programme of study for those in employment, so that they can ‘earn while they learn’ and it is designed for part-time study over three to six years. Currently, FdA Childhood Studies students are receiving some government support .
The overall aim of this programme is to foster a reflective approach to the common core of knowledge, understanding and skills which underpin work with young children. This helps produce graduates who have clearly developed value positions with respect to their professional attitude and understanding of the ecology of early childhood and who are knowledgeable and competent in a range of complex practical settings. Study requires students to engage with a wide range of relevant academic knowledge combined with its application in practical settings, in order to enable students to respond to future developments in the workplace. The programme takes a holistic view of childhood and considers both the education and care of children.
Students complete three core modules at Level 4 and then choose one of two specialised pathways before studying the core Level 5 modules.
Level 4
Core modules:
• Personal Development Planning
• The Developing Child
• Introduction to Professional Pedagogy
Then either Pathway A: Early Years Practitioner Pathway:
• Integrated Early Learning, Development and Care
• Early Years Provision: Principles and Policy into Practice
• Meeting the Needs of the Multi-professional Workforce
Or Pathway B: Primary Practitioner Pathway:
• Literacy and the Child
• Mathematical Development and the Child
• ICT and the Child
• Exploration and Enquiry: Science and the Child
Level 5
Core modules:
• Meeting Additional Educational Needs and Inclusion
• Developing Learning Contexts through Play
• Developing Professional Pedagogy
• Developing Research Skills
• Developing Partnerships with Families
• Every Child Matters: Safeguarding Childhood
Students undertake lectures, seminars that involve small group discussions, and tutorials which involve individual in-depth support on specific areas and presentations. Elements of the programme require independent study and there is some distance learning involved via the University’s Learning Network.
A core feature of this programme is its links with employers and employer involvement. Students have the opportunity to develop many of the necessary skills and competencies through work-based learning. This is where students are able to use their workplace as an educational experience in just the same way as their learning is credited from lectures and seminars at University. Students need to evaluate their work-based learning and relate it to University-based study. Students are provided with a framework for this evaluation through the Professional Pedagogy modules. Work-based learning is also carefully integrated with the more ‘traditional’ learning, so that students can be clear that both are of equal value.
The assessment strategies rely on both formative and summative assessment to support and inform student development. Techniques for assessment include directed tasks and reflection on them, essays and other written assignments, group projects, journals, logbooks, portfolios, posters and presentations.
The Foundation Degree in Childhood Studies qualifies students to Level 5. Students may wish to top-up their degree to a Bachelor Honours degree/BA (Hons) and then progress on to Early Years Professional Status (EYPS) or Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).