BA (Hons) EARLY CHILDHOOD STUDIES (PART-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 based around your professional work-based placements. During your studies, you will be expected to maintain access to young children (between 0 and 8 years) in a structured setting through employment or negotiated access. It is advised that this should be for a period of no less than 7 10 hours per week.

Who will be teaching me?

The part-time BA Early Childhood Studies course is offered at Stranmillis University College and South West College in Omagh.  You will be taught, assessed and supported by an exceptional team of internationally recognised, research-led and experienced practitioners.

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 project.

 

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.

Work-based Placements

An extensive programme of relevant work-based experience is a core element of the course. All entrants to the BA Early Childhood Studies (part-time) degree must be able to demonstrate that they can gain  access to young children in a structured setting, either through employment or negotiated access. It is advised that this should be for a period of no less than 7-10 hours per week.

Study Abroad

In Year 3, 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 teaching and learning.

Programme Specification

For full programme specification click here

Please click on the link below to register your interest in applying for the part-time BA Early Childhood Studies course.

https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/part-time-ECS-2022-ApplicationRequest/

The deadline for submitting completed applications is 3pm Tuesday 1^st March 2022.

Entry Requirements

A level

BBB

BTEC Extended Diploma

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

Access Course

Successful completion with an overall grade of 65%.

CACHE Extended Diploma

Grade B – Childcare, Learning and Development

Irish Leaving Certificate

H3H3H3H3H4H4 to include English and Mathematics.

The Admissions Process

Application for the BA Early Childhood Studies part-time degree should be made directly to the University College. The course will be open to applications from mid December.

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 clearly demonstrated in your application.

Level 2 Essential Skills Numeracy and Applications 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 who 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 the required interview score has been achieved and depending upon availability of places.

Step 2 – Review of 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 clubs etc.   An unsuccessful decision will be processed for any applicant who does not demonstrate this evidence in their Personal Statement.

Step 3 – Group Interview

Applicants who pass the first two steps of the process will be invited to take part in a group interview. 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 part-time group interviews will take place in May. The interviews will be conducted by a panel of two academic staff from Stranmillis University College. All entrants to the part-time degree must be able to demonstrate that they can gain access to young children in a structured setting either through employment or negotiated access. It is advised that this should be for a period of no less than 7 -10 hours per week.

Step 4 – Offers

Offers are made on the basis of ranked interview scores, verification of qualifications and the ability to obtain structured work experience with young children. Applicants will be notified by August of the decision on their application via email or post.

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

Please note that applications for deferred entry will not be considered.

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

Enhancing employability is a key part of the student experience. The transferable skills developed on the course, together with extensive hands-on professional placement, work experience and study abroad opportunities, ensure that our graduates are highly sought after. The most recent Graduate Outcome survey results report that 97% of our graduates are in employment or further study fifteen months after graduation.