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Early Childhood Studies Top-up

  • BA (Hons)
  • 3 Years
  • Variable
  • 14/09/2026
  • Undergraduate
University College Birmingham
Awarded by:
University of Warwick
More about University College Birmingham

Course options

2025-20262026-2027
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Course summary

This course is accredited by the University of Warwick

OVERVIEW
Do you have knowledge of working with young children and their families? Want a career helping to shape the foundations for the future of the next generation? Our Early Childhood Studies top-up degree course builds upon your existing training for the early years sector and will help you become a highly qualified graduate practitioner ready to enter a rewarding career in this field.

Covering work with children aged 0-8 years, this top-up course is designed for anyone who has previously studied a relevant subject (up to Level 5), boosting your understanding of childhood, development and growth as well as creating new learning opportunities. You will explore themes of leadership and management and key competencies for the early years' workforce, along with a range of optional modules, from pedagogical leadership in play to socio-historical aspects of childhood.

As part of our top-up Early Childhood Studies course, you will conduct in-depth research into a topic that matches your personal interests and ambitions, while you will also undertake a work placement related to your future career. On completing the course, you will be able to pursue a range of careers within the sector, while if you have ambitions to become a teacher, you can progress onto our PGCE Primary Education QTS (Qualified Teacher Status) postgraduate course.

WHY CHOOSE THIS COURSE?

  • Work placement – Gain invaluable experience working in a real-life setting on a work placement as part of your top-up course

  • In-depth research – Carry out your own research project on a topic that you are passionate about and is relevant to your professional aspirations

  • Specialise your studies – Choose from a variety of optional modules, including Children's Voice and Pedagogical Leadership in Play

  • Enrichment – Boost your employability with exciting enrichment opportunities as well as additional qualifications including Paediatric First Aid and Food and Hygiene

PLACEMENTS
Our top-up course includes a mandatory requirement of 200 hours on placement, with the setting determined by your eventual career choice.

Employers we have worked with include Aston University Nursery and Pre-school, Birmingham Centre for Arts Therapies, Arden Primary School, Queen Alexandra College, James Brindley Parkway, Little Scallywags Day Nursery and St Thomas Centre Nursery.

CAREERS AND PROGRESSION
Examples of careers you could pursue following this course:

  • Early years teacher/primary school teacher

  • Learning mentor

  • Family support worker

  • Special educational needs coordinator (SENCO)

  • Social worker (NHS)

  • Mental health nurse

You could also progress onto one of our postgraduate courses at University College Birmingham.

  • Please refer to our website www.ucb.ac.uk for the latest updates to this course

Modules

  • Dissertation (SEHC)
  • Enhancing Employability for Graduate Practice
  • Leading and Managing Systems

Plus one option from:

  • Children's Voice
  • Pedagogical Leadership in Play
  • Socio-Historical Aspect of Childhood

Assessment method

Note: Indicative information only. Actual timetables and assessment regimes will be issued at your induction. Please be aware that methods of delivery for this course may be altered due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic – for the most up-to-date information, please refer to our website: www.ucb.ac.uk

ASSESSMENT

Estimated breakdown of assessment for this course:

  • Coursework – 100%

Our teaching and assessment is underpinned by our Teaching, Learning and Assessment Strategy 2021-2024.

Ways to study this course

Campuses

  • University College Birmingham

Study options

  • BA (Hons) • Variable • 3 Years

Start dates

  • 14/09/2026

Application codes

Institution code:
B35
Campus name:
University College Birmingham
Campus Code:
-
Points of Entry:
Year 3

University College Birmingham has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.

See why these ratings were awarded
What does this TEF outcome mean?

How to apply

To apply for this course you will be taken to the provider's website, where you can find out more information and make an application.

