Childhood Studies BA (Hons)

**OVERVIEW**<br/>The BA (Hons) Childhood Studies is a top-up degree designed for holders of HNCs (or equivalent) and enables you to build a career in childhood services. <br/><br/>Throughout this course you will gain an understanding of the issues related to early childhood and services for children and families. You will learn about the values underpinning children’s services, and the importance of working in partnership with professionals from a range of disciplines. You will consider issues relating to management and leadership of early learning and childcare services. <br/><br/>To develop your practical knowledge, you’ll have the chance to complete two three-week blocks of work-based experience each year. In Year 3 you will have the option to complete placement in an international setting (currently available in Italy, Spain and Germany). <br/><br/>**PRACTICAL FOCUS**<br/>This course is very practially-focused. Throughout the course, you will have the chance to apply your knowledge in a professional setting with blocks of work-based experience each year. In Year 2, you will complete one three-week block placement in Term 2; in years 3 and 4, you will complete two three-week placements, one each in Terms 1 and 2. Recent student placements were located in local authority establishments and private providers. <br/><br/>In addition, throughout your studies, we incorporate guest lectures from multi-agency professionals. These increase your understanding of broader aspects relating to work within the early years sector and enhance your academic studies.<br/><br/>**CAREER PROSPECTS**<br/>**Jobs**<br/>BA (Hons) Childhood Studies graduates have gained employment in integrated childcare services with children under five years, out-of-school care, and in project work offering support for children and their families in roles such as family support workers, early years practitioners, and NHS community nursery nurses. <br/><br/>**Further Study**<br/>Further study towards Graduate Diploma in Childhood Practice qualifications, depending on experience, is possible. This enables registration with Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) as Lead Practitioner/Manager. <br/><br/>Depending on additional qualifications that graduates from this course may have, you may also be eligible to apply for a range of postgraduate programmes, including Initial Teacher Education (Primary), Social Work and Psychology. Note that for Iniitial Teacher Training (PGDE) courses, and other courses, graduates at postgraduate level may need to demonstrate that they possess the equivalent of a pass in SQA Higher English snd Internmediate 2 Maths in addition to a degree in order to apply as this is a requirement from respective professional recognition bodies/institutes.