Early Childhood Studies

Early Childhood Studies degrees provide opportunities for practitioners working with children, families and professionals in various contexts and roles across private, voluntary and independent (PVI) settings. The Foundation Degree will equip practitioners with the knowledge and skills required to articulate and challenge competing factors and perspectives shaping Early Childhood, supporting them in delivering quality, inclusive education and care and in leading change.

This degree appeals to a wide range of roles and settings within which early childhood studies students work, such as those within private, voluntary and independent education, social care, family, health and legal sectors.

Course Modules

All students take a total of 120 credits per level.

Level 4 Modules (all modules are mandatory) include: Reflective Journey, Preparation for Research, Early Childhood Development, Play and Creativity, Working with Families and Professionals and Health and Wellbeing.

Level 5 Modules (all modules are mandatory) include: Problem Based Learning, Early Years Research Project, Keeping Children Safe
Pedagogy and Environments, Early Childhood Policy and Legislation, Leading Quality Provision.

Throughout the course you will be assessed in various ways. Examples of assessment activity includes, Essays, Seminars, Examinations, Portfolios, Reports, Group presentations, Individual presentation, Projects and mini-dissertations, Recap, Peer assessment, Group assessment, Web Based Concept Maps and Professional Discussions.

Each module is formally assessed through, for example, examination, open-book test, individual and group presentation, essay, observation of practice, assessment of course work e.g. written report, reflective practice and portfolios of evidence.