A unique feature of this undergraduate degree is that it’s designed for both experienced practitioners and those new to the early childhood field. As well as offering flexible study opportunities, our degree includes assessed practice, which means tutors visit/appraise you in professional settings. This appraisal, combined with our entry requirements is important for you to be classified as having a license to practice. These factors will impact your salary when you seek employment in the early years’ sector.
The focus of the course is the study of the play, development and learning of children from birth to six years old in a sociocultural context and the implications this has for practice in early childhood settings. The course emphasises the links between theory and practice, and highly values the development of professional and academic skills and knowledge.
This degree will equip you to implement effective practice with children and families in a range of situations and to act as an advocate for their rights and wellbeing. The early childhood studies course team includes writers and researchers at the forefront of the field who are passionately committed to enabling, empowering and inspiring students to make transformational changes to their own lives and to the lives of children, families and communities. We’ll aim to do this by:
- valuing our students’ individual experiences and existing knowledge
- embracing different opinions and experiences
- ensuring that issues of equality and social justice underpin our work
- engaging in continuous critical reflection and analysis
- working with integrity, energy and enthusiasm
Continue through regular consultation regarding the needs of the workforce. This results in bespoke course development and continuing professional development training. Many students also benefit from employer/employee tuition fee funding.
The course team is closely linked to all the major early childhood national organisations as well as having connections with academic colleagues and students internationally through their teaching and research activities.
Assessment
Assessment is based on coursework with no formal examinations.
What our students say
„I find the course content very interesting. The tutors are supportive and the feedback I get on my work is really useful.” Rachel Kent
„The course was a great chance to build on what I already knew and helped me discover interests in areas I didn’t consider previously.” Billy Olly
„My knowledge in childcare has developed tenfold since taking part in this degree course. The tutors are not only incredibly knowledgeable but also unbelievably supportive giving 100 per cent. It’s because of their support and belief in me that I am hoping to apply for my master’s degree.” Natasha Curzi-Micallef
After the course
Graduates of this degree go on to pursue a variety of careers in education, health and social care sectors. The success of our graduates reflects the current need for well-trained graduates who can quickly move up to more senior roles in children’s centres, nursery and primary schools, and other early childhood care and education settings.
Some students go on to specialise in a particular area such as special educational needs, while others take up advisory posts in local authorities or government departments.
A significant number of students continue their professional studies, whether it’s through the PGCE route to teaching or at postgraduate level.
