Certificate of Higher Education in Early Childhood
Open University
Key Information
Campus location
Online United Kingdom
Languages
English
Study format
Distance Learning
Duration
1 - 2 year
Pace
Full time, Part time
Tuition fees
GBP 6,924 / per year *
Application deadline
Request info
Earliest start date
Request info
* cost per year full-time; £3,462 - cost per year part-time
Introduction
This certificate is relevant for anyone interested in young children’s learning and development, including practitioners working in early-year settings or those wanting a career working with children from birth to seven years. In this certificate, you'll develop your understanding of policy and practice in early childhood. It will prepare you to engage with further study as a foundation for careers working with young children and their families across all sectors.
Key features of the course
- Develops your understanding of young children’s learning and development
- Focuses on young children’s play and creativity within the context of the family and early childhood settings
- Includes national and international perspectives on early childhood
- Builds a solid foundation for further study
This certificate of higher education is also equivalent to the first third of the BA (Honours) Early Childhood (Q89).
Accessibility
We make all our qualifications as accessible as possible and have a comprehensive range of services to support all our students. The Certificate of Higher Education in Early Childhood uses a variety of study materials and has the following elements:
- studying online – some modules have a mixture of printed and online material, and others are entirely online. Online learning resources may include websites, audio/video media clips, and interactive activities such as online quizzes
- face-to-face tutorials/day schools/workshops and/or online tutorials
- working in a group with other students
- practical work
- finding external/third party material online
- using technology for research purposes involving access to catalogues and databases online
- continuous assessment in the form of essays and short answer questions
- using feedback: continuous assessment involves receiving detailed feedback on your work from your tutor and using this feedback to improve your performance
- engagement with learning and assessment within a pre-determined schedule or timetable – time management will be needed during your studies and the University will help you to develop these skills throughout your course.
Program Outcome
This qualification develops your learning in four main areas:
- Knowledge and understanding
- Cognitive skills
- Practical and professional skills
- Key skills
The level and depth of your learning gradually increase as you work through the qualification. You’ll be supported throughout by the OU’s unique style of teaching and assessment – which includes a personal tutor to guide and comment on your work; top quality course texts; e-learning resources like podcasts, interactive media and online materials; tutorial groups and community forums.
Curriculum
Course details
This qualification has one stage comprising 120 credits.
- In Stage 1, you’ll study two modules that explore how children learn; and the importance of children’s play.