Degrees for Education

Course overview
UCAS code: X310 BA/EChSt

Course summary: If you are looking for a degree that focuses on the care and education of young children (0-8 years old), providing a foundation for a variety of careers working with children, then this degree could be for you.

Attendance: 3 years full-time or 4-6 years part-time.

Course run by: School of Education

Entry requirements: In addition to general entry requirements, applicants are expected to demonstrate a standard of written English equivalent to a GCSE grade C. Typical offers are between 220-240 UCAS tariff points. Applicants must demonstrate their commitment to Early Childhood Studies by having undertaken prior experience of working with children under the age of eight. Applicants will need to attend an interview. CRB checks are undertaken.

Location: Park Campus

Assessment: Assessment is by the submission of coursework. There are no examinations on this course. Students are assessed through a variety of methods including written assignments presentations and practical projects. The final stage dissertation, linked to research in the field, is the most significant item of assessment.

Fees and bursaries: For up-to-date fees and bursary information for this course please visit
Course aims

The aim of the course is to provide a broadly-based academic and multidisciplinary professional foundation for a variety of careers working with children 0-8 years old.

The course is taught by a highly experienced multidisciplinary team with expertise in the fields of education, health and social care. It draws on external practitioners and experts to provide specialist input.

There are opportunities to undertake placements and field work in educational settings to enable strong links between academic study and professional experience of the workplace. Students choose a specialist option of education, health or social care for their stage three studies, which is linked to their field work/placement and dissertation.

A popular feature of the course is an opportunity to visit a European country in stage two to study early years’ provision in a different context.
Special course features
Multi-disciplinary approach across education, health and social care
Placements and field work opportunities
Optional European visit
Career flexibility focusing on interagency professions
Course content

Students will gain a broad understanding of the professional issues that underpin work in the care and education of young children from multiprofessional perspectives.

As well as equipping students with a detailed understanding of young children’s development, it will enable them to develop transferable skills that are highly relevant to employment as an early years’ practitioner or in health and social care careers. It provides an entry route for the new Early Years Practitioner role and although this course has not been designed for the award of Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), it is recognised that it provides a firm foundation for those wishing to teach in Early Years settings through a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) or the Graduate Teacher Programme (GTP).

The course consists of modules that cover aspects of children’s development and learning in family, community and wider national and international contexts. It also benefits particularly from specialist input in relation to special educational needs, cultural diversity and creative and therapeutic approaches to working with children.
Stage one

Students will be able to develop their knowledge and understanding of studying child development; the child, children’s services and the law; children’s health and wellbeing and professional, personal and academic development.
Stage two

Students will be able to develop their knowledge and understanding of children in society; children and their learning; safeguarding and looking after children; personal, professional and academic development and research and inquiry.
Stage three

Students will be able to develop their knowledge and understanding of creative arts in children’s services and leadership and management studies. They will be able to follow an education, health or social care option and undertake their own research.
Typical modules include
Children in society
Leadership and management studies
Research
Safeguarding children
Studying child development
The child, children’s services and the law
Career opportunities

Career paths typically include those in education, health and social care. Following further training, this may lead to a career as an early years professional, early years teacher, social worker or advisory and management roles in early years settings.

BA Hons Early Childhood Studies at University of Plymouth United Kingdom

Early Childhood Studies is an innovative subject dealing with many aspects of childhood, with approaches drawn from the disciplines of social science, psychology, child health, history, literature and education. Recent developments in work with children and their families lie at the heart of this wide-ranging course.

Early Childhood Studies highlights
Flexible modes of study: part-time and full time
Independent study
Work-based learning
Range of assessment methods including group and individual presentations, essays, project reports, surveys, videos with supporting commentary, child study and major research project.
Early Childhood Studies - What the students say

‘I’ve really enjoyed the first year of the Early Childhood Studies course and I’ve learned loads already. Next year we will have the opportunity to observe children’s behaviour and also to go on a work placement - I’m really looking forward to putting some of the theory I’ve learned this year into practice.’

Early Childhood Studies - Career opportunities
Graduates may be eligible to apply to programmes leading to Early Years Professional Status and Qualified Teacher Status. Progression to psychology conversion courses may also be possible (subject to module choices). Graduates have gone on to work in a range of professions including health care, social work, nursery management, playwork and community work.

BEd Hons Early Childhood Studies at University of Plymouth United Kingdom

This four-year BEd (Primary) course, planned with our partner schools, has four strands: School experience - teach in a different school every year Primary curriculum studies - learn how to teach, plan and assess all primary school subjects Specialist subject - study Early Childhood in depth Education studies -explore issues about teaching and learning Equal Opportunities All appropriately qualified candidates will be given equal consideration during the selection process. We do not tolerate discrimination on the grounds of gender, ethnicity, colour, disability, religion, nationality, age, sexual orientation, or any other irrelevant distinction. Course highlights Assessment is primarily by coursework, which often asks you to make links between school and university experiences. There are no end-of-year/semester examinations School experience will be in a variety of partner schools in the South West and London (urban, city, rural) , with opportunity to teach overseas (currently, USA and Finland) Rated by Ofsted as a “very good” provider (Grade A) Teaching is mostly in the form of interactive workshops and seminars We aim to support student teachers in becoming creative, imaginative, enthusiastic and committed teachers. We recruit above the national average of men going into primary teaching.

What the students say “I believe that the early years of a child’s development are the most important. I want to instil a passion for learning which children can take with them. I don’t have advanced level study in a National Curriculum subject, so Early Childhood Studies was the only route for me, but I wouldn’t have changed it, it’s a really good course. You cover all the National Curriculum subjects anyway and also study how 3-8 year olds develop and learn. I’ve just applied for a post in a nursery attached to a school. The curriculum is more relaxed and play-based which I love.

Career opportunities The course’s ‘very good’ reputation means most graduates become newly qualified teachers in primary schools around Britain, and beyond. Alternatively, skills gained through the course enable graduates to pursue careers where good organisational, communication and social skills are valued.

Entry requirements

Minimum of 160-240 tariff points. GCSE: English, Mathematics and a Science subject at Grade C or above. A level/AVCE: minimum entry requirement is CC or CDD (a C is normally required in the subject specialism). Other combinations and non A level qualifications considered with pass.

Extended Entry requirements You will be required to demonstrate that you: have the intellectual and academic capabilities needed to meet the required qualified teacher status (QTS) standards possess the appropriate qualities, attitudes and values expected of a teacher can read effectively and are able to communicate clearly and accurately in standard English, and have met the Secretary of State’s requirement for physical and mental fitness to teach.

Module guide
Year one modules:
Learning and Skills Development for HE and Work
Child Observation for Learning and Research
The Development of the Individual
Social and Emotional Foundations
Early Childhood Pedagogy and Play
Understanding Learning
Year two core modules:
Researching Childhood
Curriculum in Early Childhood
Risk and resilience in Young Children
Diversity in Early Childhood
The Emergent Professional
Year three core modules:
Undergraduate Major Project
Early Years Settings: Issues and Context
Children’s Rights: National and International Contexts
Methods of Teaching and Learning
You will experience a range of learning and teaching methodolgies during this course, including but not limited to:
Lectures, seminars, tutorials
Online delivery
Web-based disclosure
Blended learning
Enquiry-based learning
Self-managed learning
Associated careers

Career opportunities include a range of early years settings: nursery, play schemes, breakfast and after-school clubs and learning mentors.
Assessment

Assessment methods used on this course include portfolios, visual and oral presentations, reflective journals, group work, peer assessment, written essays, commentaries, and reports and case studies based on the observation of children.
Other courses in the Education: Early Childhood Studies subject area:Course title Length of study UCAS code Total tariff points Specific entry requirements
Early Childhood Studies BA (Hons) 3 years L520 180 Non-Academic Conditions: CRB Checks required GCSE(s) Required: English grade C, Mathematics grade C, Science grade C (If born after 1 Sep 1979)
Early Years Childcare and Education FdA 2 years Non-Academic Conditions: Interviews, Work place agreement GCSE(s) Required: English grade C or above or equivalent Level 3 or above qualification in Childcare
Education Studies and Early Childhood Education BA (Hons) 3 years X300 180 at A Level or equivalent GCSE(s) Required: 5 GCSEs grade C including English
Playwork FdA
Playwork FdA 2 years full-time Mathematics and English equivalent to GCSE grade ‘C’ or above, or equivalent You must be working/ volunteering in a playwork setting by the beginning of the course ICT skills in word-processing, e-mail and internet access Applicants with no standard academic qualifications can be considered on the basis of substantial relevant experience and interview Accreditation of prior Learning is possible. An enhanced CRB check is essential.

Subject area: Education: Early Childhood Studies
Locations of study: Chelmsford, Cambridge, University Centre King’s Lynn
Length of study: 3 years
UCAS code: L520
Entry requirements: 180 tariff points at A Level or equivalent. Non-Academic Conditions: CRB Checks required GCSE(s) Required: English grade C, Mathematics grade C, Science grade C (If born after 1 Sep 1979)

Course overview
The aim of this degree is to provide you with the knowledge and skills to 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.

The award has a strong international ‘flavour’ and priority will be given to applicants willing to study overseas for one semester, although this is not a requirement.

The course is centred around the study of young children’s holistic development, from birth to eight years, set within the contexts of home, school, early years settings and the wider environment.

