Themes run through this programme:
- Level 4 (Year 1): The Developing Child
- Level 5 (Year 2): Children and Families in the Community
- Level 6 (Year 3): Critical Thinkers
Designated placement modules are contained within Levels 4 and 5 with the option to undertake a Work-based Learning module abroad at Level 5.
Placements are planned to provide hands-on experience across the age range from birth to five years and in some cases to work in school settings with children aged five years and over.
Why study this course at our Chester and Warrington campuses?
There is a growing recognition that Early Childhood Studies is a distinctive specialism with its own career pathways. This stimulating and challenging degree recognises the importance of the academic study of early childhood and the particular ways this important phase of human development is provided for in our society.
Achieving this degree can prepare you for the world of work in a number of ways and for most candidates this is likely to be in the care and education field. The programme is an appropriate entry requirement for reaching Early Years Professional Status (EYPS) if you are interested in leading and supporting practice in the day-care sector as a graduate professional.
Features
Small group sizes help students settle-in, build friendship groups and develop an effective relationship with tutors
- Dedicated core team of tutors who are research-active in this field
- Part-time tutors who bring particular areas of expertise, e.g. experienced Social Workers and Health professionals
- Experiential learning (three placements)
- Opportunity to achieve not only an honours degree but a qualification to work with children under five years
- Virtual learning environment for the programme and for each of the modules contained within it. This includes online learning material, discussion board and access to a wide range of resources that can be accessed electronically at times to suit and meet individual needs.
Programme Structure
Modules studied over the three years of the programme:
Level 4 (Year 1)
- Getting to Know the Infant (0-2 Years)
- Getting to Know the Young Child (3-5 Years)
- The Social Child
- Learning Alongside the Child
- Developing Practice
- Child Care and Protection
Level 5 (Year 2)
- The Changing Face of Childhood
- Family and Professional Partnerships
- Powerful Communicators
- Every Child Special
- Developing Inclusive Practice in the Early Years
Optional modules:
either
- Developing Effective Practice in the Early Years
or
Level 6 (Year 3)
- The Pedagogy of Early Years Provision
- The Early Childhood Professional
- Principles Underpinning Practice in the Early Years
- Contemporary Issues in the Early Years
- Dissertation [double module]
A variety of modes of assessment are a feature of this programme. Learning is assessed through coursework.
Examples include:
- portfolio
- essay
- presentation
- child study
- curriculum planning and rationale
- and of course in the final year there is opportunity to study an area of particular interest leading to the production of a Dissertation.
Over recent years the government and voluntary agencies have placed an increasing emphasis on the importance of supporting the early years of a child's development. This has highlighted the importance of a highly qualified children's workforce. Much current political interest and dedicated funding are being directed towards the education and care of children under eight years. Graduates may find employment in a range of services supporting young children and thier families, for example, in early childhood services meeting the learning and development needs of children, social work, family support, community projects, health work and teaching assistance.
For some posts, a further specialised postgraduate qualification may be necessary. Those who wish to progress to a programme leading to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or Early Years Professional Status (EYPS) should familiarise themselves at an early stage with the entry requirements for the route which suits their particular ambititons and circumstances. Specific information is available on the Training and Development Agency (TDA) website for those interested in gaining QTS and on the Children's Workforce Developement Council (CWDC) website for those seeking Early Years Professional Status. Bursaries may be available for some postgraduate routes.
A one-year full-time Postgraduate Certificate in Early Practice with EYPS provides an appropriate progression route for ECS graduates. Currently, this comes fully funded and with a small bursary. Details can be found on the website: www.chester.ac.uk/education.
Single Honours
UCAS points:
|
A minimum of 240 - 280 UCAS points from GCE A Levels or equivalent
|
BTEC:
|
BTEC National Diploma/Certificate: merit/distinction profile
|
Irish/Scottish Highers:
|
B in 4 subjects
|
International Baccalaureate:
|
26 points
|
QAA:
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QAA recognised Access to HE Diploma, Open College Units or Open University Credits |
| OCR: |
OCR National Extended/Diploma: merit/distinction profile |
Extra Information:
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The Advanced Diploma: acceptable on its own
Welsh Baccalaureate (core) will be recognised in our tariff offer
Note: GCSE grade C or above in English Language and Mathematics (or equivalent) is also required. |
