BA (Hons) in Early Years and Primary Studies

Welcome to Early Years and Primary Studies

The Early Years and Primary Studies course at University Centre Colchester is designed to produce well-rounded resilient graduates who; understand and support children’s developmental needs and will be an asset to educational and care settings for children.

We welcome all budding Early Years and Primary Studies practitioners on board the programme and look forward to creating a positive and educated workforce within the sector. We care for our students in the same way you care for children which is why we feel passionately about developing and supporting you in your studies and career paths. Our dedicated and experienced tutors will enable you to really grow with the next generation!

Course enquiries: 01206 712777

Ask a question

Course IntroductionModulesEntry RequirementsGraduate CareersAdditional

Your profile

You are creative, enthusiastic and keen to make a difference in young people’s lives. You want to empower children and provide them with the life skills that will support their development. You enjoy exploring the theory and understanding the debate around early years development. You are ready to grow with the next generation.

Your subject

Working with children aged 0-11, you will be ideally placed to make a lasting, positive impact on their wellbeing and development. As an Early Years practitioner, you will be a key influence in the lives of many children by providing physical, emotional, social and intellectual care. Research shows the first few years of children’s lives are crucial to their development, which is why the government has pledged to invest an extra £66 million into the Early Years sector. Educated practitioners are needed to guide young people’s learning to ensure every child has the best opportunities in life. The Early Years and Primary Studies degree therefore follows a child-centred ethos; children’s rights and how their views can be represented is integral to the programme. You will then have the opportunity to transfer theory into practice through work experience opportunities.

Your course

University Centre Colchester’s Early Years and Primary Studies programmes embed the government’s Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) standards and the national curriculum into each module. As a student, you will explore how children learn and develop in a diverse and evolving society. You will learn about a range of topics relating to child development, health and training, and put that knowledge into practice through work experience opportunities. You will be taught by experienced lecturers and practitioners who will take you on valuable observational visits to ensure you graduate with a high level of practical and theoretical experience in readiness for the job market.

Your future

Once you complete the programme you will gain real-life experience, training, qualifications and confidence to achieve a career in the education and childcare sector. Upon graduation, there are a wide range of careers you will be able to pursue, from roles in social care, or child development research, to pre-school and primary school teaching, support work or youth work, to name a few. Past graduates have gone on to successful careers in play therapy, children’s rights, family support and work in the education sector.

Undergraduate courses operate on a modular basis that provides flexibility and choice. Each module is worth a specified number of credits, with most modules counting for 30/40 or 15/20 academic credits (depending on the programme), with each credit taken equating to a total amount of study time which includes scheduled teaching, independent study and assessment activity.

Most full-time students will take modules worth 60 credits per semester, with part-time students taking proportionately fewer credits per semester. A total of 120 credits per level and 360 credits are needed for an honours degree as a whole. Overall grades for the course and degree classification are based on the marks obtained for modules taken at levels 5 and 6.

Our teaching is informed by research, professional practice and industry engagement and modules change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline.

Course Overview Course Structure Year One (Level 4) Year Two (Level 5) Year Three (Level 6) Pre-2020 Course Information

BA (Hons) Early Years and Primary Studies

64 UCAS points* and GCSE maths and English (grades A*-C). Students wishing to progress into teaching will also need GCSE science grade C. All applicants will be interviewed and required to demonstrate that they have relevant experience in working with children, and have good communication skills. They will also need to undertake a written piece as part of the interview. Satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)** enhanced check.

Mature applicants with significant work-based experience, or employed within the industry, will also be considered.

CertHE Early Years and Primary Studies

An existing level 3 qualification which includes assessed practical competence. Mature students without formal qualifications, but with evidence of practical experience and relevant employment will also be considered for this course. All applicants will be interviewed and required to demonstrate that they have relevant experience in working with children, and have good communication skills.

They will also need to undertake a written piece as part of the interview. . Satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)* enhanced check.

To progress into teaching you will also need GCSEs in English, Maths and Science (grades A* – C).

**Please note there is a charge of £44 for a DBS check

*UCAS Tariff points where shown, are for entry on to higher education programmes starting from September 2022.

International applicants

If English is not your first language you will need an IELTS score of 6.0, with a minimum score of 5.5 in each component (Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking), or an equivalent English Language qualification.

Additional requirements for International Students:

You must provide evidence of having been in general education for at least 10 years and of having studied within the last five years
a face-to-face interview is required before an offer is made.

