Psychology and Early Childhood Studies with Foundation Year

Program Overview

This four-year program combines a foundation year with a BA (Hons) in Early Childhood Studies, providing a comprehensive understanding of child development, early childhood education, and psychology. Through practical placements and a range of assessment methods, students gain the skills and knowledge to work effectively with young children in various settings or pursue further education in early childhood or related fields.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

Overall:

• This program is designed for students who want to work with young children (ages 0-8) and are unsure about their career pathway.
• It combines a 3-year BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies degree with a foundation year, giving students a strong foundation in both psychology and early childhood studies.
• By providing a range of skills and knowledge, this program helps students prepare for careers in early childhood settings or to further their education by pursuing PGCE qualifications.

Objectives:

• Develop students' understanding of children's development, learning, and needs.
• Equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to work effectively with young children in a variety of settings.
• Prepare students for further study in the field of early childhood education or other related fields.

Description:

• Students will gain a thorough understanding of psychology and its application to real-life situations.
• The program focuses on providing students with practical experience through placements and other projects.
• Graduates from this program will be well-prepared to pursue careers in early childhood settings or continue their education.

Outline:

Content:

• The program covers a wide range of topics including:
• Child development and learning
• Early childhood education
• Psychology
• Play and creativity
• Safeguarding children
• Leadership and management in early childhood settings
• Policy and legislation related to early childhood education
• Students will also develop a range of transferable skills such as communication, teamwork, critical thinking, and problem-solving.

Structure:

• The program is a four-year course, with the first year being a foundation year.
• The foundation year provides students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in undergraduate study.
• The following three years are spent studying the BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies degree.
• The program is delivered through a variety of methods including lectures, seminars, workshops, placements, and independent study.

Course Schedule:

• The exact course schedule may vary from year to year.
• However, students can expect to take a mix of core and optional modules each year.
• Core modules cover the essential topics that all students need to know.
• Optional modules allow students to specialize in an area of interest.

Individual Modules:

• The specific modules offered may vary from year to year.
• Understanding Childhood: This module explores different perspectives on the concept of childhood and the challenges and possibilities of global and future childhoods.
• Global and Future Childhoods: This module examines the impact of change on young children and the importance of promoting resilience.
• A variety of assessment methods are used, including portfolios, presentations, displays, written essays, and discussions.

Teaching:

• The program uses a variety of teaching methods to cater to different learning styles.
• These methods include:
• Lectures
• Seminars
• Workshops
• Placements
• Independent study
• There is a focus on interactive learning and student participation.
• Students will have the opportunity to work closely with faculty members who are experts in their field.

Careers:

• Graduates of this program can pursue a variety of careers in early childhood settings.
• These careers may include:
• Early years practitioner
• Room leader
• Early childhood educator
• Teaching assistant
• Special educational needs coordinator
• Play therapist
• Speech and language therapist
• Social worker
• Some graduates may also choose to further their education by pursuing PGCE qualifications and entering the teaching profession.

Other:

• The program welcomes students from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences.
• The diverse nature of the program allows students to explore a variety of interests and pursue different career paths.