BA (Honours) Early Childhood Studies

UCAS code

X310

Attendance

Full-time

Three years full-time

At a glance

Gain the theoretical and practical knowledge needed to work with children from birth to seven years in a rapidly expanding area. You explore young children's development, education and care in a range of social contexts. Teaching and learning take place in a range of learning environments to reflect those that are available to young children.

Key points
ХаBuild your professional confidence and enhance your employability through placements in a range of early years settings.
ХаDevelop your understanding of how theory links to practice through work-based learning.
ХаChoose opportunities for further qualifications during your study such as the practitioner option (Ofsted approved).
ХаLearn from experienced practitioners and published academics.

What is early childhood studies?
The study of developing, educating and caring for young children.а

About this course

Develop your understanding of the way children think and learn and the meaning of their play. Increase your understanding of the safeguarding and protection of children and of their health and well-being. This knowledge provides the foundation for any career working with children and families.

During the course you gain knowledge in the key areas of early childhood education, child protection, child development, and the health and culture of children under eight years.

As well as your theoretical understanding of these subjects, you develop your professional experience and confidence by working in a range of early childhood environments.

Placements take up around 30 days of the first two years and 20 days of your final year and are designed to enhance your career prospects after you graduate.

You develop a range of relevant practical skills, such as how to
Х identify and support children's individual needs and how to relate appropriately to children
Х understand play situations in order to develop practice and experiences for young children
Х how to listen to children and understand how they think

Your studies are led by experienced and publishedаlecturers whoаcome from backgrounds including social work, health visiting, education and psychology. You take part in small tutorial groups who meet regularly to link practice to what you are learning academically.

You then build on this experience with work-based learning in relevant maintained, private, voluntary and independent settings including Х childrenТs centres Х schools Х pre schools Х day nurseries Х outreach workers Х childminders Х specialist support groups.

Practitioner option (Ofsted approved)
If you do not already have a level 3 early years qualification, you can complete the practitioner option module alongside your degree. This allows you to gain an equivalent award, which lets you take up employment as a qualified member of staff in early years settings.

Forest Schools
If you have an interest in young childrens outdoor play you can choose an optional module to gain your level 1 qualification in Forest Schools. You link theory to practice by learning in the woods in the south east of Sheffield and gain some new practical skills to use with young children.
We are constantly looking for teaching opportunities to reflect current early years thinking and therefore enhance your employment prospects.

Key areas of study
You can develop your interests and career aims by focusing on particular areas, such as Х childrenТs friendships Х forest schools Х gender and identity Х working with families Х young children's well being.

Associated careers

By successfully completing this course you are able to take advantage of a recent expansion in services to young children and the early years workforce in the UK.
There have been policy developments in social welfare, health, educating and caring for young children, and working with families. This has led to a greater need for graduates in these areas as many previous students would testify.

Course content

Modules

Modules cover subjects such as Х understanding children's development Х learning through play Х health Х child protection and safeguarding Х understanding children's contexts Х listening to children and understanding participation Х leadership in early years services Х research project.

We also aim to provide various options to enable you to follow your interests in particular areas.

Assessment

Х reports Х essays Х papers Х in-class timed assessments Х book reports Х self-evaluations Х individual and group presentations Х contributions to electronic conferences Х work-based portfolios Х logs Х reflective diaries

Entry requirements

2014 entry requirements

Five GCSEs at grade C or above, including English language and mathematics. We may accept GCSE equivalents. Plus one of the following

Х 260 points from at least two GCE/VCE A levels or BTEC National qualifications. We accept AS levels. We do not accept general studies or Key Skills.

Х Access Ц at least 45 credits at level 3 from a relevant Open College Network accredited course

Х 240 points from CACHE diploma in child care and education

If English is not your first language you will need an IELTS score of 6.5 and a minimum of 6.0 in the writing module and a minimum of 5.5 in all other skill areas.

You also need some understanding of young children (0Ц7 years old) gained from practical experience, equivalent to 75 hours or more, on a paid or voluntary basis.

Download our application experience guidelines for more information about experience requirements and interview advice for this course. This document includes important information about your application. Failure to provide sufficient information may result in your application being unsuccessful.

As you will work with children, you must complete a declaration of criminal convictions and health check forms. If you are successful in applying, a Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as Criminal Records Bureau) check is required.

We consider other qualifications from the UCAS tariff. Applicants with alternative qualifications or a combination of qualifications and work experience are also considered. We welcome applications from people of any age. Please contact us for further advice.

Meeting the qualifications on the entry criteria does not guarantee you a place. You should ensure that you submit a personal statement and reference as these are considered as part of the selection process. Guidelines on personal statements and references can be found on the UCAS website.

2013 entry requirements

Five GCSEs at grade C or above, including English language and mathematics. We may accept GCSE equivalents. Plus one of the following

Х 260 points from at least two GCE/VCE A levels or BTEC National qualifications. We accept AS levels. We do not accept general studies or Key Skills.

Fees

International students

2013/14 academic year

Typically г10,680 a year

2014/15 academic year

Typically г11,250 a year

How to apply

You apply for this course through UCAS.

Contact details

For more information or to check the progress of your application phone +44 (0)114 225 5555, fax +44 (0)114 225 2167, e-mail admissions@shu.ac.uk