Early Childhood Studies
Entry requirements
A level
GCSE or Functional Skills Level 2 in English GCSE or Functional Skills Level 2 in Mathematics Mature students who do not meet the entry criteria are encouraged to apply and will be considered on the basis of relevant work experience, passing the course entrance assessment (if deemed necessary by the course tutor) and successful interview. International applicants must satisfy the minimum English requirements as published on the College website and updated periodically (currently IELTS 6.0 or equivalent with minimum 5.5 in each of the four components).
Access to HE Diploma
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
GCSE or Functional Skills Level 2 in English GCSE or Functional Skills Level 2 in Mathematics Mature students who do not meet the entry criteria are encouraged to apply and will be considered on the basis of relevant work experience, passing the course entrance assessment (if deemed necessary by the course tutor) and successful interview. International applicants must satisfy the minimum English requirements as published on the College website and updated periodically (currently IELTS 6.0 or equivalent with minimum 5.5 in each of the four components).
UCAS Tariff
GCSE or Functional Skills Level 2 in English GCSE or Functional Skills Level 2 in Mathematics Mature students who do not meet the entry criteria are encouraged to apply and will be considered on the basis of relevant work experience, passing the course entrance assessment (if deemed necessary by the course tutor) and successful interview. International applicants must satisfy the minimum English requirements as published on the College website and updated periodically (currently IELTS 6.0 or equivalent with minimum 5.5 in each of the four components).
You may also need to…
Attend an interview
About this course
This course will enable you to enter a career as an education professional in early years settings. That means that you could work for a primary school or nursery care institution, or get started in children’s policy and research. This course is ideal for those who are looking to influence change through early years education.
This engaging course will let you explore concepts of early learning and learning through play. It will deepen your knowledge and understanding of academic literacy and develop your research capabilities.
Work Placement and Experience:
An important part of this course is the learning that takes place through work place experience. It is recommended that you will be observing and working with young children for a minimum of 10 hours per week throughout the duration of this course. You will be required to complete a minimum of 50 hours of relevant work experience in Year 1, 100 hours in Year 2 and 80 hours in Year 3. This may include placements in hospitals, day care and family centres, specialist educational establishments, nursery school classes, playgroups and reception classes. The course is designed to promote learning within the Early Years Foundation stage.
If you are unsure, please enquire with our programme team about suitable work placement settings.
Careers and further study:
The course will prepare you for a career as a. early childhood practitioner. It’s aimed to equip you with the experience and disciplined characteristics that employers look for in a supervisor or manager within an Early Years setting. Many graduates pursue postgraduate study after completion, joining a growing network of education practitioners.
Modules
Students will be studying a suite of modules in each year of study including –
Year 1 (Level 4):
• Developing Academic Literacy
• Early Learning and Development
• Early Years Provision and Curricula
• Learning Through Play
• Practice Based Learning – Play
• Understanding self and Communication
Year 2 (Level 5):
• Safeguarding and Children’s Welfare
• Understanding Children’s Behaviour
• Creating Inclusive Practice
• Language Development and early literacy in multilingual contexts
• Promoting Active Learning and Exploration
• Health Promotion
Year 3 (Level 6):
• Research Methods and Project Formulation
• The Sociology of Childhood
• Leadership and Development in Early Years
• Pedagogy and Professional Practice
• Perspectives on Quality and Care
Note modules are subject to approval.
Assessment methods
You will experience a range of final summative assessments and formative development activities during your studies. You can expect to be assessed on each module through mostly coursework including essays, group and individual presentations, portfolios, poster presentations, in-class assessments, observations and a practical project.
Tuition fees
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