Early Years Education and Practice (Top-up)

Build upon your early years knowledge with this one-year top-up degree, linking what you learn in lessons to your existing role in the sector. This course starts each September and is awarded by the University of Surrey. Course Highlights:

• This is a one-year top-up degree which can convert your existing qualifications, such as an HND or Foundation degree in a relevant subject, and/or experiences into a full degree • The course is taught one afternoon/evening per week and has full-time status • Can help you to update your knowledge and work towards more senior roles or teaching • Taught by dedicated and supportive lecturers with experience in a range of early years and teaching settings • Has previously involved educational trips, including exploring the Reggio Emilia approach to education in Italy and visiting early years centres, schools and local authorities in Finland

Early years education plays a big part in preparing children for entry into our society, encouraging them to exhibit positive behavioural and societal norms. This one-year top-up degree will develop your existing knowledge of the early years sector, exploring the evolving policies and practices used in the industry.

At Farnborough, your lecturers will have experience working in a range of early years and education settings. This will give you a full insight into your subject in the classroom and beyond. Staff attendance at conferences and additional training also ensures that teaching reflects up-to-date practices in the industry. As someone currently employed in the sector, this course provides a unique opportunity to enhance your knowledge and gain skills relevant to your role, with timetables designed to suit employers. You will link lesson content and assignments to your own work-based practice, allowing you to tailor the course to your goals.

WHO IS THE PROGRAMME FOR? This degree is suitable for those currently employed within the early years sector, who want to top-up their existing qualifications or experience into a full honours degree and work towards more senior roles or teaching. Example roles you may currently be working as include Early Years Practitioner or Teaching Assistant.

You might currently be studying a foundation degree or HND in a relevant subject, or wish to transfer from another higher education institution. It may also be possible for you to join this course following relevant professional qualifications and/or experience in the workplace.

WHAT WILL I STUDY? You will discover the main roles and functions of early years settings, and the leadership tactics that can lead to their successful operation. You will also explore the broad range of factors that influence how children develop, analysing relevant research findings and topics in health and wellbeing. As part of the course you will complete a dissertation where you will have the opportunity to research a topic of special interest.