Application codes

Institution code:
B35
Campus name:
University College Birmingham
Campus Code:
-

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 3

Entry requirements for advanced entry (i.e. into Year 2 and beyond)

  • Transferring from another university
    At University College Birmingham, we consider applications from students who have studied, or are currently studying, a Higher Education course and now wish to transfer universities.
  • What do I need to do?
    To make an enquiry about studying at University College Birmingham, you will need to complete our online enquiry form -> https://portal.ucb.ac.uk/#/admissions/ucb-direct-apply
    Consideration for advanced entry will be dependent on the modules of your previous course, and how well this matches to the content of the course you wish to transfer to at University College Birmingham. Additionally, the process will be dependent on the number of credits achieved on your current course. Where similar study is apparent, it may be possible for us to award Accreditation for Previous Learning (APL) and, therefore, advanced entry onto a course at UCB will be permitted. Please note; due to the nature of this process, all applications are considered on an individual basis.

International applicants

All non-EU international students can apply directly via our online application forms:
https://portal.ucb.ac.uk/#/admissions/direct-application/intro
Undergraduate applicants can also apply via UCAS, if they wish to apply to more than one university. The International Admissions team aim to respond to any new application made directly via the online application form within 5 working days of receipt. However, this can vary during peak application periods (particularly January-March) or if the team require additional information to process your application.
Applicants who apply to transfer to University College Birmingham on to a second year or final year of a course will have their previous course matched for entry.
Each application is considered individually and careful consideration is given to all information on your application form. We may also need to contact you regarding your immigration status or previous studies in the UK.

Open days

Chat to student ambassadors

Discover what it's like to study Early Childhood Studies Top-up at University College Birmingham: insights on the course, making friends, personal statement tips, uni prep, and recommended books, podcasts, and videos.

POWERED BY Unibuddy

  • Emily

    University College Birmingham
    Prosthetics for Film and Television, MA
    From 2016-2018 I studied Art, Photography and Psychology A-Levels at Princethorpe College, Rugby, and after not being too sure of what I wanted to study at university I decided to throw myself into full time employment. I then came across the Specialist Hair and Media Make-Up course here at University College Birmingham and applied in 2020. Moving cities during the pandemic was very strange, however I soon became very comfortable at The Maltings where I lived with the majority of my classmates. After three years of study, I graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree and I have now moved onto studying Prosthetics for Film and Television MA. Alongside the masters degree, University College Birmingham gave me the opportunity to work for them as an intern in the Marketing Department as part of the masters internship bursary scheme, where my course is paid for in the form of 400 hours of work over the academic year (September-July), which has been a huge benefit for myself financially. I also work as a part time front of house team member at a restaurant in Birmingham city centre, I enjoy this job a lot as I get to interact with lots of different people, I also feel very accepted there as I am free to express myself with my piercings, tattoos and makeup.

  • Loretta

    University College Birmingham
    Dietetics
    Hi there, I'm a recent graduate of the Food and nutrition BSc course which I thoroughly enjoyed. I'm also a student ambassador, so am always here to help 😁. I am an aspiring Dietitian and business owner I'll soon be starting my MSc in Dietetics.

  • Becky

    University College Birmingham
    Nursing (Adult)
    I am a mature student studying Adult Nursing. I am a single parent and work part-time. I love uni life, and UCB is fantastic. The lecturers are friendly, approachable, helpful and have time for you which was a big tick as this is very important. Everyone around uni is lovely. It's fresh and vibrant, and from the first day of starting in January, I knew it was the uni for me! It's never too late to learn; if you are thinking of studying to become a nurse, I cannot recommend it enough! If i can do it, so can you!!!!

  • Michaela

    University College Birmingham
    Health and Social Care
    Hi I'm Michaela Mooney I'm the unibuddy ambassador for health and social care I have autism and dyspraxia , I like to help others like me I do talks about my life experience and also advocacy for people with a disability, I like theatre, animals and helping others.

  • Dana

    University College Birmingham
    Marketing
    Hi, I'm a final-year Digital Marketing student with a passion for exploring the world of branding and online strategies. I enjoy reading dystopian novels, as they challenge my perspective and stimulate new ideas through their thought-provoking themes. Traveling is my way of broadening horizons and discovering new cultures. Last year, I completed a placement that offered hands-on experience in the industry, further fueling my enthusiasm. I'm here to help with any questions about the university—navigating the process can be complicated, and I'd be happy if my support could make it easier for others!

