
Early Years, Childhood and Family Studies (Top-Up) BA (Hons)
University of NorthamptonWaterside Campus, Northampton
Course overview
The Early Years, Childhood and Family Studies Top Up programme provides a creative, inter-disciplinary community of learning and research. It is designed to critically apply theory to practice and evaluate current approaches to the socio-political context of early years, childhood (ages 0-25) and families. This taught distance learning programme is facilitated by academics with professional backgrounds in early years, social work, health and working with young people.
The Early Years, Childhood and Family Studies Top Up course recognises the complex qualification and training routes for those working with children and families and aims to provide progression routes for those with a range of relevant Higher Education and occupational qualifications provided admissions criteria are met. We will proactively support you to develop the study skills needed for Level 6 throughout the programme.
Key highlights
- Inter-disciplinary study of early years, childhood (ages 0-25) and families
- Taught by academics from early years, social work and health backgrounds
- Critically applies theory to practice in children's and family services
- Examines the socio-political context of early years and family policy
- Delivered by distance learning alongside work or other commitments
- Ongoing support to develop Level 6 study skills
Entry requirements
- IELTS: 6.5 — 6.5 IELTS 6.5 (or equivalent) with a minimum of 6.0 in all bands for study at undergraduate level
Scholarships
ICAEW Foundation Bursary
Three annual payments of £4,000
Up to £12,000John Lowe Accounting and Finance Scholarship
Scholarship is paid as £1,000 in the second and third years of study.
Up to £2,000Northampton Energy Elite Athlete Scholarship
This scheme offers the student athlete a support network enabling them to balance the demands of performance sport with academic study.
Reid Science, Engineering, and Computing Bursary
£500 per year of study
Up to £1,500TD Lewis Scholarship
The T D Lewis Scholarship provides both undergraduate and postgraduate students with financial awards of up to £1,000.
Up to £100The Chancellor's Fund
Up to £50The University of Northampton International Scholarship
The University of Northampton International Scholarship Scheme is a merit-based scholarship that provides up to a £4,000 reduction in tuition fees.
Wilson Endowment Scholarship
Successful students will receive three annual payments of £500, one for each year of study.
Up to £1,500
Careers this course leads to
- Early years practitioner
- Nursery manager
- Family support worker
- Children's centre coordinator
- Early years teacher (with further training)
- Youth support worker
Cost of study
UK/Home: £6,035 per year | International: £6,035 per year
Admission
Applications are made through AHZ at no cost. Share your transcripts, English test scores and personal statement, and your AHZ Counsellor will review your profile, submit your application to University of Northampton, and guide you through interview, offer, CAS and visa — right up to enrolment.
Ready to start?
Book a free consultation and we'll map your fastest route to a September 2026 place.
