Education Studies with Early Years (Distance Learning)

If you’ve already completed a foundation degree or similar qualification in Education, Early Childhood Studies, or Teaching and Learning Support, this is your opportunity to take the next step in your career. Our BA (Hons) Education Studies with Early Years (Top Up) degree allows you to build on your existing knowledge and graduate with a full honours degree focused on early years practice and education in today’s society.
Throughout this one-year course, you’ll deepen your understanding of key themes shaping early years education nationally and internationally. You’ll explore areas such as equality, diversity, leadership and management, social justice, policy, and contemporary issues in early childhood. This critical insight will help you understand how early years provision influences, and is influenced by, the wider educational landscape.
Work-based learning is a central element of the course, giving you the chance to apply early years theory directly within real educational settings. Whether you use your current workplace, return to a familiar environment, or choose a new placement, we’ll support you in finding an opportunity that enhances your professional development. This practical experience is strengthened by expert guidance from tutors with extensive industry experience, helping you connect theory to meaningful practice.
You’ll benefit from a personalised, supportive learning environment, including small class groups and a dedicated personal tutor. Through research inquiries based on issues that matter to you within early years settings, you’ll develop your analytical and critical thinking skills, key qualities for anyone looking to progress within the early years sector.
Delivered via flexible distance learning, this Top Up degree allows you to study at times that suit your lifestyle and commitments. By the end of the course, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge, confidence, and specialist early years expertise to advance your career or take the next step into postgraduate study.

Module Examples

• Professional Studies and Work-based Contexts in Early Years

• Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

• Educational Leadership and Management in Early Years

• Current Issues and International Perspectives

• Special Study in Early Years

https://www.cumbria.ac.uk/study/courses/undergraduate/ba-hons-education-studies-with-early-years-top-up/

Modes of assessment will be closely aligned with the course modules and will encourage the development of breadth and depth of intellectual and practical skills. Methods will include:

• Essays

• Group presentations supplemented by individually-produced supporting papers

• Individual presentations

• Portfolios

• Students will also be required to undertake a Special Study at level 6