Early Childhood Studies

This course is accredited by the University of Warwick

OVERVIEW
Early childhood is viewed as the most formative period of our lives, shaping the foundations for our whole future. If you are passionate about working with young children and their families, our Early Childhood Studies (Graduate Practitioner) degree will give you the knowledge and experience to become a highly qualified graduate practitioner and open the doors to a rewarding career helping to meet the needs of children.

Covering work with children aged 0-8 years, our course offers the special benefit of being one of the first Early Childhood Studies degrees in the UK – and the only one in the Birmingham area – to include the new Graduate Practitioner Competencies. Awarded in your final year, these demonstrate your holistic understanding of early childhood and your ability to critically apply knowledge to practice. By adding Graduate Practitioner Competencies to your final award, you’ll be at the forefront of graduate practice and have new opportunities to strengthen your employability, as well as for progression onto postgraduate academic programmes or professional training in everything from teaching to social work and play therapy.

Our course will teach you about key characteristics of childhood and how to meet the developmental needs of young children, including wider topics such as inclusion, health, safeguarding, and leadership. You will also gain extensive work experience across a variety of placements and go on visits to observe different childhood approaches first-hand, as well as having opportunities for additional qualifications and enrichment activities including Makaton training, Paediatric First Aid, introductory Lego therapy, and baby massage sessions.

WHY CHOOSE THIS COURSE?

• Work placements – From day care and nurseries to primary school mentoring and special education, gain real-life experience on a variety of placements throughout your degree

• Enrichment – Widen your skills with enrichment opportunities such as Lego therapy, Makaton training, baby massage, Paediatric First Aid, and food hygiene

• Industry approved – Our course includes the Graduate Practitioner Competencies developed by the ECSDN (now included in the QAA Early Childhood Studies Subject Benchmark Statements with practice at Level 6 recognised by the DfE)

PLACEMENTS
Our course includes a mandatory requirement of 200 hours on placement each year. Year 1 and 2 placements will focus on early childhood (ages 0-8) while the Year 3 placement will be determined where possible by your eventual career choice.

Employers we have worked with include Aston University Nursery and Pre-school, Birmingham Centre for Arts Therapies, Arden Primary School, Queen Alexandra College, James Brindley Parkway, Little Scallywags Day Nursery and St Thomas Centre Nursery.

CAREERS AND PROGRESSION
Examples of careers you could pursue following this course:

• Early years teacher/primary school teacher

• Learning mentor

• Family support worker

• Special educational needs coordinator (SENCO)

• Social worker (NHS)

• Mental health nurse

You could also progress onto one of our postgraduate courses at University College Birmingham.

• Please refer to our website www.ucb.ac.uk for the latest updates to this course

YEAR 1

• Equality, Diversity and Inclusive Play
• Growth, Learning and Development
• Introduction to the Early Years Framework
• Nurturing Children's Health and Well-being
• Pioneers, Pedagogy and Philosophy
• The Child in Society

YEAR 2

• Child Protection and Safety in Practice
• Developing Research
• Effective Leadership and Management Skills
• SEND within the Early Years Sector
• Theoretical Perspectives of Child Development

Plus one option from:

• Children of the Future
• Creativity and Play in the Early Years

YEAR 3

• Dissertation (SEHC)
• Enhancing Employability for Graduate Practice
• Leading and Managing Systems

Plus one option from:

• Children's Voice
• Socio-Historical Aspect of Childhood

Note: Indicative information only. Actual timetables and assessment regimes will be issued at your induction. Please be aware that methods of delivery for this course may be altered due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic – for the most up-to-date information, please refer to our website: www.ucb.ac.uk

ASSESSMENT

Estimated breakdown of assessment for this degree course:

• Coursework – 100%

Our teaching and assessment is underpinned by our Teaching, Learning and Assessment Strategy 2021-2024.