Early Childhood Studies with Foundation

Explore childhood through sociology, psychology, history and philosophy. Engage with children and families via placements. Ideal for those without degree-level entry or returning to education. Option to gain professional recognition of your practice.

Enriching children's lives and learning
Inspiring curiosity, creativity and confidence in childhood.

Varied placement opportunities in diverse settings
Offering distinctive opportunities across diverse settings; from charities and family hubs to prisons and community initiatives.

Advocating for positive change
Developing students as change-makers for children and families through creativity and problem solving.

This course is for you if...

• you are excited to work directly with children and families

• you want to benefit from a strong academic foundation

• you're keen to explore child development through global, historical and cultural perspectives

• you're eager to go beyond traditional teaching, opening doors to careers in various areas and settings.

Foundation year
In your foundation year (year 0), you’ll acquire the knowledge and skills you’ll need to progress through your studies and become a confident, independent learner. You’ll take four 30 credit modules which will introduce you to a range of education-related topics whilst preparing you for degree-level study at the University of Plymouth.

Year 1
In your first year of your extended degree, you’ll get an overview of the factors that affect children’s lives and begin considering your own professional identity within the sector. You’ll explore how children grow and develop, drawing on the latest research around thinking, playing and learning. You’ll also gain an understanding of different approaches to observing children. Modules on social policy and equality and diversity will introduce you to key contemporary issues.

Year 2
Your second year of the extended degree focuses on developing your analytical and reflective skills and expands your hands-on experience of early years roles. You will develop your understanding of research while studying children’s development and communication. You’ll choose two modules from a range of options including outdoor learning, the developing world and working with professionals. You’ll work directly with young children and families, learning both academically and practically from these experiences.

Final year
In the final stage of the course, you will be helped to make the transition from ‘knowledge consumer’ to ‘knowledge producer’. You will use your developing knowledge and experience to challenge, extend and critique other people’s ideas and your own. You will plan and carry out a research project to develop and disseminate understanding of what you have identified as an area of interest and you will continue to develop your capacity to act as a strong advocate for young children and families.

For up to date details, please refer to our website or contact the institution directly.

100% coursework. For up to date details, please refer to our website or contact the institution directly.

To work as a teacher at a state school in England or Wales, you will need to achieve qualified teacher status (QTS). This is offered on this course for the following level:

• Course does not award QTS