COURSE CURRICULUM

The Early Childhood Studies degree offers a comprehensive curriculum designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and professional competencies needed to succeed in early childhood education. The first-year modules provide a strong foundation in child development, pedagogy, and inclusion, introducing students to the essential theories, research, and academic skills necessary for their future careers. Students will explore topics such as social and cultural experiences, special educational needs and disability (SEND), and early childhood research, with an emphasis on developing critical thinking, reflective practice, and digital proficiency.In Year 1, the "Exploring Social Worlds" module helps students understand social and cultural experiences and how they influence children's lives and rights. Students will present recommendations for improving children's lives based on theoretical perspectives. The "Key Principles for Inclusion and Diversity" module offers a critical review of SEND, examining its historical development, legislative frameworks, and the experiences of diverse social groups. The "Emerging Research Communities" module introduces students to problem-solving, critical thinking, and research skills, fostering collaborative work with peers and academics. The "Mental Wealth" modules focus on personal and professional development, cultivating emotional, social, physical, and cognitive intelligence.In Year 2, the focus shifts to enhancing critical thinking, emotional intelligence, and practical skills. The "Identity and Social Justice" module deepens understanding of social justice, inequality, and children's rights, while the "Building Research Communities" module develops research skills necessary for independent, ethical, and applied research in early childhood education. The "Contemporary Issues in Education" module engages students in critical debates about modern educational challenges, and the "Practice Modules" provide practical experiences in different curricula models and multimodal learning environments.In the final year, students focus on leadership, independent research, and global perspectives in early childhood education. The "Mental Wealth" module continues to develop professional skills, and the "Critical and Global Perspectives on Education" module explores inclusive education practices worldwide. The "Montessori Educational Setting" module allows students to analyze literacy development in early childhood, while the "Independent Research Project" offers an opportunity for students to conduct applied research in collaboration with external organizations, addressing real-world issues in education. This rigorous academic framework prepares students for successful careers in early childhood education, ensuring they graduate with a strong sense of professional identity and practical expertise.