University Centre South Essex
UCAS Code: X310 | Bachelor of Arts (with Honours) - BA (Hons)
Entry requirements
UCAS Tariff
A minimum of 64 UCAS points from one or more of the following: • Access to Higher Education Diploma • A Levels • T Levels • BTEC/UAL Extended Diploma • Or equivalent EU/International qualifications, such as International Baccalaureate Diploma • GCSE English Language and Maths at Grade C (old specification) or Grade 4 (new specification) OR a Level 2 equivalent such as Functional Skills. This list is not exhaustive, other qualifications may be considered. Entry to this course will also be determined by the quality of your application, looking primarily at your portfolio/show reel of work, personal statement and reference.
About this course
The fundamental aim of the BSc (Hons) Early Years Education and Disability Studies programme is to provide students with the knowledge and skills needed to apply theory, concepts, and ideas across multiple domains of the Early Years and Disability studies sector. In doing so, this programme will provide students the opportunity to hone skills and develop a strong understanding of the current educational landscape where inclusive practice is a key component. This degree brings together Early Years and Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) practice across multiple domains, acknowledging the holistic view of human development and social justice.
The programme focuses on the four key disciplinary strands of Early Years Education, Disability Studies, research methods, and employability. The combined focus on these core strands will ensure a well-rounded understanding of core concepts and theories both within and across multiple disciplines, fostering a level of critical thinking and personal development which will provide essential transferrable skills for a multitude of employability scenarios. It is anticipated that graduates from the BA (Hons) Early Years and Disability Studies programme would progress to a wide variety of careers spanning Mental Health and Wellbeing, Special Educational Needs Advocacy and Support, and Education sectors. Some examples may include, although might require further training: Early Years Teacher; Special Educational Needs (SEND) Teacher; Education Consultant; Family Support Worker; Learning Mentor; Play Therapist; Subject Teachers; Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO); Community Development Worker.
Year 01 provides core knowledge covering Early Years Education and SEND theory. Students progressing to year two are able to choose an Early Years pathway or SEND pathway, depending on their interests and career goals. Year three allows students to complete a placement module and dissertation, combined with optional modules covering further aspects of Early Years Education and / or SEND studies.
In addition, the programme will also provide an enriched learning experience through a combination of tutor support, multidisciplinary teaching, and student commitment that creates both a challenging and supportive academic environment. Modules in years 1 & 2 link and then come together in year 3 to support students with independent study.
Modules
Year one modules
• Play based Teaching and Learning
• Professional Practice in the Workplace
• Introduction to Neurodiversity
• Social Construct of Human Development
• Perspective on Children’s Development
• Introduction to Research
Year two modules – SEND pathway
• Social Justice and SEND Practice
• Communication Development and SEND Practice
• Developing and Delivering Learning Support Programmes
• Understanding Autism and Neuro-diverse Needs in Practice
• Research Methods and Proposal
Year two modules – Early Years Pathway
• Social Constructs: Social Constructs of Childhood: Families, Inequality and Social Justice
• Transitions and the Role of the Professional
• Pedagogy and Early Learning
• Exploring Science Mathematics and Literacy
• Research Methods and Proposal
Year three modules
• Dissertation
• Professional Practice
2 from:
• Childhood in context; Where are we Heading?
• Psychological Perspectives on Children’s Behaviour
• Safeguarding and Protecting the vulnerable families
• Mental Wellbeing in Childhood and Adolescence.
Work Placement
Work placements are necessary during every year of the course which will be evidenced through a portfolio linked to Y03 Professional Practice module.
Assessment methods
You will be taught through a combination of lectures, seminars and workshops, which enable you to discuss and develop your understanding of Independent learning. You will have 13 hours of contact time per week across two days. Contact time will consist of:
2-4 hour lectures/seminars
Tutorial and dedicated one-to-one support when necessary
Independent learning
When not attending lectures, seminars or workshops or other timetabled sessions you will be expected to continue to learn independently through self-guided, independent activities. This may typically include reading journal articles, books, periodicals and preparing coursework and presentations. A range of excellent facilities, including the library and online learning resources, the Learning Resource Centre and the Forum supports your independent learning.
You will be assessed using a variety of methods including:
• Essays
• Research Projects
• Presentations
• MCQ Exercises
• Short Answer Tests
• Portfolios
Feedback
You will receive formative feedback as part of your modules and taught sessions with your module lead. You will also receive summative comments on all formal assessments undertaken by coursework.
Tuition fees
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The Uni
University Centre Southend
Faculty of Higher Education
What students say
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How do students rate their degree experience?
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Special needs teaching
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After graduation
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Early years education
What are graduates doing after six months?
This is what graduates told us they were doing (and earning), shortly after completing their course. We've crunched the numbers to show you if these immediate prospects are high, medium or low, compared to those studying this subject/s at other universities.
Top job areas of graduates
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What about your long term prospects?
Looking further ahead, below is a rough guide for what graduates went on to earn.
Early years education
The graph shows median earnings of graduates who achieved a degree in this subject area one, three and five years after graduating from here.
£20k
£25k
£20k
Note: this data only looks at employees (and not those who are self-employed or also studying) and covers a broad sample of graduates and the various paths they've taken, which might not always be a direct result of their degree.
Special needs teaching
The graph shows median earnings of graduates who achieved a degree in this subject area one, three and five years after graduating from here.
£20k
£25k
£20k
Note: this data only looks at employees (and not those who are self-employed or also studying) and covers a broad sample of graduates and the various paths they've taken, which might not always be a direct result of their degree.
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While there are lots of factors at play when it comes to your future earnings, use this as a rough timeline of what graduates in this subject area were earning on average one, three and five years later. Can you see a steady increase in salary, or did grads need some experience under their belt before seeing a nice bump up in their pay packet?
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