Early Childhood Studies

Program Overview

Staffordshire University's Early Childhood Studies program equips graduates with the knowledge, skills, and practical experience to positively impact children's lives. The program focuses on children aged 0 to 8, with a particular emphasis on pre-schoolers. Graduates are eligible for relevant EYFS staff-to-child ratios and the Early Childhood Graduate Practitioner (ECGP) title.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

Overview

Staffordshire University's Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Early Childhood Studies program equips graduates with the knowledge, skills, and practical experience to positively impact children's lives. The program focuses on children aged 0 to 8, with a particular emphasis on pre-schoolers.

Objectives

• Develop a deep understanding of the factors influencing children's learning, health, and well-being.
• Apply theoretical knowledge through practical strategies, including teaching techniques, play therapy, and other approaches.
• Gain experience across various placements, providing real-world experience.
• Develop leadership and management skills in early years settings.
• Understand the complexities of childhood across different cultures and environments.
• Become eligible for relevant EYFS staff-to-child ratios and Early Childhood Graduate Practitioner (ECGP) title.

Description

Students explore the program's core modules alongside specialist pathways in:

• Mental Health and Wellbeing: Develops knowledge and skills to promote and support mental health and well-being in children and young people.
• Education for Our Sustainable World: Equips students with the knowledge and skills needed to educate and motivate learners to act for sustainable development, including outdoor learning in the Forest School setting.
Upon completion, graduates may obtain awards in:
• BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies
• BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies (Special Education Needs and Disabilities)
• BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies (Mental Health and Wellbeing)

Outline:

Program Content

Year 1:

• Three core modules shared with the Education Studies program (Children, Families and Society, Keeping Children and Young People Safe in Education, Play and Pedagogy with Babies and Young Children, The Emergent Graduate Professional)
• Develop a foundational knowledge of education and early childhood development.

Year 2:

• Four core modules (Approaches to Play Therapy, Contemporary Issues, Developing Professional Practice, Research Methods)
• Choose a specialist pathway and strengthen your knowledge in your chosen area.
• Option to participate in international study opportunities.

Year 3:

• Four core modules (Children's Voices, Digital Future of Education - 21st Century Learner, Independent Research Project, Pedagogical Leadership)
• Continue your chosen specialist pathway and further develop your skills and knowledge.
• Engage in an independent research project under supervisory guidance.

Course Schedule

The program operates on a modular basis, offering flexibility and choice. Each year, students complete four modules (either 20 or 40 credits each), with 1 credit equating to an estimated 10 hours of study time (including scheduled teaching, independent study, and assessment). Full-time students take 60 credits per semester, resulting in 120 credits per level and 360 credits for the full degree. The program has a single start point in September each year.

Modules

Year 1:

• Children, Families and Society (40 credits): Analyze the concept of childhood and its relationship to society and family.
Draws on disciplines like sociology, psychology, and politics.
• Keeping Children and Young People Safe in Education (20 credits): Examine current legislation and policies related to child protection, reflecting on historical and contemporary practices.
Explore the evolution of risk and child protection concepts and their influence on professional practice.
• Play and Pedagogy with Babies and Young Children (40 credits): Understand pedagogical approaches for working with babies and young children (0-8 years) and how child development theory informs policies and practices related to play.
• The Emergent Graduate Professional (20 credits): Develop digital skills and showcase your potential as an educational professional.
Build a foundation for traditional and academic skills to thrive in current and future jobs.
• Mental Health in Context (40 credits): Explore the concepts of mental health and wellbeing across different age groups in the education sector.
Examine mental health and wellbeing aspects in home and school settings, and how these influences child development.

Year 2:

• Approaches to Play Therapy (20 credits): Learn about children experiencing trauma and the role of play therapy in supporting them.
Develop skills to support children who have experienced adverse childhood experiences.
• Contemporary Issues (20 credits): Engage in extensive research and analysis of current debates and issues in the English education sector, from early years to adult learning, and evaluate their impact on practice.
• Developing Professional Practice (20 credits): Showcasing your high-quality practice, rigorous evaluation, and commitment to continuous improvement for children's outcomes.
• Research Methods (20 credits): Develop an understanding of research methods, ethical considerations for educational research, and participant recruitment methods.
Prepare for your final year independent research project by critically evaluating relevant literature and identifying related policies and legislation.

Year 3:

• Children's Voices (20 credits): Explore the importance of children's rights and voices regardless of life chances.
Consider children's culture, background, societal standing, and the impact on their voices. Develop strategies to positively impact the rights of all children through your professional practice.
• Digital Future of Education - 21st Century Learner (20 credits): Showcase your innovative skills and facilitate the learning of others.
Present and disseminate your Digital Training Resource, demonstrating your subject knowledge and innovative skills in front of an authentic audience.
• Independent Research Project (40 credits): Conduct primary research in an area of education that interests you.
Identify a focus area with your tutor and collaborate with a research supervisor. After ethical approval from the University, collect data and progress independently under the supervisor's guidance.
• Pedagogical Leadership (20 credits): Explore the role of an educational leader and how to link research in pedagogy with practice.
Examine the role of reflective practice in supporting effective pedagogical leadership and develop strategies to evaluate and enhance your skills. Examine how to identify and assess these areas of need and the expectations of educational establishments and external agencies.

Assessment:

Assessment methods vary depending on the module and include:

• Practical assessments: Demonstrate your skills and abilities through various practical tasks.
• Coursework: Submit written assignments, reports, or portfolios.
• Presentations: Communicate your research findings and ideas orally.
• Final year independent project: Conduct a research project in your chosen area of interest.
• Written exams: Demonstrate your knowledge of key concepts through written examinations.
• Work-based learning observations: Showcase your professional skills and development through observations in early years settings.

Teaching:

The program employs a variety of teaching and learning strategies, including:

• Lectures, seminars, and tutorials: Engage in interactive sessions with lecturers and tutors.
• Case studies: Analyze real-world examples to apply theoretical concepts.
• Individual research: Conduct independent learning and research projects.
• Verb

Tuition fees for BA (Hons)-Full-time Study option UK / Channel Islands International Full-time £9,250 per year of study £16,750 per year of study