Early Years: Teaching & Learning BA (Hons) top-up

Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) Gold award

Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) Gold award

Our commitment to high quality teaching has been recognised with a TEF Gold rating. The University has received an overall rating of Gold, as well as securing a Gold award in the framework's two new student experience and student outcomes categories.

Why choose this course?

Are you a professional working in Early Years looking to elevate your professional and theoretical knowledge of young children's learning and development? You might be a Childminder, Early Years Educator, Teaching Assistant or other professional who advocates for babies, children and families and keen to make a difference to your local community and the Early Years sector.

If you have a foundation degree in Early Years (or equivalent), this flexible course is ideal for developing your career. You'll be able to balance studies with your employment and gain a full BA (Hons) degree. This course has been developed with commuter students from diverse working backgrounds and students with a range of professional experience in mind.

This course has been developed to build upon your working practice through the examination of social, political, and cultural aspects of early education. As part of this blended course, you'll become an advocate for children and consider how creativity and play act as tools for children's learning. You will position yourself as a leader of practice and learn how to make critical decisions that can transform practice. The course offers you an opportunity to explore multi-disciplinary working, deepen your knowledge and understanding of transitions in that occur in childhood and examine current issues in early education.

Graduate Practitioner Competencies Pathway

The Graduate Practitioner Competencies (GPC) Pathway offers you the opportunity to be assessed in practice to demonstrate you meet the nine Graduate Practitioner Competencies required by the Early Childhood Studies Degree Network (ECSDN) as part of your Professional Practice in the Early Years module.

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Attendance UCAS code Year of entry
1 year full time (employment based) X111 2025
1 year full time (employment based) X211 (Graduate Practitioner Pathway) 2025

For the above courses, the study pattern comprises blended twilight sessions, with some Saturday seminar days.

External applicants: please note that places for external applicants are limited on this course. If you studied your Foundation Degree at a college that is not within the Kingston University partnership, please apply early to avoid disappointment.

Please note: Teaching on this course may take place on more than one KU campus.

Main Location Employment based, with some attendance at Kingston Hill
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Reasons to choose Kingston University

  • As an Early Years professional, you will advance your working practices and develop your skills and competencies in your work setting through critical reflection of theory and new research.
  • This qualification is valued by employers and will be a mark of your professional excellence and expertise.
  • You will be able to combine academic study with work-based learning, attending one twilight teaching session per week at Kingston University.

What you will study

The course covers the following areas:

  • effective Early Years practice
  • play-based pedagogies
  • a range of transitional experiences
  • current issues in education and multidisciplinary working
  • inclusive practice and differentiated approaches
  • creativity across the curriculum
  • planning for critical issues
  • research design and methodology

Modules

Core modules

Transition and Transformation

30 credits

This module is an exciting opportunity for students to engage with an in-depth child study. It provides a forum in which to reflect upon the child and his/her transitional process within the context of the Early Years environment. It explores theoretical frameworks and current thinking about transition and how this can inform and enrich practice. This module offers students the opportunity to develop their knowledge and understanding of how the process of transition can have a positive or negative impact on a child's identity. Students are encouraged to identify elements of their practice that can be enhanced to increase wellbeing and transformation for children and their families.

Creativity and Critical Thinking

30 credits

This module introduces students to different perspectives of 'creativity' and the impact on curriculum practice. It considers the role of creativity and critical thinking in extending a child's conceptual and creative development. It also explores the interplay between the child, adults, the environment (physical and emotional) and legislation when considering the impact on creativity through themes including humour, music, role play, Forest School, mark making and art. Teaching and learning is explored through creative interpretations and analyses underlying issues that may provide barriers to learning. Students are encouraged to explore their creative skills and to relate underpinning theory to their practice.

Critical Choices For Leaders

30 credits

This module explores a range of theoretical perspectives including leadership and management theories. Students are introduced to key factors that affect change in their work environment. It explores current issues and dilemmas facing practitioners in the field of Early Years and identifies strategies that may support personal and professional development. Key policies, legislation and statutory frameworks are critiqued. The module provides an overview of recent and relevant intrapersonal, inter-professional and multi-professional factors that impact provision, including safeguarding and child protection.

