Deepen your understanding of early childhood practice and theory
The BA (Hons) Early Childhood and Education (Integrated Working with Families and Children) – Top-Up degree is a one-year programme for those who have already completed a Foundation Degree in Early Years in a related field.
Building on your existing experience, this course offers a rich opportunity to explore early childhood development, leadership, and professional practice at honours level — all within Pen Green’s unique research and training environment.
The BA (Hons) Early Childhood and Education (Integrated Working with Families and Children) – Top-Up is a flexible, full-time programme completed over one year. You can choose between study blocks at Pen Green or online learning.
This highly respected qualification combines rigorous academic study with substantial work-based learning, enabling you to deepen your professional knowledge while continuing to work in the early years sector.
Designed specifically for practitioners in full-time employment, the programme includes 12 days of face-to-face teaching across the year (or equivalent online sessions). This structure allows students to fully immerse themselves in learning during study blocks, while benefiting from reduced travel and greater flexibility in managing their studies alongside work commitments.
With a strong emphasis on integrated working across education, health, and social care, the course explores the complexities and challenges of working with children and families, and supports the development of leadership skills at all levels within and across organisations.
2026 dates to be confirmed. Taught in study blocks (12 days in total across the year)
The learning outcomes of the course are for students to:
- Critique their own ways of working and the practice within their setting, drawing on theoretical knowledge and practice wisdom to improve practice;
- Work effectively within a team, demonstrating leadership skills and qualities, being aware of personal responsibilities through following professional codes of practice;
- Undertake critical analysis of their work with children and families through adopting a continuous cycle of evaluation, reflection, planning and implementation in order to improve practice;
- Communicate effectively with families and other professionals, incorporating an ethical approach to their practice.
The entry requirements for this programme are;
- A Foundation Degree in Early Years or other related subject
- A minimum of 2 years experience in working with children and families in an early years setting
- An interview will be carried out which will include a series of discussion points and a written task to ascertain competency in the subject area.
The programme is subject to the University’s principles, policies and regulations for the admission of students to undergraduate and taught postgraduate programmes, along with associated procedures. These will take account of university policy and guidelines for assessing accredited prior certified learning (APCL) and accredited prior experiential learning (APEL).
This BA (Hons) Early Childhood and Education (Integrated Working with Families and Children) – Top-Up programme is a Level 6 qualification designed for students who have successfully completed a Foundation Degree or equivalent Level 5 qualification (240 credits).
The Top-Up year consists of 120 Level 6 credits, studied over one academic year (full-time equivalent).
Students progress through the course modules (as detailed above) and an independent research project or dissertation
All 120 credits must be successfully completed to achieve the award of:
BA (Hons) Early Childhood and Education (Integrated Working with Families and Children) – Top-Up
2026 fees are £9535. Applicants should check with their local authority or employer about potential funding options.
You may also be eligible for a Maintenance Grant and/or Student Loan. If you are a first time student, you may be eligible for Student Loan Company funding who will make payments directly to the teaching body of your behalf. You should apply for funding in advance of commencing your course. Further details are available on the Student Loan Company website and on the Students section of our website.
Please note that all applications should come directly to Pen Green by email.
If you have any questions about the application process, please contact us by phone on 01536 443435 or email.
To apply, complete the Degree application form and email. If you have any difficulties, please contact us.
Along with your application form, please send electronic copies of your certificates to demonstrate that you meet the course entry requirements. If a qualification is pending, please state this on your application.
Once we have received all the relevant paperwork to support your application we will invite you to interview. You will then be allocated a place on the course if you meet all the entry requirements.
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