Early Childhood Top-Up

UCAS code: X300

Here's what Havant and South Downs College says about its Early Childhood Top-Up course.

Overview Please note, this course is delivered at our Havant Campus.

The BA (Hons) Early Childhood (Level 6 top up) is a one-year full time programme of study. It provides a progression for those students who wish to top up their Foundation Degree or equivalent qualification to a BA Honours. The range of modules enable students to explore key aspects of childhood from the psychological and sociological, to the global and cultural, to the economic and educational. Students will develop problem solving, critical analysis and independent thinking.

Delivered one day a week, you will study a range of modules which enable you to explore key aspects of childhood. This course will help students develop problem solving, critical analysis and independent thinking skills.

Why Choose this Course? This course builds on the Foundation Degree in Early Years and develops discussion around excellent practice, specifically exploring issues around leadership and management further.

You will have access to excellent support and resources from both the College and the University of Chichester. Working in the sector alongside studying, enables reflection and adds relevance to work as students develop skills of critical analysis.

Entry Requirements

• Foundation Degree in Early Childhood (other qualifications considered)

• 240 UCAS credits (120 credits at Level 4 and 120 credits at Level 5) in a related subject such as Early Childhood

• You must have professional experience of working or volunteering in an early years setting (examples include a Nursery, Day Care, Key Stage 1 or Reception class of a school, or as a childminder).

Structure You are expected to attend one day a week at college, alongside working in the sector.

The course modules are:

• Independent Project

• Leading Professional Practice

• Digital Child

• Criminology and Childhood

• Adventure Education

Teaching and Learning Students will explore psychological, sociological, global, cultural, economic and educational aspect of childhood. They will develop problem solving, critical analysis and independent thinking. They will be able to explore particular areas of interest with their Independent Project.

Assessment Assessment will be a variety of methods, including essays, reports, observations and academic presentations. You will be supported throughout and also be encouraged to monitor their own progress, giving them the opportunity to discuss any issues with their lecturers during the course.

Industry Links Students work in early years settings alongside studying which brings relevant and current practice in a range of settings. Students sometimes change roles in order to gain a wider experience.

Progression Students are qualified and equipped to work within management of early years settings. This qualification can also lead to Primary Teaching - Qualified Teacher Status or Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS) – through PGCE or Schools Direct. Other possible careers could include: Special Educational Needs (SEN) Teacher, Social Worker, Child Psychotherapist and Counsellor, Educational Psychologist, Paediatric Nurse, Speech and Language Therapist, Early Years Outreach Worker, Local Authority Worker and Learning Mentor.

About Us Our campus has a range of modern facilities to enhance students learning experience. There are frequent buses from the surrounding areas and local train stations in Havant and Cosham. The College has free onsite parking.

Course fee may be subject to a % increase for September 2026. Modules correct at the time of publication.

The course modules are: – Independent Project – Leading Professional Practice – Digital Child – Criminology and Childhood – Adventure Education

Assessment will be a variety of methods, including essays, reports, observations and academic presentations. You will be supported throughout and also be encouraged to monitor their own progress, giving them the opportunity to discuss any issues with their lecturers during the course.