The tutors were always available during and after lectures to offer additional support during my Childhood Studies foundation degree.
Nicola
UCAS code:
X321Location(s):
CanterburyThe Foundation Degree in Childhood Studies gives you the opportunity to fit study around work and enhance your knowledge and further your learning.
Delivered in the evening from 5pm onwards (also known as on a twilight basis), and led by award-winning academics who are also experienced childhood practitioners, this course allows you to work and study at the same time.
We believe that working with children within your studies is vital – so it’s built into the course. We also understand that you may already have a wealth of experience in working with children, or even be looking to change career paths, so through this course our goal is to help you become a more rounded professional.
This innovative, work-based course offers you the best of both worlds: you'll be able to build your knowledge and gain a qualification while continuing to work. Delivered at our Canterbury campus, this option for our Childhood Studies Foundation Degree is taught at classes scheduled after 5pm, making it possible to study around work and family commitments.
If you are working on a paid or voluntary basis with children and young people in settings such as schools, nurseries, childcare, foster care, child minding, youth groups, cadets, or library services, this course is a great option. You'll build on your existing experience and will learn new skills, so that you develop academically and professionally.
Throughout the course, you'll examine child development from a range of perspectives exploring psychology, sociology, philosophy and the history of education. You'll study the relationship between theories of child development and practical application in the workplace.
You'll also have the option of focusing your studies on Special Educational Needs (SEN), where you'll explore specific issues relating to SEN practice in greater depth.
Applicants are required to hold qualifications at A level (or equivalent Level 3 qualifications). HLTA status may also be accepted as a Level 3 equivalent qualification. You may be asked to attend an interview.
You must be employed (paid or voluntary) in a role working with children or young people in an educational setting for at least 15 hours per week. This course is not open to you if you do not meet this requirement. There is no professional placement option within the course.
Experience of working for six months (or an equivalent time) in a paid or a voluntary capacity, prior to entry, with children or young people in an educational setting is required.
You will also need active support of an employer, who must sign your application form and learning agreement.
It is a requirement that all applicants have a current satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
If you do not have English at GCSE grade C or above you will be required to take and pass the University equivalency tests for entry onto this course. There is a charge for this test. OR, if you have Functional Skills Level 2 (English) you can gain entry onto this course, with the expectation that you will independently complete the University English equivalency test, or gain a GCSE English language qualification during the course.
If you do not meet the entry requirements, but have the appropriate work experience, you may be offered an opportunity to join the course, subject to the agreement of your employer. In this case, you will be required to take and pass the Orientation module.
During the course, you'll reflect on a range of issues that affect the development of children and young people. There is a strong emphasis on the role of research and how it impacts on different aspects of children and young people's lives. You will explore the relationship between child development and practices in the workplace by carrying out practical research tasks.
In Year 1, you'll study modules that will help you to develop your academic study skills and cement your understanding of areas such as human growth and development, language development, developing positive behaviour, additional educational needs and supporting children learning maths.
In Year 2, you'll explore education theory and aspects of development such as the importance of language and literacy, issues relating to health, activity levels and nutrition, and the role of creative and cultural development in learning. You'll learn how to evaluate and critique contemporary evidence and will debate significant factors affecting children and young peoples’ lives in a global context.
As part of your second year studies, you'll carry out independent study on a particular area of childhood studies that interests you and you'll produce an academic report relating theory to practice.
If you choose to focus your studies on special educational needs (SEN), you'll also explore issues related to disability, autism, speech, language and social communication needs, and sensory impairments and physical conditions.
Please note that the list of optional modules and their availability may be subject to change. We continually review and where appropriate, revise the range of modules on offer to reflect changes in the subject and ensure the best student experience. Modules will vary when studied in combination with another subject.
You will be taught face-to-face at your chosen location, as well as participating in online learning. It is intended that the teaching would take place on:
All courses are informed by the University’s Learning and Teaching Strategy 2015-2022.
You are expected to carry out around 90 hours of independent research and study for each module.
As a work-based programme, Childhood Studies enables you to apply your learning as part of the course to your experience in the workplace. It’s a fantastic opportunity to earn as you learn!
Janice GillProgramme Director
You will be assessed through a range of methods, including individual presentations, poster presentations, resource design, case studies and essays. There is no formal examination assessment.
Assessment procedures will take account of not only your acquired knowledge and skills, but also the process of developing skills and the ability to apply such knowledge and skills in the world of work.
On successful completion of the course you may choose to continue to develop your knowledge and understanding of childhood studies by progressing to the BA (Hons) Childhood Studies, a one-year top-up degree.
Alternatively, you may wish to study another area, such as social work, speech and language or art and play therapy.
Tuition Fees for some 2022/23 have not yet been finalised. These course web pages will be updated with Tuition Fee information once they have been agreed.
This course is available at multiple campuses so please be aware that some courses run during the day and some run in the evenings (twilight – 5PM onwards). This is not displayed on UCAS so please ensure you select the correct location. Locations and time are as follows:
If you have selected the incorrect course please get in contact with the Undergraduate Admissions team on 01227 925555 or ugadmissions@canterbury.ac.uk and they will be able to change this.
There needs to be a minimum of 15 students to be able to run the cohort. If we are unable to attract enough students then the cohort will not run. Where we are unable to run a cohort, we will contact anybody affected via the email address given on the application form. We would normally expect to offer those affected the opportunity to join the next cohort of the course at either at the original location, or at an alternative venue (once again, this is subject to the minimum number of students being recruited).
You are expected to work in child-based setting (this can be a paid or voluntary role) for a minimum of 15 hours per week. If you are not able to find work in a child-based setting, you may not be able to complete your studies.
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