Integrated Working with Children & Families BA (Hons) Top-up Degree

Integrated Early Childhood Studies BA (Hons) Top-up Degree

This Integrated Working with Children & Families top-up degree offers a multidisciplinary subject relating to the study of children from birth to eight in the context of the family, culture and society.

The provision of this course on a full-time or part time basis (including options to study in the evening from 2013) means that you will receive an integrated and holistic approach to the subject, which encourages different perspectives and respect for children, families and other professional roles.

The course content and structure have been developed to reflect a student-centred approach, enabling students from diverse but relevant educational and professional backgrounds to build on previous learning and experience in Early Childhood and working with children and families. Reflective thinking and action are essential to your engagement with lifelong learning and professional development. The subject draws on different disciplines and professional backgrounds to reflect the complexity of children’s lives and their development. You will be supported in the development of a personal philosophy of professional values and continuous improvement to your practice and service provision for children and their families.

This is a third year of study for students with an HND or Foundation degree in Early Childhood Studies or with an equivalent academic professional qualification relevant to the Early Childhood. This course leads to an Honours degree in Integrated Working with Children and Families.

To gain an Honours degree, students will undertake the equivalent of one year's full-time study ie eight modules in total. You will be expected to study core modules from Early Childhood including a double Independent Study module.

Optional modules can be taken from a menu of shared modules from Early Childhood Professional Practice.

Factfile
Entry requirements
Course content
Student views

UCAS code

UCAS is the central organisation through which applications are processed for entry onto full-time undergraduate courses in Higher Education in the UK.

Integrated Working with Children & Families BA (Hons) Top-up Degree (Single Honours) LX53 BA/IWCF

For the latest information, check the UCAS website at www.ucas.com

Study options

Full time or part time available

Get in touch

Admissions Office
01905 855111
admissions@worc.ac.uk

Claire Richards
Course Leader
01905 855289
c.richards@worc.ac.uk

Foundation degree, Early Years Sector Endorsed FdA, DipHE, HND or equivalent qualification in Early Childhood Studies or related subject

GCSE English at Grade C or equivalent evidence of standard of written English. From September 2013 GCSE Maths at Grade C will also be required

A Criminal Records Bureau disclosure is required for this course

Supportive academic reference

Non-standard entry routes will also be considered. We encourage applications from candidates who can provide evidence of their ability to work at Level 6 and substantial experience of working with children and families through integrated service provision. If your qualification is not listed, please contact Registry Admissions for advice.

Modules

You have the opportunity to select modules that relate to your future career plans and aspirations. This is in addition to choosing optional modules from the Early Childhood Professional Practice degree. The top-up degree is also linked to the acquisition of Early Years Professional Status (EYPS) where candidates should complete four modules to gain this professional status.

Assessment

You will experience a variety of teaching and learning methods at the University of Worcester. These range from lectures attended by the whole group, to seminars which involve smaller group discussion, to tutorials where you will receive in depth support on specific areas and blended learning will be integral to your learning experience.

You will also work in learning groups, in which you will learn from and support each other. You will keep your own Record of Personal and Professional Development to support you in identifying skills, personal qualities and career options.

Tutors have a range of professional expertise and research interests including Special Needs and Inclusive Education, Children's Literacy, Integrated Children's Services, Multilingualism, Sociology of Childhood, Early Years Curriculum and many other areas.

Experienced Tutors and Researchers
The University of Worcester has an international reputation for its work in Early Childhood Studies, enabling students to draw on a wide range of expertise and knowledge, including international projects.

Assessment
Varied assessment methods are used to make sure your final grade is an accurate reflection of your performance during the course. Knowledge, understanding and skills are assessed, as well as your presentation and communication skills. Assessment methods include essays, journals, presentation, displays, reports, seminars and research projects.

Jennie, Early Years and Childcare Consultant

“I wished I had done the top up degree sooner! The knowledge and experience of the lecturers has supported me no end in my current role as an early years professional. I have made new friends from a range of early years settings, both private, voluntary and independent. The sharing of good practice, professional discussions and debates, group projects and independent working has supported me within my role as an Early Years and Childcare Consultant and has enabled me to become a more reflective practitioner. I loved uni life so much that I have returned to complete my Early Years Professional Status with the University of Worcester.”

Academic department

Institute of Education

“Our high quality programmes and innovative teaching methods prepare and train the very best professionals. Worcester graduates have made a huge difference in the field of education.”
Professor Chris Robertson, Head of Institute

Employability

Integrated Working with Children and Families graduates should have knowledge of the education and care of children from birth to 19 years, giving foundation for a range of careers working with children, families and other professional disciplines, including social work, health services and children's charities.

Please visit the Early Years Professional Status (EYPS) page for more information about this professional status.

For those wishing to become teachers, a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) is an option.