BA (Hons) Childhood Studies (level 6 top-up)

Key facts

• take advantage of Glyndwr University’s landmark Centre for the Child, Family and Society.
• National Students Survey showed a satisfaction rate of 96% for students studying their foundation degree with us.
• We have an experienced, friendly and supportive team who fully understand the challenges of balancing study with family and work commitments.
• The tutor team have professional backgrounds from playwork, teaching, childcare and social work. We are all currently active in research and advisory roles within our professional fields.
• We welcome and encourage visits to the campus to work directly with the team. We hold regular study support days (on Saturdays) for those who are able to attend.

Course content

Students who successfully complete the foundation degree will be able to continue their studies and undertake a top-up course which will lead to an honours degree. This course takes the knowledge and expertise you have gained from your foundation degree and takes it to the next level. At level 6 you will delve further in to contemporary issues in psychology, sociology and education and you will be supported to undertake a piece of independent research. Optional modules will allow you to continue studying within your specialist field if you wish. The BA (Hons) Childhood Studies (level 6 top-up) is delivered through e-learning or through blended learning for those who are able to attend university.

At level 6, BA (Hons) Childhood Studies you will extend your studies to consider topics such as:

• Key Debates in Childhood Today
• Psychology: Well-being in Childhood
• International Perspectives of Childhood
• Equality and Diversity (optional module)
• Providing for Risk, Resilience and Well-being in Children’s Play (optional module)

For students who are confident in their ability to study and have sufficient time to engage with the course it is possible to complete a Research Project alongside the above modules therefore completing the B.A. (Hons) in one year.

However it is generally advised to study over two years with the Research Project being completed in the second year.

Career opportunities

This is a highly topical area of study as current policy and legislation is leading to demand for experts within the children’s workforce. The aim of this foundation degree is to develop you further as a professional in your own chosen field. Many of our students undertaking the foundation degree have moved up the career ladder both through promotion and into advisory, senior roles.

Entry requirements & applying

To start the foundation degree you will need:

• A minimum of a level 3 qualification i.e. NVQ, BTEC etc
• At least two years experience working with or supervising practitioners working with children
• Current employment working with or supervising practitioners working with children for at least 10 hours per week
• Agreement from your employer to support your study in terms of access to documents and learning experiences. Your employer will be asked to sign a Learning Agreement. (Not applicable in all circumstances i.e. childminders etc)
• Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance (previously known as CRB) (DBS/CRB from current employer is accepted)
• Access to a computer and internet connection at home
• A satisfactory interview (interviews can be conducted by telephone).

To start or progress to the BA (Hons) Level 6 top-up you will need:

• Satisfactory Completion of a related Foundation Degree
• GCSE English Grade C or Basic Skills level 2 in literacy*

• Access to a computer and internet connection at home
• A satisfactory interview (interviews can be conducted by telephone).

*Exemption may be available dependent on students overall grade profile at FdA.