COURSE CURRICULUM

The Early Childhood Studies course is structured to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of child development, education, and family support while developing the professional knowledge and practical skills required to work effectively with children and young people. In the first year, students build a strong foundation through modules including Education and the State, Services for Families and Children, Skills for Education, and The Developing Child and Young Person, gaining an understanding of educational systems, children's services, child development, and the core skills required for professional practice. During the second year, students expand their knowledge by studying Diversity in Education: Reality or Rhetoric?, Safeguarding and Wellbeing, and Supporting Children's Learning and Development, exploring inclusive education, child protection, wellbeing, and strategies for promoting children's learning and development across a range of educational and care settings. They also complete Future Directions in Education (Level 5), developing critical thinking and research skills while examining contemporary issues influencing education. In the final year, students study Education, Identity and Society, analysing the relationship between education, identity, equality, and social change, alongside Enhancing Children's Learning and Development, which focuses on improving educational outcomes and supporting children's holistic development. Students also complete an independent Research Project, allowing them to investigate a specialist area of interest while demonstrating advanced research, analytical, and academic skills. To further personalise their studies, students choose one optional module from Future Directions in Education (Level 6) or Supporting Vulnerable Children and Families, enabling them to explore advanced educational issues or develop expertise in supporting children and families facing additional challenges. Throughout the programme, students progressively develop expertise in child development, education, safeguarding, inclusion, family support, research methods, and professional practice while strengthening their communication, critical thinking, leadership, and problem-solving skills. This combination of academic knowledge, practical understanding, and research experience prepares graduates for careers in early childhood education, schools, family support services, children's services, community organisations, child protection, youth work, and a wide range of education and public sector professions. Modules offered may vary.