Dissertation in an aspect of Professional Practice

30 credits

This module introduces students to a range of methodologies, which will enable them to design and implement a small-scale enquiry, which is relevant to their interest, role and work place. Students will gain an understanding of the philosophies and practices of systematic enquiry in Early Years-related fields and its application within their professional and pedagogical contexts.

Professional Practice in the Early Years (Graduate Practitioner Competencies Pathway only)

0 credits

(Non-credit bearing)

This module will provide opportunities for you to evidence your developing reflective practice throughout the year, linked through your other modules. It is guided by the Early Childhood Graduate Practitioner Competencies (Early Childhood Studies Degree Network, 2020) and the Early Childhood Studies Subject Benchmarks (2022).

You will build the Professional Practice Portfolio (PPP) by engaging in a range of practice-based tasks and activities throughout the year with the support of your tutors, peers and Critical Professional Associate (CPA) (mentor). You will be expected to use the PPP to collate evidence showcasing your ability to critically reflect on your work to enhance your skills, knowledge and understanding of the best early years practice, in line with the Early Childhood Graduate Practitioner Competencies (ECGPCs).

Future Skills

Knowledge to give you the edge

Embedded within every course curriculum and throughout the whole Kingston experience, Future Skills will play a role in shaping you to become a future-proof graduate, providing you with the skills most valued by employers such as problem-solving, digital competency, and adaptability.

As you progress through your degree, you'll learn to navigate, explore and apply these graduate skills, learning to demonstrate and articulate to employers how future skills give you the edge.

At Kingston University, we're not just keeping up with change, we're creating it.

Learn employability-enhancing Future Skills
A female engineering student, in the engineering lab.

Entry requirements

Typical offer 2025

FdA (or equivalent) in Early Years and experience in a relevant setting. Employment in an appropriate setting (paid or voluntary) for at least 16 hours per week for duration of the course. Shortlisted applicants may be invited for an interview.

  • FdA in Early Years or equivalent qualification
  • 240 CATS points
  • Employment in appropriate setting for 16 hours a week minimum for the duration of the course
  • Normally two years' experience in appropriate setting
  • Your background experience, previous education and training will be considered if you do not meet the formal entry requirements

Graduate Practitioner Competencies Pathway

In addition to the above, to take part in GPC pathway, during the course you will need:

  • to be assessed in your workplace
  • to have access to alternative placements/work settings/community settings outside your usual place of work to provide evidence practice across the 0-8 age range (25 days)
  • mentoring support from a Critical Professional Associate (CPA) in the setting/s during placement.

Typical offer 2024

FdA (or equivalent) in Early Years and experience in a relevant setting. Employment in an appropriate setting (paid or voluntary) for at least 16 hours per week for duration of the course. Shortlisted applicants may be invited for an interview.

  • FdA in Early Years or equivalent qualification
  • 240 CATS points
  • Employment in appropriate setting for 16 hours a week minimum for the duration of the course
  • Normally two years' experience in appropriate setting
  • Your background experience, previous education and training will be considered if you do not meet the formal entry requirements

Graduate Practitioner Competencies Pathway

In addition to the above, to take part in GPC pathway, during the course you will need:

  • to be assessed in your workplace
  • to have access to alternative placements/work settings/community settings outside your usual place of work to provide evidence practice across the 0-8 age range (25 days)
  • mentoring support from a Critical Professional Associate (CPA) in the setting/s during placement.

Alternative routes

We will consider a range of alternative qualifications or experience that is equivalent to the typical offer.

Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL) is offered for those who are unsure of the current value of their qualifications. We are seeking people who wish to enthuse and motivate young children as well as developing further their own knowledge, skills and understanding in young children's care and education.

International

International students who have the necessary visa/permit to work in the UK are welcome to apply. Please note the course does not meet the criteria for Student Route visa. If you are unsure of the current immigration rules, please contact our CAS and Visa Compliance team at UKVI@kingston.ac.uk.

Country-specific information

You will find more information on country specific entry requirements in the International section of our website.

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Typical offer and UCAS points explained

Like most universities, we use the UCAS Tariff point system for our course entry requirements.

Find out more about UCAS Tariff points and see how A-level, AS level, BTEC Diploma and T-level qualifications translate to the points system.

Teaching and assessment

Teaching includes a weekly taught twilight session, with occasional Saturday seminars. The sessions include lectures, work-based learning activities, tutorials, online learning, workshops and seminars. You will also be supported by a work-based professional advocate.

Guided independent study (self-managed time)

Outside the scheduled learning and teaching hours, you will learn independently through self-study which will involve reading articles and books, working on projects, undertaking research, preparing for and completing your work for assessments. Some independent study work may need to be completed on-campus, as you may need to access campus-based facilities such as studios and labs.

Academic support

Our academic support team here at Kingston University provides help in a range of areas. 

Dedicated personal tutor

When you arrive, we'll introduce you to your personal tutor. This is the member of academic staff who will provide academic guidance, be a support throughout your time at Kingston and who will show you how to make the best use of all the help and resources that we offer at Kingston University. 

Your workload

A course is made up of modules, and each module is worth a number of credits. You must pass a given number of credits in order to achieve the award you registered on, for example 360 credits for a typical undergraduate course or 180 credits for a typical postgraduate course. The number of credits you need for your award is detailed in the programme specification which you can access from the link at the bottom of this page.

One credit equates to 10 hours of study. Therefore 120 credits across a year (typical for an undergraduate course) would equate to 1,200 notional hours. These hours are split into scheduled and guided. On this course, the percentage of that time that will be scheduled learning and teaching activities is shown below for each year of study. The remainder is made up of guided independent study.

  • Year 1: 31% scheduled learning and teaching

The exact balance between scheduled learning and teaching and guided independent study will be informed by the modules you take.

Your course will primarily be delivered in person. It may include delivery of some activities online, either in real time or recorded.

How you will be assessed

Types of assessment

  • Year 1: Coursework 100%

Please note: the above breakdowns are a guide calculated on core modules only. If your course includes optional modules, this breakdown may change to reflect the modules chosen.

Feedback summary

We aim to provide feedback on assessments within 20 working days.

Your timetable

Your individualised timetable is normally available within 48 hours of enrolment. Scheduled teaching takes place one evening per week between 5pm and 9pm, with occasional Saturday seminar days. 

What our students say

As a mature student, the last three years has been a reflexive transformation for me. The specialised focus on Early Years Education within the BA top-up has been invaluable, allowing me to dive deep into the intricacies, allowing me to relate more with the children and their families I work with so closely. I have been challenged in the best ways, adding to the enriching experience. Despite the challenges of juggling work, family life and studies, my degree has strengthened my determination as I continue my academic studies with Kingston University to complete my Early Years PGCE and Masters. I am passionate and believe that my continued study demonstrates my commitment to improving my practice and the lives of the young children and families I work with."

Gemma Hoosain, Early Years Practitioner

Gemma Hoosain, Early Years Practitioner

Who teaches this course?

This course is a work-based learning degree with part-time study at Kingston University. Our lecturers all have experience teaching in their specialist fields and remain actively connected to over 200 partner colleges and schools in the central and Greater London region.

Dr Caroline Guard

Course leader

Ms Hazel Marian

Joanne McKibbin

Mr Kyle Moore

Course fees and funding

2025/26 fees for this course

In 2025/26 the fees for this course are:

 Fee category Amount
Home (UK students) £9,535*
Franchise continuing rate £7,300

This fee applies to students studying for the Early Years BA(Hons) top-up in the 2025/26 academic year.

Please note that a reduced fee of £7,300 will apply to foundation students from our franchise partners only. This only applies to students who directly progress from the FdA to the Top-Up, if there is a break between the two courses then the full fee will apply.

* Your annual tuition fees cover your first attempt at all of the modules necessary to complete that academic year. A re-study of any modules will incur additional charges calculated by the number of credits. Home tuition fees may be subject to annual increases but will not increase by more than the fee caps as prescribed by the Office for Students or such other replacing body. 

Eligible UK students can apply to the Government for a tuition loan, which is paid direct to the University. This has a low interest rate which is charged from the time the first part of the loan is paid to the University until you have repaid it.

