BA (Hons) EARLY CHILDHOOD STUDIES (FULL-TIME)

How will I study?

In addition to lectures, tutorials, workshops and individual/group projects, a substantial part of the teaching and learning process is delivered through your work-based placements. During your studies, you will have the opportunity to gain experience in a variety of settings with children between 0 and 8 years. You will also have the opportunity to apply for an exciting study abroad adventure in Year 2, living and studying at one of the Colleges partner universities.

Who will be teaching me?

In College and on your work-based professional placements, you will be taught, assessed and supported by an exceptional team of internationally recognised, research-led and experienced lecturers and tutors. As a small, specialist institution, you get to know your tutors and they get to know you and support you in becoming a highly qualified practitioner.

How will I be assessed?

A variety of assessment methods are used, including critically reflective essays; individual and group projects and presentations; written examinations; assessment on placement; and a final dissertation.

 

A Blended Approach

Our teaching staff have a passion: a desire to inspire you to learn, to question and to innovate. We know that doesn™t happen in the lecture theatre alone. Your teaching and learning experience is enriched through a blended learning approach of lectures, workshops, tutorials, group and individual projects and self-directed study.

Personal Tutor

Every student is assigned a personal tutor, who will take the time to get to know you and your learning needs, giving you personalised academic support throughout your degree.

Work-based Placements

Work-based placements are an integral and core part of the degree, allowing you to see your  learning being put into practice in a supervised and supportive environment. In Year 1, you will be on placement two days a week in each semester, one in a voluntary sector playgroup and one in a private sector daycare. In Year 2, you will have 2 block placements, each lasting three weeks, in a statutory nursery school or unit or a nursery class within a primary school. In Year 3, you will be on placement 2 days a week, in each semester, in two sectors/locations selected by you in line with your  future career aspirations. Students should note that Year 1 and 2 placements take place within a 20 mile radius of the College.

Study Abroad

In Year 2, you will have the opportunity to study abroad at one of our 30+ partner institutions through our Erasmus+ programme “ a learning experience that our students find hugely enriching academically as well as personally: experiencing and sharing cultures; improving language skills; and acquiring new perspectives on education and learning.

Programme Specification

For full programme specification click here

A level

BBB

BTEC Extended Diploma

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

Access Course

Successful completion of Access course with an average of 65% in level 3 modules.

CACHE Extended Diploma

Grade B – Childcare, Learning and Development

Irish Leaving Certificate

H3H3H3H3H4H4 to include English and Mathematics.

The Admissions Process

The BA Early Childhood Studies degree at Stranmillis University College is very popular and each year the number of applicants greatly outweighs the number of places available.

Academic Registry receives applications directly from UCAS. Applications are considered on the basis of the information provided. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that complete detail is provided. All applications must contain a reference otherwise they will not be considered. All fully completed applications submitted by the UCAS closing date of 26th January are given equal consideration. Applications received after this date will not be considered.

Step 1 – Review of Academic Profile

All applicants must have a minimum C grade in GCSE English and Mathematics. If an applicant is attempting to achieve the GCSE subject requirements in the year of application, this must be demonstrated in the UCAS application.

Level 2 Essential Skills Numeracy and Application of Number is not acceptable in lieu of GCSE Mathematics.

Level 2 Essential Skills Communication is acceptable in lieu of GCSE English.

An Unsuccessful decision will be processed against an application that does not meet the GCSE requirements.

Applicants that have already completed A-levels (or equivalent Level 3 qualifications) but do not precisely meet or fall slightly below the entry requirements, may still be shortlisted for interview, but will not initially receive an offer. Such applicants may be reconsidered in August, assuming required interview score has been achieved and depending upon availability of places.

Step 2 – Review of UCAS Personal Statement

All applicants who meet the initial academic criteria will have their Personal Statement reviewed by a member of staff in Academic Registry.

A personal desire and motivation for working with young children must be evident in your Personal Statement. You will be required to demonstrate your commitment to working with young children by providing examples of working with children in a structured environment such as nursery, primary school, youth club, etc. An Unsuccessful decision will be processed for any applicant that does not demonstrate this evidence in their Personal Statement.

Step 3 – Interview and Presentation

Applicants that pass the first two steps of the process will be invited to take part in an interview and presentation. Applicants will be notified of their interview date at least one week beforehand. You will also be provided with the presentation topic at this time.

BA Early Childhood Studies interviews are held on various dates in February and March. The interview will be conducted by a panel of two, normally comprising a member of Academic staff from Stranmillis University College and a current/retired early years professional. The presentation will be followed by a short interview during which the interviewers will ask you a number of set questions. The interview, including the presentation, will last approximately 20 minutes. Both the interview and the presentation are scored out of 20 giving a total possible score of 40.

Step 4 – Offers

Offers are made on the basis of ranked interview score and verification of qualifications. The limited number of places available on the full-time degree programme makes this a competitive application process, but potential candidates interested in early childhood studies should note that the four-year BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies (part-time) degree programme is not subject to restricted numbers.

Academic Registry aims to have offers processed on UCAS before the 31^st of March, however, the final UCAS deadline for ‘on time’ applications is 2^nd May.

All offers are subject to a satisfactory Access NI Enhanced Disclosure Check, which you will be asked to complete prior to commencing study.

Please note that due to the demand for places and the limited number of places available, applications for deferred entry will not be considered.

Please email [email protected] if you require further information on entry requirements or the admissions process.

Careers

The BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies degree forms a sound basis for career progression in the statutory, voluntary and private sectors of early years provision including:

Early Years Organisations
Nursery and Primary Schools 
Centres Associated With The Early Years Organisation
Toy and Book Libraries
Creches
Parent and Toddler Groups
Childcare And Family Centres

A Level 6 qualification, this degree exceeds the requirements for leadership and management qualifications under the terms of the Minimum Standards For Child Minding And Daycare (DHSSPS, 2012). A number of graduates have pursued further study at both Postgraduate Diploma and Master’s level in the fields of Early Childhood Studies and Social Work. Others have taken up employment through, for example, the Government funded  “Sure Start” initiative.

Degree Enhancement

Our Degree Enhancement programme is designed to further help you to stand out from the crowd. The programme provides a range of opportunities to enhance your skillset through optional short courses, awards and volunteering opportunities in areas relevant to your chosen career path.