Progression routes upon completion of the programme could include teaching assistants, family support worker, nursery manager, play worker, and employment in education management roles or health and civil services.

Many students will successfully enter postgraduate study with students previously undertaken Masters in Social Care, Human Rights, Children’s Rights and Social Policy and Justice.

The postgraduate Initial Teacher Training programmes have always been a popular choice of which the degree programme will prepare you well for.

Timetables: Timetables are normally available one month before registration. Please note that while we make every effort to ensure that timetables are as student-friendly as possible, scheduled teaching can take place on any day of the week. Part-time classes are normally scheduled on one or two days per week.

Teaching and Learning: You are taught through a combination of lectures, seminars and practicals. Seminars enable smaller group discussions to develop understanding of topics covered in lectures.

When not attending lectures, seminars and practicals or other timetabled sessions you will be expected to continue learning independently through self-directed study. Typically, this will involve reading journal articles and books, working on individual and group projects, undertaking research in the library, learning zone or technical learning resources, preparing coursework assignments and presentations, and preparing for examinations

Assessment: The course provides you with opportunities to test your understanding of the subject informally before you complete the formal assessments that count towards your final mark. Each module normally contains at least one piece of practice or ‘formative’ assessment for which you receive feedback from your tutor. Practice assessments are developmental and any grades you receive for them do not count towards your module mark.

There is a formal or ‘summative’ assessment at the end of each module. Assessment methods include written examinations and a range of coursework assessments such as essays, reports, portfolios, performance, presentations and your final year major project. The grades from formal assessments count towards your module mark.

Feedback: You will receive feedback on all practice assessments and on formal assessments undertaken by coursework. Feedback is intended to help you learn and you are encouraged to discuss it with your module tutor.

ApplyFull-Time

UCAS Tariff Calculator

BA (Hons) Early Years and Primary Studies - Full Time

Level	Level 6
Location	Colchester
Duration	3 Years
UCAS Code	BA (Hons) LX53 \| CertHE LX54
Academic Year	2022-2023
Study Mode	Full-Time
Campus	University Centre Colchester
Start Date	September 2022
Fee(s)	2021-22: £8,250 per year
Awarding/Validation Body	University of East Anglia

Course Overview

Early education represents a major area of public investment with the government currently investing £5.2 billion annually.

The first few years of children’s lives are crucial to their development and opportunities in later life – and the adults who work with them are ideally placed to make a difference.

As a BA (Hons) Early Years and Primary Studies student, you will graduate with knowledge and understanding of the National Curriculum (2014), EYFS (2020) and alternative pedagogical approaches and curricula. You will explore the importance of play and creativity in learning and how these concepts can be applied in practice. The curriculum will enable you to develop an understanding and strong knowledge base of the role of childhood in society, how to safeguard children and how to advocate and inform children of their rights.

The programme will offer intellectual and professional development that will encourage students to question, challenge and experience critical discussions on a wide range of topics, issues and research. This will be achieved through critically examining education and childhood encouraged through a holistic approach to teaching, learning and assessment encompassing a wide range of resources, work experiences and exploring research, both contemporary and seminal, in this field.

The course team consists of experienced lecturers and practitioners who guide you through your journey from enrolment to graduation. The course offers assistance to find placements and supported visits to ensure you can graduate with a high level of both practical and theoretical experience in readiness for the job market.

Reasons to study with us

We offer excellent work placement opportunities through our well-established links with early years providers
Develop your professional practice and work towards gaining Early Years Professional Status

Course Structure

Although designed as a three year full-time degree programme, there are two named routes into the qualification. The Certificate of Higher Education (Cert HE) allows for study of the first year of the programme and the BA (Hons) route allows students to study the full qualification.

The CertHE can be used as a stepping stones towards an Honours Degree with progression allowed following successful completion of each stage.

The CertHE Early Years and Primary Studies course introduces you to the development and learning of children aged 0-8 years. Case studies, presentations, practical projects and lectures allow you to develop the knowledge of policies and practice within early years settings. Students have the opportunity to learn and explore the various pathways available through a range of modules. By the end of the course you would have built the skills necessary to progress in your career or continue onto further study.

Year One (Level 4)

Module title: Child Development (20 credits)

What’s it about?