  • Viktoria

    University College Birmingham
    Business Enterprise
    I have always been ambitious and striving for better and always wanted to start my own business. Which is the reason I have started reading business literature 15 years ago. However, I have realized that I would need something in addition to become a successful entrepreneur. And this is the reason I came to the tipping point of my life and decided to become a Business Enterprise student. After I have conducted quite a broad reasearch I choose UCB, and this happen to be the best decision I have ever made in my life. The support from the University and the teachers is outstanding.

  • Ann-Marie

    University College Birmingham
    Primary Education Studies
    Hello, hope you are well. I am studying PRIMARY EDUCATION STUDIES BA (Hons) (Accelerated), and enjoy spending time with my friends or reading. I really enjoy the course.

  • Siraj

    University College Birmingham
    Physiotherapy
    Hi! I'm Siraj, a Physiotherapy student at University College Birmingham. I would be happy to answer all your questions about the University, my studies, student life, Birmingham city centre, or anything else

  • Farman

    University College Birmingham
    Paramedic Science
    Hello, I’m Farman, and ✨ I’m passionate about becoming a Paramedic. With a strong background in Health and Social Care Level 3, I understand the needs of patients in emergencies 🩺. My motivation is to provide critical care and support to those in their most vulnerable moments. I am dedicated to lifelong learning and making a positive impact in this essential profession. 💪 Let's inspire each other to make the world a better place! 🌍 ✨

Entry requirements

Qualification requirements

UCAS Tariff - Not accepted

A level - Not accepted

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - Not accepted

Access to HE Diploma - Not accepted

Scottish Higher - Not accepted

HND (BTEC) - P

A relevant HND or a foundation degree in the areas of Marketing Management, Business Management, Finance and Business, with 240 credits.

If you are unsure if your previous qualification is suitable please contact us before completing an application, you can call us on 0121 604 1040 or email: direct@ucb.ac.uk

EU/international students

Academic: European and International qualifications studied in a relevant subject matter will also be considered applicants will need to have achieved 120 ECTS or equivalent (European Credit Transfer)

If you are unsure if your previous qualification is suitable please contact us before completing an application, you can call us on 0121 604 1040 or email

EU: euadmissions@ucb.ac.uk

International: International@ucb.ac.uk

Historical entry grades data BETA

This section shows the range of grades students (with UK A-Levels or Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diplomas) who received offers were previously accepted with (learn more). It is designed to support your research but does not guarantee whether you will or won't get a place. Admissions teams consider various factors, including interviews, subject requirements, and entrance tests. Check all course entry requirements for eligibility.

Not enough data available

We are unable to show previous accepted grades for this course. This could be because the course is new, it's a postgraduate course, there isn't enough historical data, or the provider has opted out of sharing their entry grades data for this course - learn more.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

LocationFeeYear
Republic of Ireland£9250Year 1
EU£13500Year 1
International£13500Year 1
England£9250Year 1
Northern Ireland£9250Year 1
Scotland£9250Year 1
Wales£9250Year 1

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.

Additional fee information

UK:
If you are a UK student enrolling on a Foundation Degree or a BA/BSc at University College Birmingham in 2021/22, your fee for this academic year will be £9,250. A half year tuition fee is £4625.
This is a yearly fee, and will increase with inflation in subsequent years (in line with the government’s permitted rise).
If you are an English student studying your first higher education qualification, you can apply for a tuition fee loan from the Student Loans Company. You will not start repaying this loan until you leave the course and are earning over £25,000 a year.
If you live in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland, you should apply to Student Finance Wales, Student Finance Northern Ireland, or SAAS. The loans and grants available to you will differ from those available from Student Finance England.
UCB does not charge for 24 or 48 week placements.
More information about UK Fees please go to our website here -
https://www.ucb.ac.uk/study/fees-and-funding/undergraduate-fees/

EU and International:
More information about International Fees please go to our website here - https://www.ucb.ac.uk/our-courses/international/tuition-fees-and-scholarships.aspx

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