Early Childhood Studies with Foundation Year
University of Roehampton
UCAS Code: X110 | Bachelor of Arts (with Honours) or Bachelor of Science (with Honours) - BA/BSc (H)
About this course
**Roehampton is internationally renowned for its work in Early Childhood Studies, and we are ranked number 1 in London for Education (Complete University Guide 2021)**
On this engaging course, you will learn about children, their families and communities from before- birth until the age of eight. Looking at the intellectual, emotional, physical, social and cultural experiences of young children, you will learn about promoting understanding and respect for young children and their families. With a team of highly-regarded tutors who are experts in their specialism, you will learn from some of the best in the field. With demand for early years specialists and leaders continuing to grow, this course will equip you for a range of potential careers.
This four year degree in Early Childhood Studies includes a foundation year, which will give you a sound introduction to key elements needed for studying Education at degree level. The foundation year is carefully designed to build confidence in your abilities, develop essential academic and study skills, and provide the subject specific knowledge essential for success.
This course is designed to provide you with a deep understanding of young children and early childhood through three key areas; theory, which includes policy and practice to help provide you with an informed perspective; research, which is led by your tutors who are experts in their field and influence current national and international policy; and practice, which can be gained through a work placement module.
The course is informed by Froebelian philosophies and traditions and it seeks to ensure that these ideas and principles inform current thinking. These include a belief in the need for people who work with young children, or who are responsible for the administration or policy formation in this field, to be knowledgeable about research in early childhood and to understand essential characteristics in young children's growth, development and learning.
This course will provide you with a sound understanding in Early Childhood Studies and equip you to draw upon this knowledge in promoting the best possible provision for children.
Taught on our south-west London campus, on this degree you will have access to many opportunities for work experience through our Careers Team, and access to face-to-face and 24/7 online careers support, whether you choose to live on campus or commute to us.
**This course offers all students the option of a one-year paid work placement, to boost your employability even further. If you choose this route, you will take the placement following year two of the main degree, and then return to complete your degree. A placement year is the perfect opportunity to gain valuable work experience, to build on the career skills we will teach you on this degree. The connections you make on the placement will improve your career prospects further, and equip you with the skills you need to secure graduate-level employment.**
Modules
During the foundation year, you will take modules in English and Maths which will develop your core academic and study skills. The syllabus includes a year-long module relevant to your chosen degree subject such as Education Essentials: Learning and Development. This will provide you with a subject specific knowledge in Education which is essential for success in your degree.
During your first year of study, you consider the impact of cultural influences on the lives of babies, toddlers and young children and their development. You will research topical issues and concerns in early childhood and consider the concepts of equity and inclusion. You will explore the importance of observation in the study of young children and learn fundamental skills needed to carry out early years research.
In the second year, you will analyse the significance of play, imagination and creativity in children's development, and examine the impact of the early childhood pioneers on current perspectives and practice. You will have an opportunity to undertake a work placement in an early years setting plus you will consider a variety of curriculum models, children's wellbeing and their understanding of themselves and others. Whilst deepening your understanding of research methods in early childhood settings, you will start a research proposal for your third year project.
In your final year, you will carry out a substantial research project in an area of your choice and develop expertise in this subject. You will also spend time learning about how to interact with young children so that you can engage with their perspectives and consider the influences that society has on them. A strong and effective relationship with the parents of the children you care for is paramount to the welfare of the child. You will learn how to maintain a balance of power between the parents and yourself as a professional, as well as how to address issues such as cultural diversity and support systems.
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