The purpose of this module is to provide students with an understanding of how children develop by exploring concepts, principles, theory and practice underpinning specific aspects of child development. Central to this understanding is the development of skills in observing and assessing children and of interpreting those observations.

What do I learn?

Students will explore major theories of child development, classic theorists are considered alongside more contemporary researchers. This module equips students with the skills required to undertake observations on a selected child aged 0-11 years.

What’s the assignment?

Students will produce a blog for submission that evaluates the 2 observations on a selected child aged 0-11 to meet Learning Outcomes 1, 2 and 3. Within the blog, students will include 2 observation cover sheets and 2 observation records

Want to know more?

To see the module description, please please click here.

Module title: Welfare and Safeguarding (20 credits)

What’s it about?

Children spend a considerable amount of their lives in schools and early years settings and practitioners are some of the most important adults that they will come in contact with. The purpose of this module is to promote students’ and practitioners’ duty to keep children safe and protect them from harm.

What do I learn?

This module aims to deepen students understanding and awareness of the issues which frame the welfare and safeguarding of children, and/or their families and carers. There will be an emphasis on why some procedures and structures fail and others succeed. This module will raise the level of debate about safeguarding children and the management of risk and it will explore ways in which children can be supported to safeguard themselves.

What’s the assignment?

A 25-minute mixed media presentation to cover factors that can lead to child abuse and the legislation, procedures and provision for safeguarding children in contemporary society.

Want to know more?

To see the module description, please click here.

Module title: Academic Practice (20 credits)

What’s it about?

The content of the present module seeks to cater for a student community with a wide range of prior experience, both academic and practice based. Students are introduced to the rules of the academic world and their relevance to degree-level work. All sessions contain a mixture of activities, from reading and analysing excerpts of text, reflecting on spoken commentaries, and learning how to annotate and write in a variety of formats. Digital skills will be embedded throughout.

What do I learn?

The content of the taught sessions of this module establishes a structured framework for learning a range of academic research skills. The patchwork assignment will enable students to practice applying the skills they have learnt, and engage with peer feedback before the final submission. Students will learn how to differentiate between available resources by evaluating texts produced for a variety of purposes, including academic articles, book chapters, reports, newspaper articles and filmed material. They will apply this to managing their studies effectively, working collaboratively, developing emerging critical thinking skills and applying this knowledge to inform their writing.

What’s the assignment?

Write an overview of the research methodology and findings from an academic primary research paper related to your subject. Follow a logical sequence in your explanation. (500 words)

Provide a critical review of the research methodology applied to the paper summarised in the previous patch. Include a discussion of the ethical considerations of the methodology applied. Use references to support your review. (1000 words)

Write a reflective patch that assesses your research and study skills developed over the semester. Include a CSMART development plan that will support you to develop skills beyond this module. (1000 words)

Want to know more?

To see the module description, please click here.

Module title: Professional Practice: The Practitioner (20 credits)

What’s it about?

The purpose of this module is to explore support roles within settings considering their responsibilities, duties, knowledge and experience and how this may differ within varying types of provisions. Support roles compromise all staff that assist in the learning and support of children for example Higher Level Teaching Assistants (HLTAs), teaching assistants, special needs support staff, early years practitioners, minority ethnic pupils support staff and bilingual assistants. While most support staff roles are employed by settings or schools, some are employed by local authority services and work across a range of provisions, therefore it is essential students have an understanding of the varying roles and responsibilities.

What do I learn?

The principal aim of the module prepares students to be able to work with other professionals to raise the learning and attainment of children while also promoting their independence, self-esteem and social inclusion. Support roles provide assistance to children so that they can access the curriculum, participate in learning and experience a sense of achievement. To enable this, students are encouraged to identify and develop their own skills, expertise and experience to carry out a range of activities at different levels, develop themselves professionally and maximise their potential in a team.

What’s the assignment?

Students will plan and conduct a 20-minute assessed practical activity including a rationale for their proposed activity.

The plan should identify how the activity meets and develops children’s holistic needs and a reflection on the activity to evidence where and how students have met the professional attributes, professional knowledge and understanding and professional skills of the HLTA standards.

Want to know more?

To see the module description, please click click here.

Module title: Understanding and supporting SEND (20 credits)

What’s it about?

Practitioners have an important role in identifying any special needs a child might have, supporting that child and their family, liaising with other professionals and being an advocate for the child. This module will introduce students to principles and concepts of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), exploring the issues that practitioners need to consider in terms of the legal requirements and their own attitudes to SEND.

