Norland College, BA (Hons), Early Childhood Studies

This course aims to meet the needs of students who wish to combine degree level study with the competencies needed to achieve the qualification necessary for professional childcare practice (National Vocational Qualification Level 3); on successful completion of the 1st 2 years of the course the student achieves the Diploma of higher education in early childhood studies with a rating of 240 credit accumulation transfer (CATS) points; they also achieve the National Vocational Qualification Level 3 in children's care, learning and development (CCLD) validated by The Council for Awards in Children's Care and Education (CACHE).; the next step is for the student to work towards the Bachelor of Arts (ordinary) in early childhood studies which includes reflective practice and workshops; this runs alongside the probationary year of employment; the final step is to complete the Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in early childhood studies; this comprises the completion of a dissertation and the attendance at a series of University of Gloucestershire workshops (London, Bath or Cheltenham based) on a part-time basis, while continuing in employment; alternatively the student can complete the final part of the degree course (step 2 and 3) after they have completed their Norland probationary post (their 1st year of employment).