Education (Early Years) (Top-up)

Current government reforms in education are focused on early childhood development and the importance of high-quality early years provision in providing the foundations that prepare young children for the best start in life. So, if you’re currently an early years practitioner, aspiring to develop high quality practice and are passionate about working with children and their families, then this course could be for you.

Why Education (Early Years)?

• You’ll have the opportunity to explore a variety of issues in relation to children and early childhood, including health and wellbeing, education, learning and development and to look at wider topics such as safeguarding, society and early years practice. We’ll help you develop as a reflective, evidence-based practitioner.

• We’ll ensure you develop the essential practical and professional skills to work with children and families in the early years, including the ability to work collaboratively with parents, colleagues and other professionals. You’ll have the opportunity to demonstrate your commitment to equality of opportunity and inclusive, anti-discriminatory practice.

• Your place of work forms a key element of the course allowing you to put theory into practice. To ensure flexibility and access for those working within schools and other childcare settings during the week, teaching on this course typically takes place on Saturdays, approximately 8 per academic year.

• You’ll be taught by an outstanding team of teachers. You’ll also have access to our extensive professional and academic network which feeds directly into course design and delivery and to excellent facilities and specialist equipment.

Year 1
Core modules:
Understanding Children's Health and Wellbeing
Learning in the Early years Foundation Stage

Year 2
Core modules:
Researching the Major Study
Major Study in Education

You study two modules each year. These place an emphasis on work-based practice. Module content gives you the opportunity to gain the underpinning knowledge in a range of essential early years subjects. We’ll help you to develop your skills as a reflective practitioner and to improve your academic ability.

You’ll be encouraged to develop your own particular interests by choosing an option module in Year 1.

You’ll be taught through a series of lectures, seminars, tutorials and interactive workshops. Teaching on this course typically takes place on Saturdays at the University campus to ensure flexibility and access for those working within school and other childcare settings during the week.

You’ll also have a personal tutor who’ll be assigned to you throughout your degree to support your ongoing wellbeing and ensure that you have a positive learning experience.

Assessments vary and include essays, developing creative and teaching resources to support children’s learning, student-led seminars, presentations and timed tests.

Your module specification/course handbook will provide full details of the assessment criteria applying to your course.

Feedback (usually written) is normally provided on all coursework submissions within three term time weeks – unless the submission was made towards the end of the session in which case feedback would be available on request after the formal publication of results. Feedback on exam performance/final coursework is available on request after the publication of results.