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Early Years

Wirral Metropolitan College

UCAS Code: X420 | Bachelor of Arts (with Honours) - BA (Hons)

Entry requirements


UCAS Tariff

112

112 UCAS Tariff points in total, that can be made up from the following: 3 x GCE A Levels or equivalent, e.g. CACHE Level 3 Diploma Childcare and Education (EYE) Applicants must have GCSE maths grade C-A*/4 to 9 and GCSE English Language grade C-A*/4 to 9.

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About this course


Course option

3years

Full-time | 2024

The aim of the programme is to produce informed, equipped and professional graduates. The degree programme, validated by the University of Chester - https://www1.chester.ac.uk/, is focused on the methods, techniques and academic understanding of early childhood care to enable graduates to apply their acquired skills to the profession..

Graduates will be able to critically assess the learning needs of children and babies. They will be able to not only understand and meet these needs but promote and champion the importance of this. The programme has a cultural, diverse and inclusive set of values at its core. From a legislative and historical view point, graduates will understand the debate and context of discrimination and prejudice, working to ensure all children and babies have access to an inclusive learning environment.

The programme aims to produce graduates who recognise the moral and ethical values needed to promote equality and respect for all babies and young children, as well as in the workplace. This will be achieved through a programme that is structured to encompass core areas of understanding such as child development, the family and community, legislation and professional practice, developing research and pedagogy, as well as the personal attributes graduates need to be successful in the workplace.
This BA Early Years degree is taught at our multi-million pound Twelve Quays campus in Birkenhead.
Students will be interviewed and will complete an interview task. There will also be open days and taster events as part of the college wide recruitment activities. Applicants must be committed to attending college 2 days per week.

Students will need computer access, including internet access and reading materials.

On completion, graduates can progress to Primary/Early Years (including School Direct) with QTS or employment.

Modules

Year 1: 120 Credits. At level 4 students will be introduced to child development in an ecological context. Economic, environmental and the role of the family are all considered for their implications on practice. Pedagogical approaches are also researched and evaluated to develop a clear understanding of theory in relation to practice. Professional skills are established through the Developing Practice module which enhances students' personal qualities such as team working, problem-solving, presentation. Skills employers want from graduates. Safeguarding is at the forefront to ensure students have a good working knowledge of legislation, multi-agency co-ordination, professional standards and the limitations of these, in order to meet the needs of babies and young children.

Safeguarding and Protection in the Early Years (20 credits)
Fostering Positive Relationships (20 Credits)
The Importance of Play in the Early Years (20 Credits)
The Developing Child (20 Credits)
Developing Practice in Early Childhood (20 Credits)
Study Skill — Communication in Early Years (20 Credits)

Year 2: 120 Credits. At level 5 students will build on the professional skills attained at level 4, they will research and critically evaluate the changing face of childhood in the context of historical, health, welfare, education, sociology and psychology. Students will also gain critical knowledge and understanding of the political and cultural links between ethics and ideology in the care of babies and young children.

Diversity and Inclusive Practice (20 Credits)
Children's Health and Well-being (20 credits)
Enabling Environments (20 credits)
The Changing Face of Childhood (20 credits)
Powerful Communicators (20 Credits)
Developing Effective Practice in Early Years Settings (20 credit)

Year 3: 120 Credits. At level 6 students will secure their skills and confidence to analyse the theory, philosophies and value systems that underpin the profession. The independence and resilience required for the professional graduate to transition to employment will be supported through Leadership and Management in Practice. Students will reflect upon their own leadership, support of parents and children and their collaborative practice with other professionals. Students will demonstrate their understanding of theoretical principles, pedagogy by using creative approaches to working with children and babies and the application of ethics through extensive and thorough research into early childhood.

The Early Childhood Professional (20 credits)
Contemporary Issues in the Early Years (20 credits)
Principles and Pedagogy in Early Childhood (20 credits)
International Perspectives in Early Childhood (20 credits)
Dissertation (40 credit)

Assessment methods

A variety of assessment methods will be used including presentations, reflective accounts, longitudinal studies, research essays, projects and dissertation.

Tuition fees

Select where you currently live to see what you'll pay:

Channel Islands
£8,340
per year
England
£8,340
per year
EU
£8,340
per year
Northern Ireland
£8,340
per year
Scotland
£8,340
per year
Wales
£8,340
per year

The Uni


Course location:

Twelve Quays Campus

Department:

Health Social Care and Early Years

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