Early Childhood Studies

This programme is intended for students wishing to work professionally with children aged 0-8 years, or for those already working with children in this age group who are seeking a higher level qualification. It equips you with the concepts, knowledge and skills required for a professional role in the Early Years sector.

You will develop an understanding of the subject and field which will enable you to participate in planning, evaluating and implementing the education and care of young children aged 0-8 years. You will be able to use this knowledge and understanding to support your practical work with children in the workplace. It is fundamental to the approach of the course that theory and practical work are inter-related.

The course explores the needs and experiences of children and investigates how education shapes their development. It aims to develop professional and practical skills such as planning, assessment and teamwork, enhancing your employability and building a solid foundation for further study. There is clear evidence that a graduate qualification in this sector is helping to professionalise and raise the standards of childcare and education, as well as strengthen opportunities for individual promotion.

Course Modules

Students complete the Certificate Stage in Year 1 and the Diploma Stage in Year 2.

Certificate stage modules currently (subject to change) include:

Study and Research Skills
Human Growth and Development
Personal and Practice Development (1)
Promoting Child Health and Wellbeing
Early Years Observation and Assessment
Early Years Learning Approaches and Play
Diploma Stage modules currently (subject to change) include:

Research in the Early Years Sector
Reflective Practitioner
Partnerships with Parents and Families
Personal and Practice Development (2)
Safeguarding Babies and Young Children in the Early Years
Leadership and Empowerment
Assessments for the course may take a variety of forms, from practical tasks, group work and presentations to formal, written assignments and reports.

To ensure your learning is current and valid we have mapped the Early Childhood Studies Degree Network (ECSDN) Graduate Practitioner Competencies to each module. ECSDN Booklet - Front Cover July 2020.