Early Childhood Studies

BA (Hons)

Intermediate award(s): CertHE
Full-Time

This course is available in Clearing, call us on 0845 271 3333 for more information

Course overview

This degree will enable you to take up a range of roles within an Early Years environment and act as a positive influence in the lives of young children. Created in response to developments in research and government policy, this course draws on a number of disciplines to produce graduates who can facilitate and support the well-being of young children.

As you progress through your course you will gain a more focused view of early childhood studies. You will have the opportunity to examine within group seminars, discussion and workshop sessions an understanding, and through the use of a range of techniques, communicate your ideas in a variety of media with due sensitivity to the intended audience. The use of different methods of presentation will encourage you to work with others more effectively and constructively. These skills will be honed throughout the course as you develop greater autonomy as a learner. As you approach graduation you will have a deepened understanding of pedagogy which will inform your own focus for your chosen career path on graduation.

Additional course information

The aims of this course are:
  • develop theoretical and conceptual knowledge of early childhood and the process of their construction
  • develop an understanding of the contextual nature of early childhood and its relevance for practice and service provision
  • facilitate enquiry-based approaches to learning using a range of different approaches to learning
  • explore cross-cultural perspectives to develop an understanding of diversity and its contribution to the study of early childhood
  • develop your engagement with lifelong learning which is reflected in the generic learning outcomes of the University

Additional information

The Certificate of Higher Education offers a one year introduction to university level study, progression to full honours will be available on successful completion of the Certificate


Module guide

Core modules - Level One
  • Research 1: An Introduction

    This introductory module aims to provide students with a basic understanding of the research process. The qualitative and quantitative research paradigms will be discussed as well as a variety of methods used by researchers.

  • Specialist Key Issues: An Introduction to Education and Early Childhood

    This module will introduce core themes relating to the study of young children. Key themes to be investigated and debated will include attachment and independence, implications for daycare, trust, communication skills and friendship and how these link to children's wellbeing.

  • Understanding Learning

    This module will enable you to appreciate how learning has been studied and conceptualised, including an understanding of theories of cognitive development. Secondly it will develop an awareness of how you can develop and manage your own learning and gain confidence in your ability to use appropriate and effective study skills.

  • Human Development

    This module will explore the growth and development of the whole individual in interaction with his/her environment. Students will consider features of different aspects of human development, from birth to death, using a range of theories and perspectives.

  • Early Childhood Pedagogy and Play

    This module will explore the historical foundations of early childhood pedagogy and their influence on the role of play in early learning. We will examine the philosophical principles of early pioneers and how they shape contemporary theories about play in early childhood.

  • Aspects of Health, Well Being and Lifestyle
  • Independent Learning Module
Core modules - Level Two
  • International and Comparative Perspectives in Education

    This module looks at the field of comparative social provision in an increasingly globalised world. This objective is achieved by, primarily, exploring and comparing aspects of appropriate societal systems in our closest continental neighbours, but also further afield.

  • Research 2: Developing Understanding

    This module aims to develop your understanding of the research process and through this, to support you in acquiring the skills and competencies necessary to carry out a major project.

  • Exploring the Curriculum:Theory and Practice

    This module explores questions and concepts relating to why, where, how and what babies and young children are taught in educational contexts. Different theories, models and curricula frameworks will be examined and the implications for children's learning considered.

  • The Emergent Professional

    Professionals working with young children need to develop an understanding of their role in providing for the needs of the whole child within an environment which is informed by early childhood philosophies and perspectives.

  • Risk and Resilience in Children and Young People

    This module uses the theoretical perspectives drawn from sociology, psychology, social policy and childhood to examine further concepts of risk and resilience and how these shape responses to children's well-being and welfare.

  • Creative Arts and Pedagogy

Core modules - Level Three
  • Special Study

  • Undergraduate Major Project

    The Undergraduate Major Project serves to demonstrate the student's acquisition of the discipline-related knowledge and skills that have formed the content of all preceding modules and to show that the University's expectations of all its graduates have been met.

  • Children's Rights: National and International Contexts

    This module is based upon a critical exploration of children's rights with the focus on rights to education, protection, human rights and participation.

  • Inclusive Practice in Early Childhood

    This module explores a range of evidence and theoretical perspectives which inform our understanding of the culture of inclusion and the implications for practitioners in early years.

  • Early Years Settings: Issues and Contexts

    This module will explore what appropriate provision is for young children and identify the distinctive characteristics encountered in early years settings.

  • Independent Learning Module

Assessment

A variety of forms of assessment will be used to enable students to link evidence from a range of sources including: written assignments including essays, visual and oral presentations, poster presentation and commentary, use of reflective journal, case-study analysis, child observations, and participation in web-based discourse.

Facilities

Our University offers well-equipped lecture theatres and seminar rooms. Our Faculty has a number of specialist rooms including: two dedicated art rooms, one equipped for design and technology, and two collaborative ICT learning suites.

Study abroad options

There are opportunities for study abroad; however, this is not a requirement of the course.

Special features

Individual modules from this particular course are available as part of our Associate Student provision.

Links with industry and professional recognition

The design of this course has been informed by the national Early Years Professional Status requirement.

Associated careers

This degree will provide an excellent foundation for anyone wishing to work in an Early Years setting and will be good preparation for further study and/or work-based training.
UCAS Tariff points: 200
Additional Requirements: Non-Academic Conditions: CRB Checks required GCSE(s) Required: Five GCSEs at grade C or above including English, ,
Entry requirements listed are for September 2013 entry. Entry requirements for other intakes may differ.

How to apply

Locations

Duration

3 years

Available starts

September

Student finance

Open Day

Saturday 22 June
Undergraduate Open Day

Advice & support

Employability

Faculty

Health, Social Care & Education

Department

Education

Contact us

UK and EU applicants:International applicants:
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