Introduction

This programme provides an excellent foundation for careers with children, or for further study. You'll explore issues affecting children between birth and eight years old, and you'll link theory to practice, and understand social, psychological and philosophical factors in children's lives, learning and development. You‘ll also be equipped with transferrable skills including research, critical analysis, problem-solving and teamwork. 


UK-specific contents may not be applicable to HK students

Programme Features

High ranking
UWE Bristol is ranked 25^th in the “Education” subject area and 24th for its overall university ranking in the UK (The Guardian University Guide 2025, 2023)

Multidisciplinary teaching staff
Our teaching team composes of experienced practitioners with solid experience in the field of early childhood education and care, in addition to their multidisciplinary backgrounds, e.g., psychology, social work, counselling, arts and music, exercise science, among the others, which is beneficial for equipping students with the ability to view an issue from various perspectives.

Guest speakers
High-profile local/global experts in the field of early childhood education and care will be invited to provide students with seasoned information and insights in the field.

Field trip
Our programme provides opportunities for students to visit a wide range of organisations and institutions which utilize various teaching approaches, e.g., forest teaching and learning, Montessori, Waldorf, and so on, offering students exposure to new and cutting-edge ideas in the field.

Further studies
Our graduates are eligible to apply for master’s degree programmes in Early Childhood/Education in reputable universities in Hong Kong and overseas universities, for example, the MA in Education at UWE Bristol; MEd at HKU, EduHK and HKBU; MA in Early Childhood Education at CUHK; and MEd in Early Childhood Education at HKMU.

Modules

The Development of Reasoning

Through this module, you will develop a critical understanding of the physical, emotional and cognitive development of the human brain. You will be able to give critical account of how babies and young children acquire conceptual understanding through investigation and hypothesising about the world around them and how this influences future learning. You will also be able to give critical account of children’s reasoning and their developing capabilities for communicating their understanding and ideas. You will be equipped to critically discuss ways to support and promote children’s conceptual and creative thinking and reasoning through a range of play-based opportunities and environments with adults’ assistance and facilitation.

Emerging Languages and Identities (CEF Module)

(CEF code: 35Z140801)
In this module, students will learn a range of theories of languages and identity development, in order to gain a critical understanding of the social processes and contextual factors affecting the development of identities.  You will be aware of the processes of language development in multilingual environments and implications for practice. You will also be able to evaluate the significance of relationships for language and identity development with reference to relevant theories such as attunement, attachment, intersubjectivity, socio-cultural theory. 

Debating Childhoods (CEF Module)

(CEF code: 35Z140798)

This module will introduce you to a challenging agenda of questions and dilemmas which centres on children and childhood in contemporary contexts and which extends ideas relating to theories, policies and practices covered in the Early Childhood degree. You will learn how to identify and critically analyse ethical issues, demonstrating awareness of multiple perspectives.

Guided Study (a dissertation module) 

On this module you have the opportunity to undertake an extended literature study in an area of their choice, appropriate to their programme and field of study. You will identify ideas and issues which merit further investigation, identify relevant academic and policy sources, develop an area of enquiry, specify questions for investigation, and develop a written response.

 For part-time mode only. This course has been included in the list of reimbursable courses under Continuing Education Fund. The mother course (BA (Hons) Early Childhood) of this module is recognised under the Qualifications Framework (QF Level 5). 

Assessment

Presentations, essays, dissertation

QF Level

	QF Level : Level 5 QR Registration No. : 22/000664/L5 Validity Period : 01/09/2022 -  31/08/2026
Importance of choosing a non-local top-up with QF Level 5 Employment Degree qualifications pitched at QF Level 5 are formally recognised by the HKSAR Government for employment purposes within the Civil Service for graduate posts. Further Studies Having been recognised at QF Level 5, this top-up degree programme meets the standard of locally-accredited bachelor's degree programmes.  Upon graduation, students can pursue their further studies at Master’s degree level in Hong Kong or Overseas. Financial Assistance and Scholarships Various HKSAR Government financial assistance schemes and scholarships are only made available to eligible students enrolled into programmes with QF recognition.

Entry Requirements

Holders of the following VTC Higher Diplomas (HD):

• HD in Child Care and Education
• HD in Special Child Care and Inclusive Education

OR

Holders of Higher Diploma (HD) or Associate Degree (AD) or equivalent qualification in relevant Child Care and Early Childhood Education subjects awarded by a recognised institution will also be considered.
 

English Proficiency Requirements

• Applicants holding post-secondary qualifications (e.g. Higher Diploma, Associate Degree) taught and assessed in English from recognised institutions;

OR

• At least an overall IELTS score of 6.5 with 5.5 in each component, or an overall IELTS score of 6.0 with 6.0 in each component, or equivalent.

Fees

• Application Fee : HK$200 (No application fee before the deadline!)
• Registration Fee : HK$3,500
• Tuition Fee: HK$84,730 by 2 (FT) or 4 (PT) instalments 

Scholarships

A variety of attractive scholarships are available to current and graduating SHAPE students

		“I chose SHAPE due to its good reputation and high-quality top-up degree programmes. The UK lecturers from UWE Bristol helped us with critical thinking and their lectures were lively and interesting. I enjoyed my learning journey at SHAPE a lot! ” Wong Tsz Yau BA (Hons) Early Childhood HKSAR Government Outstanding Performance Scholarship 2022-23
		“The Early Childhood programme is interesting and provides valuable knowledge for those who are aspiring to be pre-school teachers. Through this programme, I was groomed to be a great teacher with professional skills, critical thinking ability, and a persevering attitude. SHAPE lecturers are very experienced and they are always ready to help students with any learning questions.” Wu Li Yi BA (Hons) Early Childhood  HKSAR Government Outstanding Performance Scholarship 2022-23
		“The Early Childhood programme has given me an all-rounded understanding of child development. I learnt about different aspects of childhood as well as critical thinking skills from the module of "Debating Childhoods". The programme has helped me develop the skills and knowledge necessary to excel my career in the education field.” Yuen Hiu Ching BA (Hons) Early Childhood  HKSAR Government Endeavour Scholarship 2022-23
		“I aspire to become a kindergarten teacher, driven by a deep passion for working with children and a desire to have a profound impact on their lives. Studying at SHAPE have equipped me with a comprehensive understanding of early childhood development, including the importance of fostering "goodwill" and addressing gender stereotypes. I am now confident in applying teaching principles such as tailoring instruction to individual aptitudes, promoting fairness, and embracing the value of play. I aim to inspire children with a positive, loving, and optimistic attitude to support their healthy and happy growth.” Chen Yee Sha BA (Hons) Early Childhood  HKSAR Government Outstanding Performance Scholarship 2023-24

Financial Aids 

The following HKSAR Government financial assistance schemes are available to eligible students who pursue this programme at SHAPE:

Financial Assistance Schemes		Amount (HK$)	FT Mode	PT Mode
	Non-means-tested Subsidy Scheme (NMTSS)	Up to $35,120 per year  [AY2025/26]	Y	--
	Continuing Education Fund (CEF)	Up to $25,000*	--	Y
	Financial Assistance Scheme for Post-secondary Students (FASP)	Up to $93,130 (Tuition fee grant) Up to $9,010 (Academic expenses grant) Up to 58,890 (Living expenses loan) [AY2024/25]	Y	--
	Non-means-tested Loan Scheme for Post-secondary Students (NLSPS)	Up to the annual tuition fees payable in the academic year	Y	--
	Extended Non-means-tested Loan Scheme (ENLS)	Up to the annual tuition fees payable in the academic year	--	Y

For details including eligibility and subsidy amount, please refer to the hyperlink of each scheme.
* Please refer to the Programme Content section of this programme for the reimbursable courses under the CEF

Career Prospects

Our graduates can join the industry in a wide range of professions in the early childhood education sectors. 

Together with their locally recognised C(ECE) qualification, or previous completion of a training course approved by the Social Welfare Department (SWD), in totality graduates can take up positions such as kindergarten teachers, child care workers, child care supervisors and special child care workers, etc. 

Together with their locally recognised C(ECE) qualification, our graduates are also eligible to apply for admission to the certification course for kindergarten principals in local institutions, which enables them to work as kindergarten principals.
 

Further Studies

Our graduates are eligible to apply for master’s degree programmes in Early Childhood/Education in reputable universities in Hong Kong and overseas universities, for example, the MA in Education at UWE Bristol; MEd at HKU, EduHK and HKBU; MA in Early Childhood Education at CUHK; and MEd in Early Childhood Education at HKMU.

“The top-up Bachelor of Arts (Hons) Early Childhood (BAEC) has been equipping me with advanced critical thinking skills. This programme encourages deep reflection and analysis on complex issues without clear-cut answers. With a strong emphasis on international perspectives, BAEC has broadened my horizons, exposing me to diverse early childhood education practices and policies worldwide. By embracing different cultures and viewpoints, I have honed my ability to effectively engage with families and children from all walks of life. BAEC has empowered me to create a positive and lasting impact on the lives of young children and their families on a global scale.“ Ernest Kong BA (Hons) Early Childhood Higher Diploma in Early Childhood Education at Yew Chung College of Early Childhood Education Master of Arts in Educational Counselling, Education University of Hong Kong

Student Awards
 

Graduation Ceremony

Enquiries

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