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2027/28

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BA Children's Development and Learning (Top Up)

  • UCAS code
    XX32
  • A level offer
  • Year of entry
    2027/28
  • Course duration
    Full Time: 1 Year
  • Year of entry
    2027/28
  • Course duration
    Full Time: 1 Year

Our BA Children's Development and Learning course enables you to top up your skills in the children's workforce. It is a vocational degree that relates directly to your work.

Top up your Foundation degree in Children's Development and Learning

This course enables you to convert a Foundation Degree in Children's Development and Learning (or equivalent) to a full BA undergraduate degree. You do not need to have taken your initial degree through the University of Reading's partner colleges. The course is aimed at education practitioners who are working with children in an educational setting for at least 2.5 days per week.

This vocational course is a work-based route to a broad degree in education that enables students to progress to teacher training (such as EYTS or QTS). The majority of your assignments will be based around the tasks you complete as part of your job, enabling you to apply your skills directly to the workplace.

All lessons are interactive and underpinned by theoretical information and research. You will cover a range of topics including child development, reflective leadership, and policy/legislation concerning children. You will also complete a dissertation on a topic of your choice.

In the National Student Survey 2026

  • 97% of our students said teaching staff are good at explaining things (National Student Survey 2026, responders from Institute of Education).
  • 97% of our students said the course has developed the knowledge and skills they think they will need for their future (National Student Survey 2026, responders from Institute of Education).
  • 99% of our students said teaching staff have supported their learning well (National Student Survey 2026, responders from Institute of Education).

For more information, please visit the Institute of Education website.

New UK/Republic of Ireland students: £8,145* per year. Please note: this fee does not apply to students progressing directly from the University’s Foundation Degree in Children’s Development and Learning (FD CDL). Students progressing directly from the FD CDL will pay £7,900 for 2026/27 entry.

New international students: Not applicable

* UK/Republic of Ireland fee changes

UK/Republic of Ireland undergraduate tuition fees are regulated by the UK government. These fees are subject to parliamentary approval and any decision on raising the tuition fees cap for new UK students would require the formal approval of both Houses of Parliament before it becomes law.

EU student fees

With effect from 1 August 2021, new EU students will pay international tuition fees. For exceptions, please read the UK government's guidance for EU students.

Additional costs

Some courses will require additional payments for field trips and extra resources. You will also need to budget for your accommodation and living costs. See our information on living costs for more details.

Financial support for your studies

You may be eligible for a scholarship or bursary to help pay for your study. Students from the UK may also be eligible for a student loan to help cover these costs. See our fees and funding information for more information on what's available.

This course will provide you with a range of skills that will enable you to further your career as a professional working with children. It aims to equip you with the knowledge needed to effectively support them, monitor their development and achievements, and respond to changing circumstances. Our graduates go on to work in a diverse range of roles and settings including: working in SEND settings, working with children with English as an Additional Language, behavioural support, pastoral support, childcare, nurseries, primary teaching, health and social work or policy and charities. 

Upon completion of the course you will be well-placed to go on to further training for a range of careers within education or health and social care. Many of our graduates go on to complete one of our PGCE Early Years or Primary teaching courses or choose to study for a Masters in Education. 

Build the skills to succeed in your career – and contribute to a sustainable future

At the University of Reading, we help you turn your environmental and sustainability values into opportunities that make a difference to your career and the wider world.

Employers are already reshaping their businesses to respond to climate change, and they increasingly value graduates with expertise in environmental stewardship – one of the fastest-growing skill areas (World Economic Forum, Future of Jobs Report 2025).

During your time at Reading, you’ll have access to a wide range of opportunities and support. This will help you graduate with the knowledge and confidence to tackle environmental and sustainability challenges in your career.

In 2025, the University of Reading won the AGCAS Green Careers Award. Judges highlighted the impact of our Careers service and the positive outcomes our students achieve.

Explore climate and sustainability initiatives you can get involved with as a student at Reading.