COURSE CURRICULUM

The Childhood and Early Years Studies MA program is structured around a combination of core and optional modules that provide both theoretical knowledge and practical understanding of children’s experiences. Core modules include Critical Childhoods, which examines key theories and perspectives on childhood, and Diverse Childhoods: Identities and Inequalities, which explores how factors such as culture, class, gender, and social conditions shape children’s lives. Research Methods, Approaches and Skills equips students with the tools needed to conduct academic research, preparing them for their final project. Students also complete the Childhood and Early Years Studies Dissertation Project, a 60-credit module that involves independent research on a topic related to children and early years. In addition to the core modules, students can choose from optional modules such as Learning and Playful Pedagogies, which focuses on the role of play in child development and education, and Spaces and Places of Childhood, which examines how environments influence children’s experiences. For international and EU students, the Academic Language Skills module provides additional support to enhance academic communication, although it carries no credits. Overall, the program offers a balanced and flexible structure, enabling students to develop specialised knowledge and research skills in childhood and early years studies.