BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies from Stranmillis University College; validated by Queen’s University Belfast

Level 6

BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies from Stranmillis University College; validated by Queen’s University Belfast

Level 6

Part-Time

26/27

EXC60004

It's wonderful to see that alternative ways of learning are being encouraged. This degree has been a significant stepping stone toward my ultimate goal of becoming a primary special needs teacher.

Catherine McCormack

QUB Foundation Degree in Early Childhood Studies

Overview

*Applications must be made to Stranmillis directly before 1st March on year of entry.* This is a four year part-time course aimed at those interested in a career in Early Years. The theoretical training establishes and develops the skills necessary to cope with the challenges of supporting, caring for and educating young children in a professional environment. A work based element forms an integral part of the degree and graduates will be highly qualified with a sound, practical and theoretical training. Students must complete a minimum of 8 hours of work placement per week in either a paid or voluntary capacity.

Stranmillis Application Link

As part of this course, you will be required to complete an Enhanced Access NI check. Depending on your specific placement, this may also include checks against the Children’s and Adults’ Barred Lists to ensure suitability for working with vulnerable groups.

: The BA (Hons) Degree in Early Childhood Studies is based on the concept of 'Educare'. It aims to both investigate and further advance a multi-professional approach within the Early Years services in Northern Ireland and beyond. This course will provide you with the necessary knowledge and skills needed to pursue a career as an Early Years Practitioner / Manager.

: The modules offered will address broad areas such as: Understanding the Child, The Child in the Learning Context; and the Child in the Family and Community. Specific modules include: Childhood in Society; Children's Health and well-being; Foundations in Social and Developmental Learning; Child Development; Children's Learning Intentions; Early Years Curriculum; Management, Leadership and Professionalism; Research Methods; Partnership With Children and Families; International Perspectives; and Dissertation.

Examples of optional units studied include:

Early years intervention;

Advanced Social and Developmental Learning;

and Advanced Understanding of Diversity and Inclusion

Applicants must meet the minimum admission requirements of QUB. English and Maths GCSE at grade C or above are required (Level 2 Communication Skills is acceptable in lieu of GCSE grade C in English Language, however, Level 2 Application of Number / Numeracy cannot be substituted for GCSE Maths. Appropriate NICATs Maths in an Access course can be considered in lieu of GCSE Maths.

and, one of the following:

A LEVEL

BBB

BTEC EXTENDED DIPLOMA

DDD – Not all BTEC Extended Diplomas are considered, please check with Academic Registry, Stranmillis.

ACCESS COURSE

Successful completion with an overall grade of 65%.

CACHE EXTENDED DIPLOMA

Grade B – Childcare, Learning and Development

IRISH LEAVING CERTIFICATE

H3H3H3H3H4H4 to include English and Mathematics.

Alternative qualifications:

Access or HND qualifications.

Opportunities for articulation arrangements are available for Learners who have completed a Foundation Degree in Early Childhood Studies.

An interview may be required.

Learners will be assessed using a variety of assessment methods including:

Reflective Practice Portfolio (RPP);

Examinations;

Presentations;

Practical;

Seminars;

Reflective Diaries/Logs;

and / Reports.

: The degree provides the essential knowledge and experience for those working with young children in a variety of establishments and contexts. Graduates can pursue further study at both Postgraduate Diploma and Master's level in the fields of Early Childhood Studies, Play Therapy and provides a foundation for entry to postgraduate study to gain qualified teacher status, including the Post-Graduate Certificate in Education (Early Years).

Applications to this programme are made via the Stranmillis University College website :

www.stran.ac.uk *The fees quoted are payable for each year.

Fees - Years 1, 2 and 3 are £1320 per year. Year 4 £1980.

: Students are required to: Comply with College Policies and procedures, rules and regulations (available in your Student Diary/Higher Education Handbook, on-line: www.swc.ac.uk and on the College VLE). Submit all coursework and assessments by specified dates, coursework submitted without consent after the deadline shall not normally be accepted. Students are required to meet programme regulations with regards to progression between years. The minimum overall pass mark of 40% is required to be achieved in all modules.

1 Available Session

* The fees quoted are per annum and are payable for each year of the course’s duration and are subject to additional examination fees as per fees policy.