COURSE CURRICULUM

The Early Childhood Studies (Graduate Practitioner) degree provides a comprehensive framework for understanding and supporting the development of children aged 0-8 years, equipping students with the skills and knowledge required for graduate-level practice. In the first year, students explore foundational topics including equality, diversity, and inclusive play, child growth and development, the Early Years Framework, children’s health and wellbeing, pedagogical approaches, and the role of the child in society. Building on this, the second year focuses on safeguarding and child protection, leadership and management skills, supporting children with special educational needs and disabilities, research development, and theoretical perspectives on child development, with optional modules allowing students to explore creativity, play, or positive gender identity in early childhood. The final year emphasizes professional readiness and independent study, featuring a dissertation in education, enhancing employability for graduate practice, and managing learning environments. Students can further specialize by choosing optional modules such as children’s voice or psychological perspectives on children’s behaviour. The program combines theoretical knowledge with extensive practical experience, enabling students to critically apply learning in real-world settings. By the end of the degree, graduates are prepared to meet the developmental, educational, and welfare needs of young children while demonstrating the professional competencies required for a rewarding career in early childhood practice or further academic study.