Early Childhood Studies (with Foundation Year)

Year 1

Compulsory modules

• Placement 1: Working with Children

  You’ll gain the real-life experience you need to succeed in your Early Childhood Studies Degree. You’ll explore how children learn, and focus on:

  • learning through play
  • children in early years settings
  • children’s representations 
  • child development in action.

  You’ll gain hands-on experience by engaging with work placement opportunities in early years and childcare settings, and explore and examine UK early years policy. You’ll have fantastic preparation for practice, as you get to know key issues such as:

  • safeguarding
  • child protection
  • ethical and inclusive practice
  • attachment theory in practice.

• Child and Adolescent Development

  You'll explore important aspects of childrens’ and adolescents' development from different perspectives. You'll learn theoretical knowledge about how growth, play, and learning interconnect in development. 

  You'll also explore practical applications for supporting holistic development. You'll draw on theories from:

  • developmental psychology
  • sociological and anthropological research.

  You'll also study practitioner texts and theoretical materials related to supporting children and adolescents' learning and development.

• Nurturing Inclusivity

  You'll focus on the importance of nurture and care in education, with a specific emphasis on promoting inclusion and wellbeing. By studying this module, you will learn about inclusive practices and how to put them into action. This will help you prepare for work placements and to gain insights into policy and legislation in this area. You'll also explore the long-term effects of promoting inclusion and wellbeing for everyone. 

  We'll look at national and international perspectives on how children and young people experience inclusion and understand diversity. You'll consider various perspectives from different fields such as:

  • history
  • sociology
  • psychology
  • philosophy. 

  You'll examine policy, teaching methods, and actual practices related to fostering inclusivity. You will gain an understanding of how to create an environment that reflects the needs of all individuals by reviewing research and analysing relevant materials.
   

• Introduction to Studying in Education

  While studying early childhood and education you'll read various texts, such as:

  • research papers
  • government policies
  • media reports. 

  It's important to learn how to interpret texts and gain knowledge creation understanding. On this module you'll start to develop key academic and study skills necessary for higher education:

  • library skills
  • literature searches
  • academic writing
  • essay planning
  • referencing. 

  Additionally, you'll also learn through an academic integrity course. You'll focus on personal learning, with opportunities for reflection. You'll finish the module able to work on your own or collaboratively. You'll also advance your skills for academic reading and writing. 
   

Optional modules

• Pedagogies to Promote Play

  You'll focus on understanding play from various personal and professional perspectives. Exploring how children, young people, and adults engage in play, make decisions, and express their creativity. You'll also look at the role of professionals in developing effective teaching methods. To support exploration and play in different environments:

  • indoors
  • outdoors
  • or in virtual settings.

  Throughout the module, you will learn how children use play to express their knowledge, skills, ideas, and interests. You'll examine the importance of inclusion in play. Also you'll be evaluating the impact of physical and virtual creative spaces on promoting play.

  You'll study the foundations and principles of play, helping you to identify appropriate strategies and interventions to meet the needs and preferences of individuals and groups. We'll also explore how to create play spaces and places, as well as develop an understanding of managing "risky" play.
   

• Pedagogies to Promote STEAM

  You'll start an exploration of how educators can support and encourage curiosity and exploration in children, through the use of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM). 

  You'll focus on understanding and developing teaching methods that can enhance childrens' learning, incorporating STEAM concepts into each of these areas. You will have the chance to:

  • investigate
  • observe
  • create opportunities for hands-on experiments and problem-based learning. 

  You'll also join discussions on the challenges and difficulties that may arise when implementing STEAM in different educational settings.

• Young Children's Outdoor Learning

  You’ll explore how young children learn through play. You’ll also discover how adults plan exploration and play for children in outdoors environments. You’ll get to grips with two key areas: 

  • maintaining good provisions and interactions in an early years outdoors area
  • teaching and learning through the Forest School approach. 

  You’ll look at how children and adults interact in a variety of situations. You’ll also gain core knowledge of health and safety training, as you study issues such as: 

  • children as risk-takers
  • off-site travel
  • maintaining a safe environment.

  You’ll develop core analytical skills as you explore how research and government policy affect children’s outdoor learning.

Year 2

Compulsory modules

• 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 you'll 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 will allow 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. 

Optional modules

• 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 
  • 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
  • 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 
  • 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? You’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. You’ll explore the factors - cultural, structural and experimental - which develop a child’s identity.  You’ll also 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.

Optional Year Abroad

Optional modules

• Year Abroad

  This module offers the opportunity to study abroad, experience a new culture, and apply your skills in different contexts to enhance your employability. It will help you develop self-management, cross-cultural communication, and interpersonal skills.
  
  You’ll receive support to secure a place at a partner institution abroad, where you can choose modules related to your degree or explore new areas that complement your studies.
  
  Studying at an international university will help you enhance your interpersonal skills through cross-cultural communication with students and tutors, allowing you to build lasting relationships. You'll also improve your study skills by focusing on your chosen areas of interest, gaining valuable international experience that will strengthen your CV.

  This year abroad module lasts for one academic year and is taken after the conclusion of your second year of study, once you’ve completed all your level 5 studies. Your year abroad is not credit-bearing.
   

Final Year

Compulsory modules

• 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 course, you will have the chance to show what you've learned and 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 to take on different responsibilities. You'll build on your previous knowledge of: 

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

  Your reflection will help you connect theory with practice, whilst also expanding your knowledge and challenging your practices. This will empower 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. 
   

Optional modules

• 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
  • maths. 

  By examining things from different angles, you'll get a better understanding of the whole picture instead of just focusing on one. You'll learn about the similarities and differences between these approaches on paper and in practice. You'll also explore 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. You'll look at how children use and feel about natural spaces like:

  • forests
  • adventure playgrounds
  • parks. 

  You'll also learn how these places can help children learn about the environment and understand important issues, through programmes 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. You'll also 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, have less, feel left out, or have no support. You'll study how professionals play important roles in caring for children and their families. These professionals include:

  • caregivers
  • teachers
  • various health professionals
  • social workers

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

• Compassion and Care in Practice

  In this module 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. You'll then explore how these concepts apply to various professions. You'll also learn about the current policies in the UK and study educational approaches that emphasise 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 
  • 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 programmes that can help development in countries. Also, you'll look at how provision and policy differs between countries, and you'll look at it from different points of view, such as: 

  • financial support
  • political support
  • 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.