BA (Hons) Education and Early Years

 Year 1

Academic and Professional Development
This module aims to develop academic study skills and introduces the key concepts, theories and practices of HE Level 4 study.

Professional Practice with Placement
This module aims to develop the skills of being a reflective practitioner. Students will gain an understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage and Key Stage 1 curriculum and consider current issues in the education and childcare sector. This module will be supported by students’ professional placement experience and will encompass a blend of teaching and independent portfolio work.

Learning and Development
This module aims to introduce significant theories and research which underpin learning and development for children. It considers different theoretical and international approaches to understand how young children learn and develop.

Working with People in Teams
The module aims to examine the theory, principles and practice of working in a team, considering a range of models adopted in educational settings. Students will apply appropriate theory to a group project.

Society, Families and Children
This module aims to develop students’ understanding of issues in society affecting young children and families such as poverty and inequality. Students will examine key sociological concepts such as social class, gender and family structure.

Year 2

Professional Practice 2 with Placement
This module aims to develop the skills of being a reflective practitioner. Students will gain an understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage and Key Stage 1 curriculum and consider current issues in the education and childcare sector. This module will be supported by students’ professional placement experience and will encompass a blend of teaching and independent portfolio work.

Safeguarding
This module aims to raise awareness of current legislation, policies and procedures which exist to promote children’s rights and keep them safe from harm. It emphasises the knowledge, skills and qualities required to work with children, their families and carers and other professionals in safeguarding contexts.

Research Methods
This module aims to explore a range of research strategies. Students will choose an area of interest relevant to children, engaging with various research techniques.

The Developing Child
This module develops students’ understanding of how children develop in a holistic way. Students will undertake observations and assessments in placement, linking theoretical perspectives to provide a foundation for understanding the complexities of child development.

Early Literacy and Mathematics
This module raises students’ awareness of the basic principles, concepts and processes underpinning English and maths development in the Early Years Foundation Stage and Key Stage 1. Students will examine how teaching and learning strategies support progress and outcomes.

Year 3

Major Study
The dissertation module allows students to explore a topic of interest in greater depth, building on current knowledge of research. Students will carry out a research project in a setting of their choice.

Health and Wellbeing
This module explores current issues relating to the health and wellbeing of children. Students will explore health promotions aimed at children and families and evaluate public health agendas and legislation. Students will consider the role of the practitioner in supporting the health and wellbeing of children in educational settings.

Supporting Children’s Learning
This module consolidates students understanding of supporting children’s learning. It considers effective observation, assessment and planning to support children with additional needs and explores inclusive strategies for teaching and learning.

Global Perspectives
This module considers childhood from different global perspectives. It will critically explore issues such as war, work, health, and poverty, offering a range of theoretical perspectives relevant to the global experiences of children and young people across countries and cultures.

EAL and Effective Practice
This module considers the skills and knowledge necessary to support children and families who have English as an additional language. Students will develop strategies for supporting the learning of English as an additional language, whilst recognising that first language has a continuing and significant role in identity. 

The BA (Hons) Education and Early Years course uses a variety of assessments methods designed to assess student’s knowledge and understanding of module teaching and provide students with sector related skills and competencies. Examples include 

• Essays and reports 

• Poster/Display presentations 

• PowerPoint presentations 

• Digital booklets 

• Activity resource bags 

• Research projects 

• Case studies 

• Oral assessments 

In year 1, 240 work placement hours will be undertaken in a private day nursery or primary school setting. Students will undertake a placement in two different age ranges. A portfolio of evidence will be undertaken in placement. 

In year 2, 240 work placement hours will be undertaken in a private day nursery or primary school setting. A portfolio of evidence will be undertaken in placement. Students will also undertake a specialised placement in an area of interest outside of their core placement, e.g. Key Stage 2 or 3, Specialist or SEND schools, NHS or non-for-profit organisations and pastoral roles. 

In year 3 students will choose a research placement relating to their final dissertation. 

Graduates often progress into roles in education, research, health and social care such as: 

• Family Support 

• Teaching Assistant (Higher lever/HLTA) 

• Special needs and disability (SEND) 

• Nursery Leadership/Manager 

• Pre-school supervisor 

• Playwork leader 

• Youth worker 

• Learning mentor 

• Local authority advisory roles 

• Family support roles 

• Safeguarding/Pastoral roles within schools, settings and local authorities 

Many students choose to continue to postgraduate study such as School Centred Initial Teacher Training (SCITT), Early Years Initial Teacher Training or Primary Education with QTS (PGCE), social work, speech and language or play therapy. 

Post graduate study could also lead to careers within: 

• Healthcare play specialism 

• Social work 

• Assessor roles 

• Speech therapy 

• Secondary teaching 

• Further education lecturer 

• Higher education lecturer 

• International teaching (TEFL) 

88 UCAS points  

GCSE Maths and English at grade C/4 or above or equivalent e.g. L2 Functional Skills 

Non-standard applicants can apply but must demonstrate sufficient academic skills and vocational knowledge and experience related to work with children. 

Enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check.   

Applicants who do not meet the entry requirements for the BA may be offered a place on the 4-year degree with foundation year.