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BA Early Childhood Education and Care Top Up in Wakefield – Wakefield College – Full-time

CostFull time: £7,400
Duration1 year
DeliveryClassroom based
Start30 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Apply now →

About this course

BA (Hons) Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) Top-up course in Wakefield. Classes run at Wakefield College, full-time during the day. The course is designed for people who already hold a Foundation Degree or HND in a relevant subject and want to complete a full honours degree. The ba early childhood education and care top-up qualification takes one year to complete. You'll study theoretical modules covering health and wellbeing, SEND, and research methods, and carry out a major study in education. The course is updated in line with National Occupational Standards for the Level 6 Early Years Educator.

Who this course is for

The course has been developed in partnership with employers to ensure the current government reforms in education are met. The reforms focus on early childhood development and the importance of high quality early years provision to provide the foundations to prepare young children and babies for the best start in life. The program will also ensure you are fully prepared for a successful career and allows students who currently hold a foundation degree or a Higher National Diploma (HND) to complete further study to top up their qualifications and obtain a full honours degree. You will build on what you have already learnt from previous study and will gain knowledge to support you in your career. The course has been updated in line with the National Occupational Standards for the Level 6 Early Years Educator.

Entry requirements

  • Foundation Degree in Young

Children’s Learning and Development

or Early Years

or

  • Completion of the first two years

of a BA (Hons) or an equivalent

qualification such as a Higher National

Diploma in a relevant subject

What you will learn

  • You'll develop your understanding of health and well-being in early childhood settings.
  • You'll explore critical issues in special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
  • You'll study research methodologies and how to apply them to education practice.
  • You'll plan and carry out a major independent research project in education.
  • You'll analyse current government reforms in early years and primary education.
  • You'll reflect on how theory connects to your own professional and work experience.

How you will learn

Sessions include group work, lectures, seminars, workshops, and case studies. Around 60% of your study is independent and self-directed. You'll have a personal tutor to support your well-being and learning throughout the course. Assessments vary across modules and include the major study in education as a significant piece of independent research.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Wakefield College will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Early years room leader - leading practice in a nursery or pre-school setting.
  • Nursery manager - overseeing day-to-day operations and staff in a nursery.
  • Early years teacher - working toward Early Years Teacher Status with a degree.
  • SEND coordinator (early years) - supporting children with additional needs.
  • Children's centre coordinator - running programmes for young children and families.
  • Early years lecturer or trainer - teaching childcare qualifications in further education.

What you could study next

With a BA (Hons) in Early Childhood Education and Care, you could pursue Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS) through a postgraduate programme, which is the recognised route into teaching in early years settings. A PGCE in Primary Education is another option if you want to teach in primary schools. Some graduates go on to postgraduate study at Master's level, such as an MA in Education or Early Childhood Studies, to move into research, policy, or senior leadership roles.

Apply on heartofyorkshire.ac.uk →
Apply now →

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