Early Years Care and Education

UCAS code: X310

Here's what University Centre South Essex says about its Early Years Care and Education course.

The BA (Hons) Early Years Education and Care Programme provides students with an option of career choices in which professional skills used within the early years industry (0 – 7 years) and beyond are investigated, developed and reflected upon. The programme is underpinned by three stands; Theoretical knowledge, Research Methods and work-based skills and experiences that brings together two key disciplines Psychology and Sociology. This enables students to identify the importance of the two disciplines, when working with children and their families in a variety of contexts and settings. With this knowledge, students are able to make a more informed decision on whether to continue onto a higher level of study or onto a different career path within the care and education sector. Most importantly, students will be better equipped for their chosen career path.

Year 1: Play and learning; The early years’ professional; Social constructs of childhood( the changing nature of children and childhood; Curriculum studies; Perspectives on children’s development; Introduction to research. Year 2: Pedagogy and early learning; Social constructs of childhood ( families, inequalities and social justice); Transition and the role of the professional; Exploring and investigating Mathematics, Science, Language and Literacy in the Early Years Curriculum; Research methods. Year 3: Childhood in context-where are we heading?; Psychological perspectives on children’s behaviour; Professional practice; Independent research/dissertation.

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.

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.