Course overview

BA Hons Early Childhood Studies Top-up Year City of Bristol College

Boost your foundation qualification with a top-up degree, delivered by City of Bristol College. Run by a specialist university liaison, in collaboration with subject experts from City of Bristol College, BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies Top-Up offers support from a close-knit teaching team, plus access to Bath Spa’s library and digital resources.

This is a child-focused top-up degree, designed by Bath Spa University to enable you to expand on knowledge and ideas from your Foundation Degree, thereby challenging you to further develop your thinking and practice. This rich, academic course is grounded in practice and reflection.

Apply through UCAS

Institution name: BCBA
Institution code: B20
Course code: X333

This course is provided by Bath Spa University

Dates and applications

Please hover over the ‘i’ button to find out more about course fees and applications.

BA Hons Early Childhood Studies Top-up Year Ashley Down Centre
Bristol
Course Code
HBF1639C01-1
Dates
16/09/2025 - 23/06/2026
Duration
1 years
Days
Date/Day(s) Being Finalised
Hours per week
7.00
Start Time
09:00
Location
Ashley Down Centre
Fee
This course is still in its planning phase; course details - including fee information - are subject to change. In June, course details will be finalised and enrolment will open.
Enquire
Course Code Dates Duration Days Hours per week Start Time Location Fee
HBF1639C01-1 16/09/2025 - 23/06/2026 1 years Date/Day(s) Being Finalised 7.00 09:00 Ashley Down Centre
This course is still in its planning phase; course details - including fee information - are subject to change. In June, course details will be finalised and enrolment will open.
Enquire

Additional information

Who is this course for?

The course is designed for early years practitioners wishing to obtain a full degree. It is an excellent progression route for those wishing to progress to teacher training.

What you'll learn

Modules will include:

• Children’s mark-making and symbolic representation
• Leadership and teamwork
• Differing perspectives of early childhood education
• Play throughout the life course
• Research skills
• Reflective practice

Course entry requirements

You will have successfully completed a Foundation Degree in Early Years or equivalent qualification. Previous experience may be considered.

Candidates will be assessed on an individual basis.

You will have at least two years of experience working with children from birth to eight years old. 

How is the course delivered and assessed?

The course runs one day a week, and you will study six modules including an education dissertation.

Lecturers possess wide experiences of the Early Childhood industry, together with connections to Bath Spa University and early childhood networks in Bristol.

Assessment will be through coursework and presentations.

Future career and study opportunities

Following completion, students can progress to study higher level qualifications such as an MA or undertake teaching training. It is also an excellent foundation for other careers within the early childhood sector or wider community.

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What next?

Where to find us