Early Childhood Studies Extended Degree

You'll learn about the influence of society on childhood, and develop critical thinking and essay skills during this four-year alternative route into higher education. The foundation year is ideal if you don't have traditional qualifications or meet the entry requirements for the degree level Early Childhood Studies BA (Hons). The course is an excellent way to get a real taste of a range of social and human science subjects while gaining the maths and English GCSEs you need to progress to the degree.

In Year 0, by engaging your interest in a range of social and human science issues, we'll create an exciting and stimulating environment to focus on improving your academic and study skills. Boosting your confidence and unlocking your potential, the extended degree provides an excellent foundation for developing more specific expertise in Year 1 of the Early Childhood Studies BA while gaining maths and English GCSEs if you don't already have them.

The foundation year qualifies you for entry to Year 1 (Level 4) of the three-year degree and gives you a taste of contemporary issues at the forefront of the study of early childhood. You'll benefit from the most up-to-date developments in work with young children and their families across all sectors. This course is ideal for those looking to begin or progress a career in the early childhood professions and has links to national organisations.

Assessment

There are a variety of assessment types across the modules with 87.5% of the assessment being coursework and 12.5% exams. Coursework types will include portfolios of reflective writing digital portfolios, essays, reports, presentations, discussion and seminar skills.

Entry requirements

In addition to the University's standard entry requirements, you should have:

• At least one A level (or a minimum of 40 UCAS points from an equivalent Level 3 qualification, eg BTEC Subsidiary/National/BTEC Extended Diploma)
• GCSE English at grade C (grade 4 from 2017) or above, or equivalent such as Functional Skills or Key Skills at Level 2

If you are a mature student with significant work experience, you are invited to apply for this course on the basis of the knowledge and skills you have developed through your work. All applicants must be able to demonstrate proficiency in the English language. Applicants who require a Tier 4 student visa may need to provide a Secure English Language Test (SELT) such as Academic IELTS. For more information about English qualifications please see our English language requirements.

Modular structure

The modules listed below are for the academic year 2018/19 and represent the course modules at this time. Modules and module details (including, but not limited to, location and time) are subject to change over time. Year 1 modules include:

• Critical Thinking (core, 15 credits)
• Identity, Power and Society (core, 15 credits)
• Key Concepts in Early Childhood (core, 15 credits)
• Media, Crime and 'Race' (core, 15 credits)
• Reflecting on Self and Society (core, 15 credits)
• Researching Discrimination (core, 15 credits)
• Researching Inequality (core, 15 credits)
• Social Issues in Context: Text to Essay (core, 15 credits)

After the course

Graduates pursue a variety of careers in education, health and social care sectors. Due to the demand for well-trained early childhood practitioners, there are opportunities to work in children’s centres, nursery and primary schools, and a variety of childcare and educational settings. You may specialise in a particular area such as special educational needs, or take up advisory posts in local authorities or government departments. A significant number of students continue their professional studies, whether it's through the PGCE route to teaching or at postgraduate level.