BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies

Understand how education shapes the development of younger children with our BA in Early Childhood Studies.

Early education and care employers are increasingly expecting students to graduate not only with a degree qualification, but also a broad understanding of social issues in the real world; well-developed personal transferable skills (communication, problem-solving, reflection, teamwork); assessed professional competencies; and a sense of personal values to which they are committed.

You will be taught largely through a combination of Lectures and Seminars. Fieldwork and external visits also take place in a number of modules. Lectures allow you to gain and develop knowledge in specific subjects. You can discuss and develop your understanding of topics covered in lectures in smaller seminar groups usually made up of 20 – 25 students. Seminars are an interactive form of learning and students will participate in lively group discussions based on tasks related to the relevant topics, with the support and guidance of their seminar tutor. In addition to this there are plenty of opportunities for one to one and small group meetings with the tutors in assessment tutorials and through academic tutoring support. Students are supported and encouraged to become independent learners but within a network of support services. In seminars students learn from and with one another and are encouraged to reflect on their learning and the development of both academic and employability skills. We work closely with the university’s employability service and there is a keen focus on promoting students to obtain employment experience related to their areas of industry whilst on the programme, as well as to enhance their progression and career choices beyond their higher education studies

All modules have scheduled in one to one assessment support during the terms, in addition, you will have the availability of a range of support services to assist you in your learning activities. Student Learning Assistants and the Learning Enhancement Team all offer individual support sessions and workshops to help you successfully achieve your learning goals. We have a well-stocked and current library provision specific to the selected courses, with many study materials available online and an online core textbook is provided for each module being undertaken. Learning on each module is also supplemented through our Virtual Learning Environment, which contains readings, quizzes, key concept films, discussion boards and assessment briefing videos, to support your learning.

During your first year (level 4), your weekly timetable will typically consist of:

When not attending your teaching, sessions mentioned above, you will be expected to continue learning independently through self-study. Typically, this will involve reading journal articles and books, working on projects, undertaking research, and preparing for assessments including coursework, presentations and examinations. Your independent learning is supported by the facilities available including the library and Study Hub and with online materials in MyUniHub (see student support section below).

Your overall workload will include the activities listed above, and with each credit being completed equating to 10 hours of study time (You will complete 120 credits per level of study, which are broken down into modules of typically 30 credits). While your actual hours may depend on the optional module that you choose (if available), the following information will give you an indication of how much time is allocated to teaching and independent study on your course;

Level 4

25% of your time is spent in timetabled Teaching and learning - typical structure activity:

Level 5

24% of your time is spent in timetabled Teaching and learning - typical structure activity:

Level 6

22% of your time is spent in timetabled Teaching and learning - typical structure activity: