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

Cost£3,700 per year
Duration2 years
DeliveryClassroom based
Start30 Sep 2026
Study modePart-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, part-time during the day over two years. The course is for people who already hold a Foundation Degree or HND in a relevant subject and want to complete a full honours degree. You'll study theoretical modules covering health and wellbeing, SEND, and research methods, alongside a major study project. Around 60% of your study is independent, supported by a personal tutor. The course is built around current government reforms in early childhood education.

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 explore health and wellbeing in early childhood education and care contexts.
  • You'll examine critical issues in special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
  • You'll develop research methodology skills to plan and carry out independent study.
  • You'll complete a major study in education, building research and analytical skills.
  • You'll deepen your understanding of early childhood development theory and practice.
  • You'll reflect on how theory applies to your own professional experience.
  • You'll build knowledge aligned with the National Occupational Standards for Level 6 Early Years Educator.

How you will learn

Sessions at Wakefield College 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 supporting your wellbeing and learning throughout. Assessments vary across modules and include the major study project.

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 nursery or pre-school settings.
  • Nursery manager: overseeing day-to-day running of an early years setting.
  • Early years SEND coordinator: supporting children with additional needs.
  • Children's centre coordinator: managing community-based family support services.
  • Early years lecturer or trainer: teaching childcare qualifications in further education.
  • Family support worker: working with families and young children in the community.
  • Early years consultant: advising settings on quality and practice improvement.

What you could study next

A BA (Hons) can open the door to postgraduate study. A PGCE (Early Years or Primary) would qualify you to teach in schools. A Master's in Early Childhood Education or Education Studies is a route into research, policy, or senior leadership roles. Some graduates also pursue Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS) through a postgraduate programme if they haven't already achieved it.

Apply on heartofyorkshire.ac.uk →
Apply now →

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