Early Childhood Studies

BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies
Mode: full-time

Early Childhood Studies is an exciting and challenging subject that looks at childhood from historical, educational, sociological, psychological, and health perspectives. The degree involves critical debate on policy and practice related to early childhood. Academic studies are complemented by work placements which provide an in-depth understanding of different perspectives and practical applications.

The three year full time degree programme offers a wide range of contemporary modules covering topical issues in early childhood.

Work placements take place each year providing opportunities to work with children in a range of settings including pre-schools, nurseries, primary schools and special needs settings.

In addition to work placements, a typical week usually involves three days on the campus. Dynamic, research-informed teaching is delivered by enthusiastic, knowledgeable and experienced tutors. We use a wide range of teaching styles, including lectures, interactive seminars, workshops and tutorials. To enhance the delivery of the programme we also provide an interesting visiting speaker programme with some high profile guest speakers, such as Pat Broadhead.

Assessment
Regular assessment and formative feedback are used throughout the degree. A variety of assessment methods are used including group discussions, multi-media technology presentations, individual projects, essays and exams.

Entry Requirements
You will normally need a minimum of:

• Five GCSEs at grade C or above (or equivalent) including English Language and Mathematics.
• A Science GCSE at grade C or above (or equivalent) is preferred. However, if you apply for a Primary PGCE/GTP route at BG, grade C or above is required at the time of application.

Plus one of the following qualifications:

• 160 UCAS tariff points, 80 of which need to be in a related subject (Psychology, Sociology, Early Years, Health and Social Care);
• Two A-levels (CC), one to be a relevant or related subject (Psychology, Sociology, Early Years, Health and Social Care);
• BTEC National Diploma in a relevant or related subject (pre-2003) (60% merits);
• BTEC National Diploma in a relevant or related subject (post-2003) (Merit; Pass; Pass);
• BTEC National Certificate (pre- 2003) (Merit; Pass) plus an A-level in a relevant or related subject;
• BTEC National Certificate (2003 onwards) (Merit; Merit) in a relevant or related subject;
• GNVQ Advanced - Merit Grade plus an A-level in a relevant or related subject;
• NNEB/CACHE Diploma;
• International Baccalaureate - minimum diploma score of 60% or above with subject relevance;
• CCCCC in Scottish Certificate of Education (3 must be Highers), one with subject relevance;
• Access to HE Diploma (in a relevant subject).

Other suitable qualifications and relevant experience will be considered on presentation of a portfolio and demonstration of achieving the necessary entry levels.

In addition all students will need a successful Enhanced Disclosure from the Criminal Records Bureau and to register with the Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA).

Students will be legally required to register with the Vetting and Barring Scheme (VBS) which is administered by the ISA. The ISA has recently been established as a single agency to monitor all individuals who want to work or volunteer with vulnerable people. Following successful registration you will be issued with an ISA Registration Number which will stay with you for the rest of your career. We will send you further instructions on registering with the VBS as part of the admissions process.

Students wishing to enter Year 3 from other degree programmes must have obtained 240 credits from an appropriate programme of study and be interviewed.