Highlands College

BA (Hons) Childhood Studies

We are the higher education college of the States of Jersey; all of our foundation and honours degrees are developed with industry professionals from a range of sectors. Take advantage of our work-based learning philosophy and get a head start in your career.

Course details

  • Year 1

  • Core modules

    • Developing Practice 1 (HIGH1210)

      This work-based learning module provides students with hands-on experience in observing, planning, and assessing children's learning. Students will gain knowledge of current statutory guidance and develop skills towards becoming a professional practitioner.

    • Understanding Children’s Learning and Development (HIGH1211)

      This module introduces important theories of child development, with particular emphasis on the role of play, language, motor skills and schemas. Observational techniques will be studied and used to analyse children’s development in the light of theory.

    • Inter-Professional Perspectives (HIGH1212)

      This module looks at the important challenges and methods of interagency working in meeting the needs of children. Students will critically evaluate multi professional perspectives when supporting children. By appreciating diverse perspectives, learners will develop open-mindedness and foster collaborative partnerships relating to practice.

    • Children’s Voice (HIGH1213)

      Students will examine a range of challenging topics related to children's rights developing an understanding of emerging challenges, such as online safety and safeguarding. Students will learn how to create a safe and supportive environment where children feel comfortable expressing themselves. Finally, students will learn how to empower children to use their voices to improve the quality of care and education.

    • Who am I? - Developing a Critical Perspective (HIGH1214)

      This module will provide an in-depth exploration of the critical evaluation of an article on childhood studies. The module will draw on a range of theoretical and methodological approaches to understanding childhood studies.  Students will be exposed to a range of sources, including journal articles, books, and online resources. Students will also be encouraged to engage in group discussions and debates.

    Optional modules

    • Inclusion and Therapeutic Environments (HIGH1215)

      This module is designed to support students to develop strategies to support inclusive practice and skills within a variety of environments creating therapeutic spaces to foster an inclusive learning experience. Students will reflect on the skills required to support equality, diversity, and inclusion in practice.

  • Year 2

  • Core modules

    • Sustainability in Childhood (HIGH2200)

      This module explores sustainability in childhood emphasising UN sustainable Development Goals and global impact. It encourages critical reflection on teaching environments, considering social and economic factors. The influence of curriculum will be explored, fostering understanding of practitioner roles in cultivating children’s ownership of sustainability within the learning environment and community.

    • Developing Practice 2 (HIGH2201)

      Students will engage in independent work-based learning within statutory and third sector settings, applying theory and research to practice. Through teamwork, they will develop skills to support positive outcomes for children, parents, and the community.

    • Introduction to Research Methods (HIGH2202)

      This module will introduce students to fundamental concepts and procedures in research. It will develop their comprehension of research methodologies and methods with a focus on exploring ethical challenges when children are engaged as participants in research activities. Students will be provided with the opportunity to design their own study around an area of research interest within childhood studies.

    • The Healthy Child (HIGH2203)

      This module is designed to enhance students understanding of different aspects of child’s health, exploring how children grow and develop. Specific health issues, theoretical models and health promotion approaches will be explored. The module will cover recent research and government initiatives to address current health issues and how to work with children to help them develop healthy lifestyles.

    • Child Development is for the Future Adult (HIGH2204)

      This module examines the role of social and emotional development as the foundation for children's overall development. Students will develop an understanding of key topics from the child's perspective and reflect on the role of adults in promoting children's social and emotional development.  Students will develop their knowledge through relating theory to practice.

    • Inclusive Practice and Education (HIGH2205)

      This module explores educational practices and policies on equality, inclusivity, and diversity in teaching and learning, focusing on the Jersey and UK contexts. It delves into the historical aspects of special educational needs and disabilities (SEN/D), and the challenges faced by settings. Learners will reflect on the curriculum and teaching practices, considering the impact and implications of legislation.

  • Final year

  • Core modules

    • Honours Project (HIGH3210)

      The Honours Project focusses on a topic of significance within the childcare or education sector. It is an extended piece of written work in which students can critically explore a chosen subject in depth. The module integrates various aspects of the knowledge and experiences gained throughout their degree program and demonstrates their capacity to apply them to a substantial independent academic project.

    • Curriculum, Planning, Assessment and Pedagogical Approaches (HIGH3211)

      This module explores different approaches to curriculum planning, assessment, and learning. It develops students' subject knowledge, skills and pedagogical approaches, supporting development planning, design and assessment to ensure delivery of engaging learning experiences. Students will acquire skills in fair and accurate assessment of children's learning, utilizing assessment data to inform future planning.

    • Leadership and Inter-agency Working (HIGH3212)

      This module provides students with the knowledge, understanding, and skills for effective leadership and interagency working in childcare and educational settings. It explores strategies and processes within teams, organisations and inter-agency working and provides a theoretical and practical foundation to effectively navigate the unique challenges and dynamics of these environments.

    • Consultancy in Childcare (HIGH3213)

      This module centres around addressing a complex issue for a specific organisation within the childcare sector in Jersey which has the potential to directly benefit that organisation or its stakeholders. Students will be required to demonstrate their ability to define, plan and execute a project within a practical real-world context, adhering to established timelines, budget constraints and specified criteria.

    • Coaching, Mentoring and Assessing (HIGH3214)

      The module will provide an exploration of the principles and practice of coaching and mentoring in the workplace. Students will gain a deep understanding of coaching, mentoring and assessing individuals in childcare settings providing them with the skills and knowledge they need to successfully coach and mentor others and provide practical experience opportunities for students to utilise their skills.

The modules shown for this course are those currently being studied by our students, or are proposed new modules. Please note that programme structures and individual modules are subject to amendment from time to time as part of the University’s curriculum enrichment programme and in line with changes in the University’s policies and requirements.

Fees, costs and funding

As this course is delivered by one of our partner colleges, please contact the college directly for information on fees and funding.

How to apply

All applications for undergraduate courses are made through UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service).
UCAS will ask for the information contained in the box at the top of this course page including the UCAS course code and the institution code.
To apply for this course and for more information about submitting an application including application deadline dates, please visit the UCAS website.

Our partnership with Highlands College

The University of Plymouth has developed partnerships with institutions around the world with the sole purpose of making higher education more accessible to those people who need something just a little different.

Our Academic Partnerships enable students to enrol for a degree at a partnership institution closer to home, or engage in distance learning – even when they’re in the middle of the ocean. They are there for those people looking to return to education, or enhance their professional development. Full- or part-time; foundation degree to masters-level – we cater for a huge variety of needs and aspirations.

Many of our partners offer specialist degrees, unique facilities, and smaller class sizes at a competitive price. And as a student of two institutions, you get the best of both worlds; a supportive learning environment as part of a close-knit community, and a university-level qualification awarded by the University of Plymouth. You’ll enjoy not only the facilities and services your partnership institution provides, but also all of the additional support and resources you need from us, and you’ll automatically become a member of our Students’ Union, too.

We are continuing to grow the number of partner institutions and expand our academic community to new locations around the UK and overseas. Why not visit the Academic Partnerships page on our website for a full list of partners and for more details on studying with us?

One of our partners delivers this particular course – so please visit their website for full course details, entry requirements, tuition fees and information on what student life is like there. 

Open days

Partner college open days

This course is run at one of our partner colleges. Open days are held at the college and more details of these can be found on the college website. You'll find contact details below, on this page.

University of Plymouth open days

You are also very welcome to attend a University of Plymouth open day, to get a flavour of the courses you can progress to from a partner college. There will however be limited information on this specific course and college.

Plymouth students working on a group project