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Middlesex University

Bachelor Degree , Early Childhood Studies

Course Description

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

Why study early childhood studies with us

Our course has been specifically designed to make young children the focus. We think it’s important to understand how an increasingly global world impacts early childhood development and education. That’s why on this course you will gain knowledge from interconnected disciplines which include sociology, psychology, law, health, and management. Our highly experienced tutors will help you to learn, understand, and apply the material from this course. A BA in Early Childhood Studies can lead to a career in education, childhood development, children’s charities, and many more. Graduates have found careers as teaching assistants, child development officers and more.

We’re proud to be in the top 250 in the for world for Education (Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2019)

Gain hands-on practical skills with us

One of the most important aspects of completing your early childhood studies is in gaining usable and transferable skills. That’s why our course ensures that you learn and participate actively in the interpretation, evaluation, and application of knowledge through engagement in individual, group, and e-learning activities.

You'll be assessed on a mixture of essays, presentations, reports, and a dissertation that showcases your personal interests and research, as well as the opportunity to take part in work experience in an early education or other relevant educational setting. A work placement allows you to get the hands-on experience you need, as well as building that network of contacts that will help you in your career. You’ll also receive help in identifying the best career route or postgraduate programme for your future.

Get the support you need

We ensure that every student has adequate support throughout their time with us. That’s why you’ll get matched with a Personal Tutor as well as a Student Learning Assistant and a Graduate Academic Assistant. They’ll have experience in your subject area and will be able to help whenever you need.

We also help you to identify the ideal career route or postgraduate programme and support you to plan a successful future

Course Content

In Year 1 you will examine both historical and contemporary approaches to education policy development in the UK and study an introduction to philosophy in relation to education. Alongside this, you will explore the psychological approaches to learning and also study an Early Childhood module (which includes the social construct of childhood and child development).

In Years 2 and 3 you will continue to broaden your knowledge of these key theoretical areas. You will also study the National Curriculum Foundation Stage and Key Stage 1, alongside: special needs and inclusion, comparative education, equality issues and research methods.

In Year 3 you will also conduct an independent research project, gain practical experience on placement and select from a choice of modules to complement your learning, including: leadership and management in early years settings, the social and emotional aspects of teaching and learning, children's rights, education and the law and children's literature.

Modules

  • Year 1

    • Infant Health and Well-being (30 credits) – Compulsory

    • Reflective Professional Practice in Early Years (30 credits) – Compulsory

    • Approaches to Learning (30 credits) – Compulsory

    • Early Childhood Development (30 credits) – Compulsory

  • Year 2

    • Researching Lives: Social Investigation in the Contemporary World (30 credits) – Compulsory

    • Social Perspectives on Childhood and Education for Early years (30 credits) – Compulsory

  • Year 2 Optional Modules - choose two of the following:

    • Curriculum Studies: 0-7 years (30 credits) – Optional

    • Comparative Education (30 credits) – Optional

    • Education and the Social World: Who Educates Whom and Why? (30 credits) – Optional

    • Insights into Play (30 credits) – Optional

  • Year 3

    • Dissertation Module for Early Childhood Studies (30 credits) – Compulsory

  • Year 3 Optional Modules - choose three of the following:

    • Leadership and Management in Early Years (30 credits) – Optional

    • Special Educational Needs, Disability and Inclusion (30 credits) – Optional

    • Children's Literature (30 credits) – Optional

    • Social and Emotional Aspects of Teaching and Learning (30 credits) – Optional

    • The Child in Context: the Influence of Socio-Cultural Factors on Development (30 credits) – Optional

    • Children's Rights and Self-Determination: Theory into Practice (30 credits) – Optional

    • Creativity and the Arts in Education (30 credits) – Optional

 

Entry Requirements

Qualifications

96 UCAS points

Middlesex University has a flexible and personalised approach to admissions and we accept applications from students with a wide range of qualifications and a combination of qualifications.

Please check our general entry requirements page to see how these points can be achieved from our acceptable level 3 qualifications and the combinations which are welcomed by Middlesex University, including GCSE requirements.

Applications from mature candidates without formal qualifications are welcomed, provided they can demonstrate appropriate levels of relevant ability and experience.

Eligibility

UK/EU and international students are eligible to apply for this course.

Academic credit for previous study or experience

If you have achieved a qualification such as a foundation degree or HND, or have gained credit at another university, you may be able to enter a Middlesex University course in year two or three. For further information please visit our Transfer students page.

If you have relevant qualifications or work experience, academic credit may be awarded towards your Middlesex University programme of study. For further information please visit our Accreditation of Prior Learning page.

Interviews, entrance tests, portfolios and auditions

Entry onto this course does not require an interview, portfolio or audition.

Assessment Methods

The course will provide you with opportunities to test your knowledge and understanding in advance through ‘formative’ assessment. This will be completed before your formal ‘summative’ assessment which will count towards your final marks. Each module normally contains at least one piece of formative assessment from which you will receive feedback from your tutor. This feedback will guide you on how to enhance and develop your academic skills.   Formative assessments are developmental and grades you receive from formative assessment do not count towards your final marks. In addition the staff team engage with students in assessment literacy activities throughout the seminars to promote student’s understanding of assessed tasks and enhance their achievement.

There is formal ‘summative’ assessment in all modules. The assessment methods could include a range of coursework including essays, reports, presentations, debates, a small number of tests and exams and in your final year, your independent study project. The grades from the summative assessments count towards your module mark. Assessments are reviewed annually and are updated based on student feedback, to reflect current changes, or based on feedback from an external examiner.

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