Early Childhood Studies

Contemporary Issues in Early Childhood Studies

You'll explore important developments and changes that have shaped the Early Childhood sector. You'll examine the issues from a theoretical standpoint and take a critical approach to current policies and practices, helping you further progress your academic skills.

A key focus of the module is the early childhood education and care workforce. You'll delve into topics such as the similarities and differences in disciplinary perspectives and values when it comes to education and care provisions. You'll also have the space to question your own educational and practical experiences. Helping you provide an evaluation of familiar situations and practices based on theoretical knowledge.
 

Becoming a Researcher

What are the ethical issues of doing research on children? You’ll gain the core tools you need to carry out effective research in early years. You’ll develop the confidence and expertise to succeed in your degree, and understand the research methods that social scientists and educational practitioners use, including:

• interviews
• observation
• questionnaires.

You’ll have a grounding in reliable and valid research, giving you fantastic skills for your future career.

Placement 2: Developing Practice and Pedagogy

You'll build the knowledge, practical skills, and competence needed to work as an Early Childhood professional. You'll learn important topics such as safeguarding, inclusivity, and ethical practices. You'll also analyse relevant policies and frameworks that shape Early Childhood practice and teaching approaches.

Throughout the module, you will explore the pedagogy and practice of early education. You'll look at the current issues and debates in the field of early childhood care and education. You'll examine theories and research that supports effective practice. You'll also reflect on the role of adults in supporting children during their first eight years of life.

You will go on placement in an appropriate setting. This allows you to connect policy and research to real-life practice with children aged from birth to eight years old. This will help deepen your academic understanding of the field. Helping you focus on developing suitable teaching approaches. 
 

Creative and Therapeutic Approaches

You'll learn about therapeutic interventions and creative approaches that support people in different situations. You'll cover various therapies, including:

• play therapy 
• art therapy
• medical health therapy
• physical health therapy
• occupational health therapy 
• and mental health therapy. 

You'll explore the application of approaches to individuals, families, and communities. By the end of the module, you will be able to use this knowledge in your own field, considering individual and group therapy, educational support, supervision, and safeguarding.
 

Children with Diverse Needs

You'll build on what you learned in previous modules. You'll focus on celebrating diversity. Including ways to support children, families, and siblings in accessing services to meet their needs. 

You'll look at a wide range of needs that can affect children and families. You'll also look at educational settings and communities, going beyond special educational needs. You'll examine the issues and difficulties surrounding inclusive services for children and young people with special educational needs or disabilities. 

Our goal is to help you understand how policies and practices related to special educational needs have evolved over time. We'll also delve into the legal framework that governs special educational needs provision.  Also we'll discuss discrimination and challenge you to reflect on your own attitudes and beliefs.
 

Outdoor Learning

You'll learn about the natural environment and its importance in relation to childrens' learning and development. 

You'll explore ways to enhance learning experiences. You'll look at engaging in ecological projects and developing your understanding of global climate issues. 

You'll also examine outdoor learning and environmental education in: 

• early years settings
• schools
• and communities.
   

Unequal Childhoods

Not all childhoods are equal. You’ll reflect on the ways we respond to differences in:

• economies
• ethnicity
• Education
• genders
• cultures
• Race
• social class
• ability.  

You’ll build on your knowledge of equality, diversity and human justice that you’ve gained from earlier modules. You’ll also increase your knowledge of United Nations conventions and United Kingdom equality legislation, increasing your professional understanding of legislation and equality.

Children's Literature

In this module, you'll deepen your knowledge and understanding of children's literature and the importance of positive early literacy experiences for young children. You'll have the opportunity to read and think about a variety of texts and authors, with a focus on picture books. Also you'll discuss the significance of diversity and representation in children's literature.

You'll develop your critical reading skills and explore how words and pictures work together. You'll look at how children learn to read. You'll also learn to choose texts that support their reading development and enjoyment. 

Finally, you'll consider how the digital world might affect children's experiences with literature.
 

Supporting Wellbeing

You'll build on what you've learned in your first year. You'll explore ways to support people's physical, mental, social, and emotional needs through education. You'll review existing policies and practices that aim to promote wellbeing.

Throughout the module, you'll develop a critical understanding of the factors that influence health and wellbeing in 

• children, 
• teenagers, 
• and adults. 

You'll gain insights into the complexities of supporting and promoting wellbeing within the education system. This includes working together with different agencies and facing practical challenges when planning, implementing, and evaluating strategies and services for mental health and wellbeing in schools.
 

The Social World of Childhood and Youth

Do you remember how you felt as a child? We’ll explore the world of children, and how our ideas about childhood have changed through time. You’ll consider the impact of different models of socialisation on children. And you’ll explore the factors - cultural, structural and experimental - which develop a child’s identity.  We’ll make good use of life and historical material. 

Independent Study Module

You'll have the opportunity to focus in depth on a specialist area of research or other co-curricular topic not otherwise available in modules on the course.