2024/25 fees for this course

In 2024/25 the fees for this course are:

 Fee category Amount
Home (UK students) £9,250*
Franchise continuing rate £7,300

This fee applies to students studying for the Early Years BA(Hons) top-up in the 2024/25 academic year.

Please note that a reduced fee of £7,300 will apply to foundation students from our franchise partners only. This only applies to students who directly progress from the FdA to the Top-Up, if there is a break between the two courses then the full fee will apply.

* For full time programmes of a duration of more than one academic year, the published fee is an annual fee, payable each year, for the duration of the programme. Your annual tuition fees cover your first attempt at all of the modules necessary to complete that academic year. A re-study of any modules will incur additional charges calculated by the number of credits. Home tuition fees may be subject to annual increases but will not increase by more than the fee caps as prescribed by the Office for Students or such other replacing body. 

Eligible UK students can apply to the Government for a tuition loan, which is paid direct to the University. This has a low interest rate which is charged from the time the first part of the loan is paid to the University until you have repaid it.

Note for EU students: UK withdrawal from the European Union

The Government has announced that new students from the European Union and Swiss Nationals starting their course after August 2021 will no longer be eligible for a student loan in England for Undergraduate or Postgraduate studies from the 2021/22 academic year. This decision only applies to new EU students starting after 2021/22. If you are an existing/continuing EU student, you will continue to be funded until you graduate or withdraw from your course.

Need to know more?

Our undergraduate fees and funding section provides information and advice on money matters.

Additional costs

Depending on the programme of study, there may be extra costs that are not covered by tuition fees which students will need to consider when planning their studies. Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessment and operating University facilities such as the library, access to shared IT equipment and other support services. Accommodation and living costs are not included in our fees. 

Where a course has additional expenses, we make every effort to highlight them. These may include optional field trips, materials (e.g. art, design, engineering), security checks such as DBS, uniforms, specialist clothing or professional memberships.

Textbooks

Our libraries are a valuable resource with an extensive collection of books and journals as well as first-class facilities and IT equipment. You may prefer to buy your own copy of key textbooks, this can cost between £50 and £250 per year.

Computer equipment

There are open-access networked computers available across the University, plus laptops available to loan. You may find it useful to have your own PC, laptop or tablet which you can use around campus and in halls of residences. Free WiFi is available on each of the campuses. You may wish to purchase your own computer, which can cost from £100 to £3,000 depending on your course requirements.

Photocopying and printing

In the majority of cases written coursework can be submitted online. There may be instances when you will be required to submit work in a printed format. Printing, binding and photocopying costs are not included in your tuition fees; this may cost up to £100 per year.

Travel

Travel costs are not included in your tuition fees but we do have a free intersite bus service which links the campuses, Surbiton train station, Kingston upon Thames train station, Norbiton train station and halls of residence.

Facilities

The Kingston Hill campus features an outdoor learning environment where trainee teachers lead curriculum-linked natural sciences activities with children. It includes a specially built 'cubby house', outdoor pond, beehive and nature trail. It offers early years students the opportunity to simulate teaching and learning with natural materials.

There are a number of teaching rooms set up to replicate actual classrooms. Each classroom is subject based – such as an art room, science lab – and is equipped with all the relevant facilities you will need to practise your lessons before taking them into school.

Our library (the Nightingale Centre) has an excellent range of teaching resources to help you plan and teach your lessons, such as a range of children's topic books, music and nursery rhymes on CD, as well as artefacts and kits that can be used to illustrate historical periods, different religions, science, mathematics and music.

Facilities

After you graduate

Graduation can lead to many roles within the sector as well as postgraduate study and continuing professional development, including Qualified Teacher Status and/or a Master of Research (Education).

Types of jobs

  • Early Years manager
  • Children's Centre manager
  • Early Years Lead practitioner
  • Family Outreach worker
  • Assessor/Tutor
  • Play worker
  • Early Years advisor
  • Early years group leader
  • Early youth educator
  • Higher level teaching assistant

Course changes and regulations

The information on this page reflects the currently intended course structure and module details. To improve your student experience and the quality of your degree, we may review and change the material information of this course. Course changes explained.

Programme Specifications for the course are published ahead of each academic year.

Regulations governing this course can be found on our website.