Early Childhood Studies with Foundation Year in Education and Childhood

Are you fascinated by how children learn and develop? Do you want to understand how adults can make a difference to their development, learning and wellbeing, and support them to have the best start in life?

Learning from research-active lecturers with extensive experience in the children’s workforce, you’ll follow a curriculum that reflects national and international policy, practice and research.

This four-year course includes an initial full-time Foundation Year and offers an alternative route into university and gaining a degree.

This route is for you if you do not have the necessary qualifications or don’t yet feel ready to begin degree-level study, or are returning to education and would like some support to get up to speed with learning in a university setting.

The Foundation Year in Education and Childhood will allow you to develop your academic skills and confidence as well as introduce you to key concepts, debates and skills that will support and inform your subsequent years of undergraduate study.

Following successful completion of the Foundation Year, you’ll progress onto the first year of our Early Childhood Studies BA (Hons) degree.

This course also offers the opportunity to be recognised as an Early Childhood Graduate Practitioner through completion of Graduate Practitioner Competencies at Level 6.

Academic skills and studying with confidence
We'll help you develop core academic skills such as using electronic resources, planning and note-taking, communication skills related to essay and report writing and delivering presentations. You'll learn how to manage your time, how to prioritise and how to manage stress, and you’ll become more confident in engaging with collaborative learning, debates, discussions and critical reflection.

Philosophy and Ethics in Society
You'll be introduced to the study of philosophy and ethics in a societal context with a particular emphasis on childhood, families and education. You'll develop the ability to engage in philosophical argumentation and consider philosophical, ethical and religious issues as they pertain to childhood, family, education and society more generally. You'll cover topics including philosophy of childhood and the family, religious perspectives on marriage, sex and gender, religion and secularism, philosophy of education, political philosophy, the role of the state with regard to child welfare and education.

Introduction to Children and Families
This module will help you develop your understanding of the disciplines, issues and academic theories of working with children, young people and families. You will explore areas such as childhood development, socialisation, family diversity and the influence of poverty as well as the support available in social and educational contexts. We focus on collaborative learning, so you will be encouraged to share your thoughts and opinions in debates and work with your fellow students.

Introduction to Education: Learning and Teaching
This module focuses on education provision and policies in the UK, exploring key concepts such as learning, assessment and pedagogy. You will examine effective learning methods in the context of equality and inclusion, creativity and play and the use of technology. Working in groups, you will further your understanding of current trends and academic theories and take part in critical reflection of each other's work.

For module information on the related three-year honours degree, please visit our website.