Education: Early Childhood Studies

Entry requirements

Some students apply for our MA having completed their PGCE with the intention of postponing their entry to the profession, whereas others apply before making a decision whether to become a teacher. Some are already teachers who wish to develop their understanding of the role.

The content and subject matter of your first degree is open. Some students have educational studies as a first degree, while others studied subjects from marine biology to music, or are experts in alternative fields. In some circumstances, professional work in education (e.g. PGCE) or related field can be assessed as appropriate credit for "prior learning" (APL) and a reduction in the number of credits required to pass the programme can be negotiated.

Students are expected to have an Honours degree from a recognised Higher Education Institution in the UK, although we often accept applicants with appropriate experience that we consider sufficient and comparable, or an equivalent degree from overseas.

Months of entry

September

Course content

Study educational issues in depth, covering policy, practice and education theory, in our Master's in early years education.

• Explore constructions of childhood.
• Benefit from in-depth study of children from birth to eight.
• Focus on ethical, cultural and social perspectives of early childhood.

Early childhood education is recognised globally as being crucial for laying the foundations for lifelong learning and development, as critical aspects of social, emotional and cognitive development are established in a child’s early years.

During the course, you’ll develop your knowledge and understanding of how children develop and learn in social and cultural contexts. You’ll be introduced to different pedagogical approaches, including international perspectives, that will encompass a critical analysis of the cultural construction of childhood.

This Master's in early childhood education incorporates modules that will enhance your understanding and insights into developing quality educational provision for young children.

Information for international students

If English is not your first language, you'll need to provide evidence of proficiency in the English language. The Admissions Team assesses applications individually, but for postgraduate courses we're looking for an IELTS score of between 6.0-7.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each component (Writing, Listening, Reading and Speaking).

Fees and funding

For more information on funding please refer to our website.