Course Overview
The BA (Hons) Young Children’s Learning and Development (Top-Up) builds on your existing foundation degree or equivalent qualification, enabling you to achieve a full honours degree while remaining in employment.
You will critically explore contemporary theory, policy and research linked to children’s learning, wellbeing and professional practice. Through blended learning, collaborative debate and independent research, you will strengthen your analytical, leadership and problem-solving skills.
This course supports you to evaluate and enhance your own provision, deepen your understanding of childhood, and apply evidence-informed strategies within your setting — positioning you as a reflective, confident early years professional.
Entry Requirements:
Level 5 Subject Specific Qualification (HE Top Ups Only), IELTS Score: 6.5
Course Highlights
Validating Partners
We are proud to collaborate with University of Hull on the validation of our top up Degrees. Our partnership with the University allows us to offer top-degrees at Level 6. All the qualifications are subject to monitoring by our university partner and are awarded as Hull University top-up Degrees.
Promoting Well-Being in the Early Years
This module develops your critical understanding of young children’s health, safety and wellbeing within early years contexts. You will explore contemporary theoretical perspectives, legislation and policy frameworks that shape practice, including safeguarding, mental health, and inclusive provision. Through reflective analysis of your own setting, you will evaluate the practitioner’s role in promoting positive outcomes and identify strategies to enhance wellbeing. Emphasis is placed on ethical responsibility, multi-agency collaboration and the importance of creating environments that support secure attachments, resilience and holistic development.
Contemporary Approaches to Young Children’s Learning and Development
This module examines historical and contemporary perspectives on childhood, exploring how socio-cultural, political and educational influences shape current early years practice. You will critically engage with key theorists and emerging research, analysing how differing viewpoints influence curriculum design, pedagogy and professional values. Collaborative discussion and reflection will support you to question assumptions and refine your own professional philosophy. By linking theory to your employment context, you will deepen your understanding of the factors that impact children’s learning and development across diverse settings.
Quality Provision in the Early Years Environment
This module focuses on defining, analysing and enhancing quality within early years provision. You will critically evaluate research evidence, inspection frameworks and professional standards to understand what constitutes effective practice. The module strengthens your skills in observation, assessment and planning, recognising the child as an active participant in their learning journey. Through reflection on your own workplace, you will identify areas for development and design strategies to improve outcomes. Consideration is also given to inclusive practice, enabling environments and the role of continuous improvement in raising standards.
Professional Dimensions of Working with Young Children
This module explores the broader professional responsibilities of working with young children and their families. You will examine leadership, management, ethics, inclusive practice and professional values within early childhood settings. The importance of advocacy, partnership working and effective communication with stakeholders is emphasised. You will map and evidence your practice against Graduate Practitioner Competencies (GPC), building a professional e-portfolio that demonstrates your readiness for leadership. The module supports career planning and progression, encouraging you to reflect on your evolving professional identity.
Dissertation
The Dissertation provides an opportunity to undertake an independent research project in an area of early childhood that is of personal and professional significance. You will design, plan and implement a small-scale research study within ethical guidelines, applying appropriate methodologies and analytical techniques. With tutorial support, you will critically evaluate literature, collect and interpret data, and present well-reasoned conclusions. This module enables you to extend your academic knowledge while directly enhancing your work-based practice, demonstrating advanced research, critical thinking and problem-solving skills expected of an honours graduate.
Course Breakdown
Why Choose This Course
If you’re ready to move from practitioner to leader, this Top-Up degree provides the knowledge and confidence to do so. You will examine current debates in early childhood, critically evaluate policy and research, and apply evidence-based improvements within your own workplace.
The course is designed around working professionals, offering flexible study options and strong tutorial support. You’ll collaborate with peers from across the sector, gaining fresh perspectives and strengthening your professional network.
Graduates leave as analytical, reflective practitioners equipped to enhance provision, influence practice and advocate effectively for young children and families.
Progression & Next Steps
Graduates can progress into leadership and management roles within early years settings, children’s centres or family support services. The degree also supports progression to postgraduate study, including MA programmes in Early Childhood, Education or leadership, further enhancing career opportunities across the sector including:
Early Years Teacher/ Qualified Teacher (subject to professional qualification)
Early Years consultant Children’s Centre Manager
Early Years Practitioner
Early years development worker
Day Nursery Manager
Out-of-School Manager Pre-School Manager Family support officer/ coordinator