Early Years Education

UCAS code: BEYS

Here's what University Centre Weston says about its Early Years Education course.

This degree will provide you with the skills, knowledge and experience to become an effective practitioner working with young children in a range of settings for the 0 – 8 age range.

With successive governments attempting to improve standards in the early years sector, a degree is increasingly being seen as desirable by employers in childhood settings, especially for those who aspire to managerial roles.

The BA (Hons) Early Years is aligned to professional standards, such as Early Years Educator (EYE), and the Early Childhood Studies Degree Network (ECSDN) Graduate Competencies; these are nationally recognised and endorsed by the sector.

This BA (Hons) has been developed to promote best practice through the teaching of key theories in early years, such as child development, the status of children in society and the voice of the child. The work-based elements of the course enable you to reflect on experiences within a workplace/placement to enable you to link theory and policy with practice. You will also have the opportunity to undertake significant and independent research projects on areas of interest linked to your professional practice which will support your developing career.

Inspiring guest lecturers contribute to this course by sharing their subject specialisms. Subject to government guidelines, students on this course may also be offered the opportunity to go on trips at an additional expense. In the past, this has included residential visits to The Gambia and Budapest. Please refer to our website for indicative costs.

Year 1

Understanding and observing child development Childrens meaning making Safeguarding young children Becoming a reflective practitioner Play, learning and pedagogy

Year 2

Promoting health and wellbeing Children, families and communities Engaging with research Working with additional needs Exploration, creativity and curriculum.

Year 3

Contemporary issues in the early years Constructions of childhood, Leadership and teamwork The creative practitioner Dissertation

Assessment is via a combination of practical assessments and coursework, and a work experience element totalling an average of 12 hours per week. There are no written exams on this degree.