This degree is ideal if you are interested in working with children and young people, predominantly between the ages of 3-13 years of age, in both formal and informal education settings. This popular course has a long history of providing a well-respected, successful and alternative pathway into mainstream primary teaching via a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE – Primary Education) or Post-compulsory qualification (PcET – Adult and Further Education), whilst keeping options open for a range of other career opportunities that involve work with children and young people.

Based on a combination of academic study and work experience, the programme considers a balance of education and social topics which draw upon theoretical perspectives from a wide range of disciplines, including: education, sociology, psychology, philosophy, health and social welfare/justice. Educational policies, processes and perspectives, relating to the statutory requirements of early years’ curricula and Key Stage 2 of the National Curriculum in both England and Wales are considered, as are factors which impact on the wellbeing and learning dispositions of children and young people.

Based upon a spiral approach to both curriculum and assessment, the course aims to produce graduates who are critically informed about contemporary issues relating to education and childhood studies; graduates who have the knowledge, skills and professional competency required to successfully innovate and drive forward policies and practices within the education and childhood studies workforce.

Based on a combination of academic study and work experience, the course is designed to build upon your knowledge, skills and experience of work within educational settings.

YEAR 1 (FOUNDATION YEAR)

The Education foundation year will introduce students to the theories of Child Development and how they can be applied and evidenced in practice. Students will be given an overview of the concept of health and wellbeing in the early years and the importance of providing a healthy, safe and secure environment for children. You will gain a theoretical and experiental basis of the necessary skills to work with children, young people and families.

MODULES 

• Introduction to Child Development
• Introduction to Health and Well-being
• Introduction to Counselling
• Introduction to Childhood and Youth Studies
• Working with Children, Young People and Families

YEAR 2 (LEVEL 4)

Year 1 offers students a broad introduction to some of the main disciplines which underpin education and childhood studies. The key philosophy is that in order for children to learn, practitioners must understand the developmental stages and needs of children and young people.

MODULES: 

• Development of Children and Young People
• Development of Literacy and Numeracy
• Protecting Children and Young People
• Play
• Constructions of Childhood and Childhood Education
• Academic Development and Reflective Practice

YEAR 3 (LEVEL 5)

Year 2 builds upon the modules studied at level 4, considering different subjects of the national curriculum, as well as examining more closely some of the social and emotional factors that impinge on children and young people’s learning.

MODULES: 

• Inclusion and Diversity
• Skills for the Workplace
• Child and Adolescent Health and Well-Being
• Curriculum (3-7 years)
• Science, Technology and Creative Thinking
• Research Methods

YEAR 4 (LEVEL 6)

Year 3 builds upon prior learning, requires more independent study and involves students selecting a childhood/education topic of their choice to undertake a small-scale research project within a child/education setting.

MODULES: 

• Promoting Positive Behaviour
• Teaching and Learning Techniques
• Curriculum (7-14 years)
• Special Educational Needs
• Research Article