What you'll study
The course consists of 120 credits per year. Most modules are 20 credits, meaning you’ll study six modules each year. Some longer modules, such as a dissertation, are worth more (e.g. 40 credits). In these cases, you’ll study fewer modules - but the number of credits will always add up to 120.
First year modules
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Compulsory
Child Health and Well Being
Gain knowledge and understanding of stresses, environmental aspects, policies and practices which begin at conception and impact on children’s health and well being.
Early Child Development
Discover the observational techniques for working with babies and young children. You'll carry out and evaluate observations of children relating to these development concepts.
Skills for Academic Success
Studying, learning and assessment processes at university are different to those at school and college. This module helps you to develop these essential skills.
International Constructions of Childhood
From an international perspective, the module addresses topics such as childhood and gender; childhood and religion; child wellbeing; child labour; urban childhoods; and others.
Play and Learning
Explore sociological and political perspectives on play-based learning and examine the interface between theories of learning, pedagogy and curriculum in early childhood.
Inclusion, Diversity and Rights
This module introduces the key principles of inclusion, diversity and rights. It explores the historical context of and important milestones on the way to inclusion.
Second year modules
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Compulsory
Communication in the Early Years
Using research findings on effective communication, you'll examine how children develop communication skills, and the role adults play in supporting and extending these skills.
Education Research Methods
By exploring research methodology and methods, you'll gain skills in designing questionnaires, interviews, observations and analysing research reports.
Safeguarding and Promoting the Wellbeing of Children and Young People
You'll consider the historical and social context of safeguarding and child protection with opportunities to research contemporary concerns such as modern child slavery.
Work-Based Pedagogy in Practice
Gain hands-on experience in the UK or overseas. Experiencing different cultures and employers develops confidence and supports early career choices.
Final year modules
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Core
Dissertation
You will make an original contribution to research by designing, carrying out and writing up your own project on a topic you choose, supported by your dissertation supervisor.
Policy and Practice in Early Years and Care
Gain insight into current legislation, professional guidance and national and local policy initiatives. You'll critically analyse these, relating them to the needs of children and families.
Creativity in Education
Experience approaches to learning that encourage creative critical thinking. Creativity is observable in all areas of education and children's realities, including school, nursery, home and play.
Leadership, Management and Team Working
Explore aspects of leadership, management and team working in the context of children's services and education.
International Perspectives in Early Childhood Education and Care
Explore a range of contemporary early years aspects of provision, care and education, including current international trends and how they impact on children and families.
All modules are subject to availability and this list may change at any time.