BA (Hons) Childhood and Society Studies (Top-Up)

Take the next step in your career working with children. Develop skills in analysis, research and communication. Top-up to a full undergraduate degree in childhood studies.

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A primary school teacher working with a group of children

Start date/study mode:

UCAS codeX410

Duration1 year

Fee (UK)£9,535

Fee (Int)£17,500

LocationOn campus

Course summary

If you’re already working with children or young people and want to gain a full undergraduate degree in childhood studies, the BA (Hons) Childhood and Society Studies (Top-Up) course is the perfect choice for you.

This course will deepen your understanding of a range of childhood-related topics and enable you to apply this knowledge to critically evaluate your own professional practice, as well as the practice of others in childhood settings.

For those with experience in early years, an optional pathway in Early Childhood Graduate Practitioner competencies is available. This highly sought-after route allows you to build a portfolio of evidence that demonstrates your skills and strengthens your CV, enhancing your employability. Graduating with this pathway will earn you the title of ‘BA (Hons) Childhood and Society Studies with Early Childhood Graduate Practitioner Competencies’.

A degree in childhood studies will significantly improve your career prospects and allow faster career progression. It also qualifies you to apply for postgraduate study, should you wish to continue your education at master’s level.

What you'll study

Many of our courses include a range of modules you can choose from. Some of these options may only be available if you’ve already studied specific required modules. If you’re not sure what you need before picking a module, your course leader can help.

Undergraduate module credits should total 120 credits per academic year. If optional modules are available alongside core modules on your course, you should choose an amount that totals 120 credits.

How you'll learn

When you apply, you can choose to enrol on a full-time basis over one year or a part-time basis over two years. Semester one runs from September to December and semester two runs from January to May. During your first semester of your first year, you'll be required to choose one module from four options that you'd potentially like to study. Using a choice ranking system, we run preferred modules that meet the required threshold of student numbers. Optional modules are then complemented by core modules.

Currently, all students engage with learning and materials via a blend of online learning and face-to-face contact time. Whether you choose full-time or part-time study, the scheduled face-to-face learning for each semester takes place up to two evenings per week between 5pm and 9pm.

Entry requirements

To apply for this course you usually need one of the following:

Foundation degree in a relevant subject (such as education and care)
240 credits (or equivalent) of a recognised UK undergraduate award, in a relevant subject to Level 5.

You must also have all of the following:

GCSE grade C or above in three subjects, which must include mathematics and English language, or a minimum of Level 2 Key Skills in Communication and Application of Number. If you've studied for a GCSE which has a numerical grade, you'll need to achieve a grade 4 or above.
At least two years' experience of working or volunteering with children and/or young people
An enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

If English isn't your first language, please see our English language requirements.

Fees and finance support

UK£9,535

International£17,500

Undergraduate fees are set according to rules from Government in line with forecast inflation. The fee for your first year of study for 2026/27 will be £9,535. You'll pay tuition fees for every year of study. Fees may increase every year based on the Retail Price Index.

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