BA Childhood Practice

Location:
Coatbridge
Duration:
36 weeks
Time:
18:00 - 21:00
Mode:
Evening
Starting:
07 September 2026
SCQF level:
8

Course overview

Study the BA Childhood Practice at New College Lanarkshire in partnership with the University of the West of Scotland (UWS). Designed for SSSC-registered practitioners, this flexible part-time degree develops the leadership, management and professional skills required to become a registered lead practitioner or manager in early learning and childcare. Delivered through blended learning, it allows you to study while continuing to work.

Year 3

Year overview

In partnership with the University of the West of Scotland and based at our Coatbridge Campus, this part-time evening degree is designed for those working in early learning and childcare who want to take on a leadership or management role.

The course meets the qualification requirements for registration with the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) at degree level.

You'll attend one evening a week, and depending on your previous qualifications, the course can take two to four years to complete.

Start and finish dates will be confirmed directly by UWS.

Applications close July 2026.

Entry

To apply for the BA Childhood Practice, you’ll need the meet the following conditions and qualifications:

A Practitioner level qualification, such as:

HNC Childhood Practice / Early Education & Childcare or
SVQ Level 3

Plus one of the following:

PDA or HND Childhood Practice (SCQF Level 8), or
SVQ Level 4

If your previous qualifications don’t meet the required credit level, UWS may ask you to complete an APEL (Accreditation for Prior Learning) before the course begins.

In addition, to be eligible for this course you must:

be in early years employment for a minimum 16 hours.
Have a minimum of two years’ experience at SCQF Level 7 (or equivalent) Childhood Practice is required before entry.

Dual-Application Process

All applicants must submit an application to both the college and the University of the West of Scotland (UWS) application.

Personal Statement

When applying, make sure your personal statement is detailed and uses the full character count. Include:

Your qualifications
Your work experience
Why you want to study this course

Applications without this information may be rejected.

Learn

This course meets the Standard for Childhood Practice and is designed for those working in early learning and childcare who want to build their leadership skills while studying part-time.

You’ll cover key areas including: