Highlands College

FdA Childhood Studies

95% of our students agree that their course has given them opportunities to apply what they have learnt through extensive work placements and contact with local employers (National Student Survey 2017). 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

    • Understanding Children's Learning and Development (HIGH1018)

      This module introduces important theories of child development. There is 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.

    • Children's Rights and Welfare (HIGH1200)

      The focus of the module is the lives of children in Jersey and the UK; exploring key social and political issues that affect their lives and of their families. The influence of International agreements on the Rights of the Children on UK legislation will be investigated, covering legislation that supports child protection.

    • Today's Child (HIGH1201)

      Childrens lives today are diverse in experience. This module examines family patters and social factors which influence these experiences. Comparative studies are used to develop awareness of historical and social constraints.

    • Professional Development (HIGH1202)

      This module is designed to give students the skills and confidence to make the most of the college and work-based elements of the programme. It covers such areas as: communication; time management; team working; study skills; objective setting; and learning while working through practical engagement in a range of childcare environments.

  • Year 2

  • Core modules

    • Include Me' Perspectives on Disability and Inclusion (HIGH1022)

      This module introduces key perspectives on disability, inclusion and exclusion; critically examining historical and cultural views. It challenges participants to examine their own attitudes and values.

    • Provision for Children (HIGH1023)

      This module introduces patterns of provision for children, locally and in the UK and compares this with provision from around the world. Curriculum frameworks and approaches to include Te Whariki, Montessori, Steiner and Reggio Emilia will be considered alongside different approaches to care environments.

    • Today's Child (HIGH1063)

  • Year 3

  • Core modules

    • Child Development is for the Future Adult (HIGH2015)

      A child's self-esteem is key to their future; heredity, experiences, the environment and those around the child all contribute and influence their holistic development. The formation of a child's self concept and gender identity will be studied in addition to emerging theories on emotional intelligence.

    • Who Am I?' (HIGH2016)

      Research finds that even before birth learning occurs and that children continue to be active learners. Building on the successful observational methods of earlier scientists such as Vygotsky and Piaget students will be encouraged to critically appraise research and develop connections between theories studied.

    • Children in Society (Research module) (HIGH2017)

      Using the psychological and sociological research framework from year 1, students will analyse some of the ethical issues that may arise when involving children as research participants. A small scale research project will form the assessment mode for this module.

  • Final year

  • Core modules

    • Multi-agency working and the impact on Children (HIGH2018)

      This module looks at the importance, challenges and methods of multi-agency working in meeting the needs of children. The legislation and Codes of practice that guide teams will be examined.

    • Physical Movement in the lives of Children (HIGH2019)

      Many approaches to learning promote the use of movement to develop cognitive constructs and consider outdoor play as essential for ensuring children's well-being. Different philosophies will be examined and historical and international perspectives compared.

    • Children's Workforce - Management and Leadership (HIGH2020)

      This module builds on the knowledge and skills of interpersonal and group behaviour acquired in year 1 and knowledge gained in other modules in the course, to an in depth focus on the principles and practice of management, leadership and change in the children's workforce.

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.

In light of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the changeable nature of the situation and any updates to government guidance, we may need to make further, last minute adjustments to how we deliver our teaching and learning on some or all of our programmes, at any time during the academic year. We want to reassure you that even if we do have to adjust the way in which we teach our programmes, we will be working to maintain the quality of the student learning experience and learning outcomes at all times.
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

For further information and to apply for this course, please contact the college's admissions team directly using the contact details below. 

Progression routes

Completing this course enables you to progress onto these related courses and programmes with the University of Plymouth at level 5 or level 6, as specifically defined by this programme’s progression agreement.

For further information, including the progression from foundation degree form, please visit https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/business-partners/partnerships/academic-partnerships/study-guide/progression-to-honours-degree

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. 

Please contact Highlands College to apply for this course:

Highlands College, Jersey
P.O. Box 1000 
St. Saviour 
JE4 9QA

Tel: +441534608608
Email: reception@highlands.ac.uk

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