You'll discuss with your academic supervisor on what you will focus on. Your independent study focus will be approved by this module's leader.
 

Dissertation (Double)

You’ll undertake independent research on a topic in Early Childhood Studies which fascinates you. You’ll have the support of an expert supervisor who will help you negotiate a key issue in Early Childhood Studies and develop it into a dissertation.

Placement 3: Graduate leadership in Practice

In your final placement module of the Early Childhood Studies program, you will have the chance to show what you've learned. Showing how well you can work as an Early Childhood professional. 

You'll have the support to reflect on your role as a graduate in the field and encourage you to take on different responsibilities. You'll build on your previous knowledge of 

• policies
• safeguarding
• inclusivity
• ethics
• teaching approaches
• and professional roles in the field. 

Your reflection will help you connect theory with practice. Through your reflection you'll expand your knowledge and challenge your practices. Empowering you to lead and make a difference rather than being a 'student' in the workplace.

You will complete a placement in a suitable setting. This will give you the opportunity to immerse yourself in the provision, deepen your academic understanding of the field, and showcase your skills as a graduate leader in practice. 
 

STEAM in Pedagogy and Research

You'll look at how we can study teaching and research from different viewpoints like,

• science
• technology
• engineering
• the Arts
• and maths. 

By examining things from different angles, you'll get a better understanding of the whole picture instead of just focusing on one. We'll learn about the similarities and differences between these approaches on paper and in practice. We'll also discuss creativity and how it's seen from psychological, sociological, and teaching perspectives.
 

Environments for Learning

You'll build on what you already know about learning and growing up. You'll explore different places and spaces that help us learn and develop. By studying and thinking about physical and psychological spaces, you will gain a better understanding of where and how learning can happen. You'll also learn about the role that professionals play in planning and creating these learning environments in different settings.

You'll discuss practices and places that try to address challenges. Also you'll consider how to make sure these environments are accessible to everyone and celebrate diversity.
 

Children in the Outdoors: Critical Issues

You'll explore the discourse around children being in the natural environment. You'll also look at the contested discussions about children being outdoors. 

You'll build on previous knowledge you've gained about children learning outside and playing in ways that might be a bit risky. We'll look at how children use and feel about natural spaces like,

• forests
• adventure playgrounds
• and parks. 

Also you'll learn how these places can help children learn about the environment and understand important issues, through programs like Forest School or Environmental Education.
 

Children, Youth and Families in Society

You'll study how people think about and treat children, young people, and families in the UK. You'll look at different ideas and beliefs about them, how they interact with society, and how society responds to their needs. 

You'll explore different ways that children, young people, and families are raised and influenced by society. Also you'll consider the cultural and personal factors that shape policies and practices. As part of the module, you will choose a specific topic to study on your own. You will investigate how society has viewed and supported a particular group of people. Whether they are children, young people, or families.
 

The Team Around the Child

You'll learn about different jobs that help and speak up for children. Especially those who may be in difficult situations. Those who have less, feel left out, or have no support. You'll study how professionals like, 

• caregivers
• teachers
• various health professionals
• and social workers

play important roles in caring for children and their families. 

You'll also look at how they communicate, collaborate, and work together in partnerships. You'll gain understanding of how these individuals from different fields can come together. To support children's well-being and growth, making their lives better.
 

Compassion and Care in Practice

You'll build upon what you've learned before about inclusive teaching methods. You'll focus on ways to help others grow and develop, showing kindness, understanding, and strength when providing care. 

You'll look at compassion and care practice, considering different theories and ideas. Then you'll explore how these concepts apply to various professions. Also you'll learn about the current policies in the UK and study educational approaches that emphasize compassion and care. Throughout the module, you'll use research to gain knowledge and understanding, building your critical thinking skills in exploring these topics.
 

Representations of Childhood

In this module, you'll become more aware of the portrayal of childhood in different:

• cultures
• media 
• and throughout history. 

You'll look at how people have understood and depicted childhood. Including the depiction of schools, teaching professionals, and children themselves. You'll also have the opportunity to choose a specific topic that interests you, so you can dive into researching it.

International Contexts and Comparisons

You'll learn about education and care policies and practices. You'll look at previous practices and compare them in the four countries of the UK. You' ll also study education and care practice in different cultures and countries. 

You'll see how education is part of programs that can help development in countries. Also you'll look at how provision and policy differs between countries, and look at it from different points of view like 

• financial support
• political support
• and media perceptions. 

To understand how it works in real life, you'll study real projects from around the world. You'll learn about important things in education and care. Seeing how different countries develop their education systems.
 

Independent Study

In this module, you will work on your own project, choosing a suitable topic or set of topics. The module leader will guide you and provide supervision. Your project may involve practical work if relevant. The specific focus of your project and how it will be assessed will be discussed and agreed upon by the module leader and you. Instead of traditional lectures, you will have tutorial support to help you throughout the module.