Early Childhood Studies BA (Hons)

Throughout the degree you will examine a range of areas and disciplines that focus upon a comprehensive and multidisciplinary understanding of children, families, policy and practice. This course offers a holistic approach to understanding early childhood, relating appropriate theory to practice. You will look critically at the role of play, consider differing curriculum models and examine the impact of early childhood researchers, theorists and government legislation on current practices.
Studies in the theory of childhood development and the rights and diversity of young people are complemented by a consideration of leadership in the workplace and a range of multiprofessional perspectives to the field of early years. A significant feature of the programme is your extended work placements that can take place across a variety of workplace settings and will enable you to focus on your chosen research area in your final year dissertation.
The course is delivered through interactive lectures, seminars, tutorials, projects, group work and study placements, many of which involve input from those working throughout the early years sector. You will encounter a wide range of learning experiences, including lectures, individual tutorials, group tutorials, seminars, workshops, problem-based learning, practical work placement and independent study. However, the main modes of study will be class contact and directed self study. All modules will require a certain amount of independent research study which will feed into your face to face sessions.

Students will encounter a wide range of learning experiences, including lectures, individual tutorials, group tutorials, seminars, workshops, problem-based learning, practical work placement and independent study. However, the main modes of study will be class contact and directed self study. All modules will require a certain amount of independent research study which will feed into your face to face sessions.

The teaching and learning strategies have been carefully designed to provide practical contexts for the analysis of contemporary issues and problems of a practical and theoretical nature. We are aware that many of the students coming to this award will already have a practitioner's diploma in child care (level 3) and will bring with them a wealth of practical experience to share with others. Some students however, will have come to Early Childhood Studies through an A' level route and may need to be supported in a different way.
You will be allocated a personal tutor who will support you throughout your study.

All students will attend work placements in early years settings throughout the programme, they will be expected to undertake workbased activities in preparation for their teaching and learning sessions. These may include information exercises such as locating relevant policies and resource audits for review and discussion. Observations of children or work processes in the placement/work setting may be used to inform discussion, such as analysing children's needs, involvement in the planning process or the preparation of work focused learning materials. Vocational Evidence Records will provide support for learners on placement and all students will be supported by a work based supervisor within the setting and visits from the academic staff.