Undergraduate to Teacher Pathway
Top Up Your Level 5 Qualification and Progress Towards QTS
To secure your place or learn more about the admissions process, please visit the University of Northampton website.
£5,860 Tuition Fee
Student Finance loans may be available subject to eligibility
BA (Hons) Top-Up Degree
Awarded by the University of Northampton
Online Learning
Study from anywhere, with no campus attendance
Flexible Study Options
Complete in 1 or 2 years around work and family commitments
From Degree to QTS
Top up to a full BA (Hons) degree, then progress on to our teacher training to achieve QTS
Thinking about becoming a qualified teacher?
If you're ready to build on your Level 5 qualification and take the next step towards becoming a qualified teacher, our Undergraduate to Teacher Pathway provides a clear progression route. Gain a full BA (Hons) degree with the University of Northampton while continuing to work, then progress onto teacher training programmes leading to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
Am I eligible for a Top-Up Degree?
This pathway may be suitable if you already hold a Level 5 qualification, such as:
- Foundation Degree in Early Years or a related subject
- Specialist Teaching Assistant Level 5
- Early Years Lead Practitioner Level 5
- Diploma of Higher Education (DipHE)
Please visit the University of Northampton website for full entry requirements.
What degree will I achieve?
You will study the BA (Hons) Early Years, Childhood and Family Studies with the University of Northampton.
The course builds on your existing Level 5 qualification and professional experience, awarding a recognised honours degree that can open the door to teacher training, further study and a range of careers working with children, young people and families.
How is the degree delivered?
The programme is designed to fit around your professional and personal commitments.
Designed for working professionals, the programme offers the flexibility to continue developing your career while studying for a full honours degree.
Whether you're returning to higher education after a break or progressing directly from a Level 5 qualification, you'll receive support to develop the academic skills needed for successful Level 6 study.
You'll benefit from:
- Fully online delivery
- Evening teaching sessions
- No campus attendance required
- Flexible learning around work and family life
- The option to complete the course over one or two years
What will I study?
The course explores early years, childhood and family life through research-informed practice and contemporary debate.
You'll:
- Develop your understanding of children, families and communities
- Explore current issues within education and early years
- Investigate topics relevant to your own professional interests
- Develop graduate-level research, analytical and critical thinking skills
-
Apply research and theory to real-world educational practice
There are no formal examinations. Assessment is through assignments, presentations and written work.
How much does the degree cost?
The cost of the BA (Hons) Top-Up Degree is:
£5,860
If you're based in England, you may be eligible for a Tuition Fee Loan through Student Finance England.
What happens after I complete my degree?
Once you've successfully completed your BA (Hons) degree, you'll be eligible to apply for teacher training programmes, providing a clear route towards achieving Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
Your degree may also support progression into postgraduate study and careers across education, early years, family support and children's services.
Why choose this pathway?
This pathway allows you to:
✅ Convert your Level 5 qualification into a full BA (Hons) degree
✅ Study 100% online with no campus attendance required
✅ Choose to complete your degree in one or two years
✅ Continue working while you study
✅ Progress onto the Postgraduate Teacher Apprenticeship
✅ Take the next step towards Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)
.png)
Latest from the BPN Blog
Get inspired by stories and insights from our teacher training community, from practical classroom advice to case studies from our student teachers.