The theoretical background will be delivered via formal lectures and seminars and will provide you with an understanding of the underlying principles of philosophy, psychology, sociology, pedagogy, health and social policy, and children’s development and learning.

You will have the opportunity to apply this theory, and to develop a range of practical skills, in a series of sessions within an early years environment. The chance to spend a period of study at an overseas institution will give you the opportunity not only to gain an international perspective on early years development but also to add an extra dimension to your overall learning experience.

A range of option modules will allow you to explore areas of particular interest or perhaps to prepare for a favoured career path.

This degree will provide an excellent foundation for anyone wishing to work in an early years setting and will be good preparation either for a career or further study.

Module guide
Year one core modules:
Understanding the Work Sector
Work Based Learning 1
Learning and Skills Development for HE and Work
The Development of the Individual
Holistic Approaches to Infant Development (0-8 years)
Introduction to Research Awareness
Year two core modules:
Work Based Learning 2
Child Protection
Working with Families and Young Children
Managing Childcare Practices
Areas of Learning: Language, Literacy and Mathematics
Special Needs in Early Years
Methods of Teaching and Learning
You will experience a range of learning and teaching methodologies during this course, including, but not limited too:
Lectures, seminars, tutorials
Online delivery
Web-based disclosure
Blended learning
Enquiry-based learning
Self-managed learning.
Associated careers

This course will be of particular value to anyone wishing to gain Senior Practitioner Status within an Early Years environment, or to progress to Qualified Teacher Status, or to study for an honours degree.
Assessment

Assessment is via a mix of project work, assignments, production of a personal portfolio and a Student Learning File. Practical skills are assessed through work-based modules.
Other courses in the Education: Early Childhood Studies subject area:Course title Length of study UCAS code Total tariff points Specific entry requirements
Early Childhood Studies BA (Hons) 3 years L520 180 Non-Academic Conditions: CRB Checks required GCSE(s) Required: English grade C, Mathematics grade C, Science grade C (If born after 1 Sep 1979)
Early Years Childcare and Education FdA 2 years Non-Academic Conditions: Interviews, Work place agreement GCSE(s) Required: English grade C or above or equivalent Level 3 or above qualification in Childcare
Education Studies and Early Childhood Education BA (Hons) 3 years X300 180 at A Level or equivalent GCSE(s) Required: 5 GCSEs grade C including English
Playwork FdA
Playwork FdA 2 years full-time Mathematics and English equivalent to GCSE grade ‘C’ or above, or equivalent You must be working/ volunteering in a playwork setting by the beginning of the course ICT skills in word-processing, e-mail and internet access Applicants with no standard academic qualifications can be considered on the basis of substantial relevant experience and interview Accreditation of prior Learning is possible. An enhanced CRB check is essential.

Course summary

Subject area: Education: Early Childhood Studies
Locations of study: Chelmsford, University Centre Peterborough, University Centre King’s Lynn, Cambridge
Length of study: 2 years
Entry requirements: Non-Academic Conditions: Interviews, Work place agreement GCSE(s) Required: English grade C or above or equivalent Level 3 or above qualification in Childcare

Course Overview
The aims of this degree are:
to provide you with a good foundation in the theory and practice of Early Years Childcare and Education
to give insight into the regulatory framework within which care and education is delivered
to enable you to gain Senior Practitioner Status
to provide you with a route to gaining Qualified Teacher Status or to complete further studies for a Higher Education qualification.
Although core skills and knowledge will be covered by lectures, tutorials and seminars, this course has a strong vocational focus, and formal teaching is reinforced by much work-based learning. Workshops, group work and practical sessions also play a key role in teaching methods.

When you graduate you will be able to:
display familiarity with a range of approaches to childcare and education
demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the contextual nature of Early Years Childcare and Education including the regulatory and legislative framework
plan, develop, implement and evaluate the Early Years Curriculum
apply a range of theories and principles relating to child development.
This course offers you the opportunity to develop your knowledge and skills of Early Years Childcare and Education with the aim either of gaining Senior Practitioner Status, or with a view to continuing study for QTS or an honours degree. The focus is very much on gaining the vocational skills required to succeed within an Early Years environment, and on giving you the skills required to continue to develop in order to meet demands of a fast changing environment.

