Early Childhood Studies BA (hons) in University of Northampton, UK

Early Childhood Studies BA (hons) in University of Northampton

The Early Childhood Studies degree takes a holistic approach to the development of young children, from birth to the age of eight and provides opportunities to apply this learning in placement settings. The degree draws on a range of disciplines, including psychology, sociology, early years pedagogy, policy, law, health, philosophy, and leadership and management, providing you with the breadth of knowledge to pursue careers in early childhood education and care, education, health and social care.

Course Details

This course will give you a broad understanding of the theoretical and professional issues that underpin the care and education of infants and young children. By studying the perspectives of various disciplines and professions you will be prepared for a career in any aspect of Early Childhood Education and Care, equipped to work with families and colleagues from a variety of professions.

You will gain an understanding and awareness of the rapidly evolving nature of early childhood education and care provision in England, Europe and throughout the world. Divided into specific modules, this course covers children’s development and learning in the context of the family, the community and wider national and international contexts. You will benefit from specialist sessions with professionals in the fields of special educational needs, social work, cultural diversity and creative and therapeutic approaches. You will receive paediatric first aid training as part of the course.

You will study a range of subjects relevant to early childhood over the three years of the programme including:

• child development and theories of learning and play
• children’s health and wellbeing
• respecting and protecting children’s rights
• Safeguarding children
• equality of opportunity
• family and community experience and support
• multi-professional and inter-disciplinary collaboration
• reflection on your own experience and learning

Taught sessions, reflective written tasks and self-evaluation in the Personal Learning Portfolio (PLP) will ensure that you have the opportunity to fully analyse the significance of the context for your academic study and research. Your tutors and placement mentors will provide ongoing feedback to support your personal, professional and academic development.

We are so committed to Early Childhood Development, we have campaigned to ensure that Early Childhood Development is at the heart of the post-2015 Development goals. For more information, watch our video on the campaign for Early Childhood Development.

The Early Childhood Graduate Practitioner Competencies evidence your development of skills within this field and indicate that you have the enhanced skills, and knowledge, that are needed when working with young children and their families.

Placement opportunities are a real strength of this course enabling you to consolidate your academic learning in practice. You will also have an opportunity to visit or study in a European country to see the early years provision in a different context.

Opportunities Abroad

In your second year, you will have the opportunity to spend a term studying and on placement in another European country. This will cost around £370.

We also offer optional study trips within the UK, such as visits to London (approximately £10) and Burghley House (approximately £6). These costs have been covered by the University in the past.

Work Experience

The course includes placements in each of the three years, giving context to your academic study and providing you with professional development. You will have 20 days on placement in each year. You may find that there are additional costs involved with your placements, such as travel.

Stage one

Your first placement will give you a grounding in the field of Early Childhood, developing your knowledge and understanding, with a particular focus on the role of communication when working with young children.

Stage two

As you move into your second year you will be more informed and comfortable with the basics of Early Childhood Studies and your placement will focus on the importance of diversity and inclusion.

Stage three

The final placement of your degree normally takes place in a setting that supports your pathway module choice. There will be a focus on how government policy is translated in practice, giving you the opportunity to distinguish between different services for young children, see exactly what services are on offer and the benefits they can have for families. There is the opportunity to arrange your own placement in consultation with the placement co-ordinator. You will also undertake a self-organised placement to support your individual research project.

The course is taught by a team of experts in the fields of education, health, inclusion and social care, giving you real, practical knowledge that will be invaluable in your future career.

This course will help you to:

• develop knowledge and understanding of early childhood within diverse cultural, inter-disciplinary and multi-professional contexts
• acquire a critical understanding of relevant theory and research in the field of early childhood and equip you with the skills for independent investigation
• critically analyse contemporary issues and debates in early childhood policy, practice and services for children and families including international perspectives
• become an articulate, confident and reflective graduate, capable of making informed career choices and transferring your knowledge to a range of relevant contexts

Read about our trip to London where we visited the V&A Museum of Childhood and the Ragged School Museum.

Visit our Early Inspirations webpage for early years news, events, and resources.

Assessments

There are no exams on this course. Instead, you will complete written assignments, presentations, projects, posters and professional development portfolios.

Scholarships

EU and International Scholarships

We’re committed to offering the opportunity to study in the UK to the best and brightest students from around the world.

Sir Thomas White Scholarship

The Sir Thomas White scholarship will support and acknowledge an academically gifted student, with the proviso that the selection panel is confident that there is…

TD Lewis Scholarship

The T D Lewis Scholarship provides both undergraduate and postgraduate students with financial awards of up to £1,000.  This scholarship is awarded on educational excellence…

The Chancellor's Fund

The Chancellor’s Fund is a bi-annual fund providing students with awards of between £100 and £1,000. You must be a current student to apply.  The…

Wilson Endowment Scholarship

The Wilson Endowment Scholarship provides a £1,500 scholarship to undergraduate students from the Northamptonshire area. The endowed scholarship was donated in memory of Mr Lynn Wilson,…

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