Education (Early Childhood)

Entry requirements

A good honours degree (2.2 or above) and a significant interest in education and/or equivalent professional qualifications, experience and evidence of continuing professional development.

Months of entry

January

Course content

This course explores the principles of pedagogy within the particular context of Early Years provision. Starting by considering how the concept of childhood (in the UK) has been developed, it unpacks the values that we hold as early years educators and how these impact upon the choices that we make in our work with children.

The modules consider how we, as individuals, work in partnership with families and a wide range of professionals to produce the best outcomes of the child. The modules also consider how practice is influenced by policy. All learning is underpinned by principles of leading practice and how this can be done both effectively and ethically.

Key features

• This course is designed for those working, or aspiring to work, within Early Years who want to develop and improve their understanding of professional practice in ways which will have a real impact on quality in the workplace. With a focus on the interrelationship between theory with practice, the curriculum will develop your understanding of yourself as a leader and ‘change agent’ for improvement in the Early Years.
• The course is suitable for Early Childhood graduates, but also those with alternative qualifications who wish to move into a lead practitioner role in Early Childhood.
• Learning interactions are designed to deepen critical reflection in and on child development and education in order to support personal and professional development
• The modules enable the development of the necessary professional skills and knowledge to deal with complex issues reflectively, systematically and creatively.
• Flexibility: The programme of study can be completed on a full-time or part-time basis. Modules are delivered at weekends, in the evenings and online to maximise accessibility and to allow students to retain their other professional and family commitments.
• International and full-time route: This route meets the needs of professionals wishing to study and familiarise themselves with the UK educational environment alongside their own contrasting experience. The programme consists of two taught modules in each of the first two semesters and a Dissertation in the first half of the second year.

Where could it take you?

The course has a tradition of improving the career profiles of participants, as many case-studies of former students demonstrate. This award is intended to prepare students to deepen their engagement with issues in the educational workspace, fostering transformative personal and organisational learning for those involved. The programme additionally offers preparation to continue study for some participants wishing to go on the professional doctorate (EdD) award or to an MPhil/PhD.

The University maintains close links with education providers locally and regionally and meeting workforce need is the ethos of a number of modules and pathways in the MA Education. In addition, the course is also designed to enable those with an intention of working in an education context to deepen their understanding of education in a range of contexts and building the skills which will enhance their career opportunities. For example, the School of Education works with members of the Careers and Employability Service. Where appropriate, many modules have an applied focus intended to facilitate the development of learning, which will have direct impact on professional contexts from which participants are drawn.

The course team is comprised of academic staff with a breadth of backgrounds in education, research profiles in specialist areas and in most cases extensive experience of education in various contexts. Staff within the School, and the School itself, maintain strong relationships with schools, colleges and other education providers.