Higher power

National

* Advanced Diploma in Child Care and Education (ADCE), at many colleges throughout the country. This higher-level diploma takes one year full-time or up to five years part-time, and is for early years workers with several years' experience, NVQ Level 3 or the CACHE Diploma in Child Care and Education. There are six modules, including Early years curriculum, Observation and assessment, and a dissertation.

Contact the Council for Awards in Children's Care and Education (CACHE), 8 Chequer Street, St Albans, Herts AL1 3XZ (01727 847636, e-mail nfo@cache.org.uk,website www.cache.org.uk).

England

* BA (Hons) Professional Studies in Childhood, at Birmingham College of Food, Tourism and Creative Studies. This three-year course aims to provide students with a high level of academic knowledge and practical skills in the development, care and education of young children. It also concentrates on helping them develop increasingly-important management skills. Topics covered in the first year are Aspects of social policy and legislation, Early years curriculum, Organisation structures and processes, Curriculum language, Working with children and their families, Child development, and Early years information technology. Topics in the second year include Social science and early years, Interpersonal and communication skills, The child as learner, Curriculum science and Curriculum mathematics. The third year includes Working in the community with children, and a dissertation (for Honours) on Contemporary issues in childcare. In addition, students will select any two of the following four options - International perspectives on childhood, The child with special needs, Using technology with children, or Managing people and organisations. Entry requirements are UCAS Tariff - a minimum of 180 points, at least 140 of which must come from six-unit or 12-unit awards, the remainder from any awards which carry Tarriff points; BTec National Diploma; Merit profile.