Module Guide
Your course content will vary depending on your choice of options. As a guide, topics covered might include the following,
Education Studies
The Individual in Education
An Introduction to Research
Understanding Educational Organisations
Education and Society
Education: A Global Phenomenon
Education Abroad: A Personal Experience
University Foreign Language Module
Undergraduate Major Project.
Early Childhood Education
The Developing of the Individual
Early Childhood Pedagogy and Play
Sociology of Childhood
Curriculum in Early Childhood
Diversity in Early Childhood
Creative Arts, Pedagogy, and Play
Early Years Settings: Issues and Contexts.
Methods of Teaching and Learning
You will experience a range of learning and teaching methodologies during this course, including, but not limited to:
Lectures, seminars and tutorials
Online delivery
Web-based disclousre
Blended learning
Enquiry-based learning
Self-managed learning.
Study abroad
You are encouraged to seek opportunities to study abroad in your second year.
Associated careers

Past graduates have gone on to a wide range of careers, some requiring further study, in teaching, educational administration and welfare, marketing and public relations, learning support, youth work and early years settings
Assessment

Assessment methods used on this course include portfolios, visual and oral presentations, reflective journals, group work, peer assessment, written essays, commentaries and reports and case studies based on the observations of children.
Other courses in the Education: Early Childhood Studies subject area:Course title Length of study UCAS code Total tariff points Specific entry requirements
Early Childhood Studies BA (Hons) 3 years L520 180 Non-Academic Conditions: CRB Checks required GCSE(s) Required: English grade C, Mathematics grade C, Science grade C (If born after 1 Sep 1979)
Early Years Childcare and Education FdA 2 years Non-Academic Conditions: Interviews, Work place agreement GCSE(s) Required: English grade C or above or equivalent Level 3 or above qualification in Childcare
Education Studies and Early Childhood Education BA (Hons) 3 years X300 180 at A Level or equivalent GCSE(s) Required: 5 GCSEs grade C including English
Playwork FdA
Playwork FdA 2 years full-time Mathematics and English equivalent to GCSE grade ‘C’ or above, or equivalent You must be working/ volunteering in a playwork setting by the beginning of the course ICT skills in word-processing, e-mail and internet access Applicants with no standard academic qualifications can be considered on the basis of substantial relevant experience and interview Accreditation of prior Learning is possible. An enhanced CRB check is essential.

Course summary

Subject area: Education: Early Childhood Studies
Locations of study: Chelmsford, Cambridge
Length of study: 3 years
UCAS code: X300
Entry requirements: 180 at A Level or equivalent tariff points at A Level or equivalent. GCSE(s) Required: 5 GCSEs grade C including English

Course overview
This honours degree gives you the opportunity to explore the wider aspects of educational provision in the UK and elsewhere, while focusing particularly on the education of young children. The award has a strong international ‘flavour’ and priority will be given to applicants willing to study overseas for one semester, although this is not a requirement.

Throughout the course, students are encouraged to take up the option to study a modern foreign language of their choice in the University language programme.
Education Studies
Year 1 - In the first year we focus on the individual’s experience of education. Typically, students on this degree come from a wide range of backgrounds, including some who were educated abroad. This diversity provides rich resources for us to explore.

Year 2 - In the second year, the focus moves towards the consideration of education as part of the fabric of all developed societies. You will be introduced to key issues in the philosophy, sociology, and politics of education systems in the UK and elsewhere. There is a strong focus on education as a global phenomenon.

Year 3 - The emphasis at this level is on developing students’ independence of thought through critical engagement with the work of educational writers and their own first-hand experiences of educational settings.
Early Childhood Education
You will follow a range of modules covering key theories and issues for policy and practice in early (0-8) childhood education.
Year 1 - In your first year, you will be introduced to debates concerning young children’s place in society, their growth and development, and to the key concept of ‘play’.

Year 2 - In this year we study young children’s cognitive development and their exploration of their world. We also explore the diversity of children’s experience, including gender, race, and social background, and the issue of inclusion and child protection.

Year 3 -This year we explore the characteristics of a variety of early years settings and the provision they make for children’s diverse needs. The nature of children’s legal and political status and their entitlement to education and protection are studied against the background of Human Rights legislation and theoretical perspectives on the nature of childhood.

The courses are designed to prepare you fully with the knowledge and skills required to work with young children. The Government is emphasising the importance of early childhood education. This means that employment opportunities are exceptional. These degrees will give you an excellent understanding of issues concerning early childhood studies and will allow you to develop the ability to apply theory to practice as well as gaining a range of professional skills such as effective communication, presentation, reflection, problem solving, management,
research, teamwork, information communications technology and time management.

Special features
The School of Education and Community has excellent relationships with childcare organisations for work placements.
There is a choice of placements to develop and build on individual experience and interests.
Studying the foundation degree allows you to continue working while you study.
Assessment may be available through the medium of Welsh.
Additional Welsh sessions are available for beginners, intermediate and advanced learners.
If you are studying the honours degree you will be eligible for student membership of PANN (the organisation representing early years workers). This is free for the duration of your studies.
The foundation degree is delivered at Glyndŵr University and Yale College in Wrexham.