What do I learn?

The aim of the module is to promote students to explore appropriate terminology and discuss how this is related to current legislation. The SEND code of practice will be examined alongside how to best support varied needs. An overview of some specific needs will be covered and students will be encouraged to debate and analyse how to meet a child’s holistic needs.

What’s the assignment?

Students will complete a report to develop their academic skills and access a wide range of information in a structured manner. Students will need to research specific information and present this to meet the learning outcomes.

Want to know more?

To see the module description, please click here.

Module title: Curriculum Studies (20 credits)

What’s it about?

The purpose of this module is to inform students of the key curriculum frameworks children will experience from 0 to 11 years of age. The module aims to provide an overview of the Early Years Foundation Stage and Key Stage 1 and 2 of the National Curriculum, identifying what changes the revised curriculum of 2014 brought to planning in schools.

What do I learn?

Students will consider why area’s or subjects are included and examine how progress and quality is monitored. The significance of government influence, education policy, curriculum reform, responses to local agendas/needs, and regional or national events will be debated. It will additionally provide an insight in to major issues, concepts or theories surrounding curriculum implementation and development.

What’s the assignment?

A presentation of 25 minutes on a curriculum sector of your choice with a focus on an anonymised setting or school to frame your findings.

The presentation should conclude with a reflection of your own philosophical stance you adopt when you consider what care and education should offer.

Want to know more?

To see the module description, please click here.

Year Two (Level 5)

Module title: Global Pedagogies (20 credits)

What’s it about?

Increased policy intervention in the role of Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) has contributed to more information, research, and data on approaches used globally to support children’s learning and development being more widely available. This module draws on ideas about childhood from around the world, analysing examples of practice, teaching, learning, curriculum and pedagogy.

What do I learn?

The module will provide an opportunity for students to develop and articulate critical insights into the organisation, policies and outcomes of educational systems across diverse global contexts. Drawing upon research, data and policy texts; students will consider why specific curriculum practices have developed in different countries and regions of the world at particular times. Students will be encouraged to consider what topical barriers there have been for education systems considering political and economic uncertainties, accounts of war, extremism and global health pandemics.

What’s the assignment?

Students will research two other countries education systems and present their comparison in relation to Britain today with a justification for an improved education system to meet Learning Outcomes 1, 2 and 3.

Want to know more?

To see the module description, please click here.

Module title: Childhood in Society (20 credits)

What’s it about?

This module explores the concept of childhood and how it has evolved over time according to the moral, ethical and political choices that we have made within society. Consideration of these issues will allow practitioners to engage in critical thinking about our concepts of children and childhood and how they influence our thinking and practice.

What do I learn?

Students will be encouraged to explore how certain constructs of childhood have emerged which shape our knowledge and understanding of children’s lives. In addition students will be expected to examine and challenge, where appropriate, their own pre- conceived ideas, attitudes and values about childhood.

What’s the assignment?

A 3000 word essay covering all learning outcomes. Your essay is expected to link three elements of understanding childhood in society: factors that may impact on childhood, UK legislation that covers childhood itself, and the notion of childhood in contemporary society.

Want to know more?

To see the module description, please click here.

Module title: Health in Children (20 credits)

What’s it about?

This module considers the provision and promotion of children’s health and wellbeing within local and national guidelines. Students will explore contemporary issues, considering the influence they have within their daily practice to support healthy lifestyles, physical activity, mental health and nutrition.

What do I learn?

Topics such as family environment, life courses, poverty, access and services will all be debated, exploring differences in geographical location. Health inequalities, media coverage and change in policy are actively encouraged as subjects of class discussion to develop students analytical and evaluation skills progressing from level 4 modules.

What’s the assignment?

The community profile will draw on research, data and statistics (LO1) that influence; services and access (LO2), the impact of physical and mental health (LO3) as well as curriculum frameworks and how this contributes to the role the practitioner has in supporting children and families.

Want to know more?

To see the module description, please click here.

Module title: Introduction to Research (20 credits)

What’s it about?

The content of this module builds on knowledge and understanding developed in Academic Practice at Level 4.

Students are expected to use the rules of the academic world and their relevance to degree-level work. All sessions contain a mixture of activities, from reading and analysing excerpts of text, to reflecting on spoken commentaries, and learning how to engage critically with writings and any juxtaposing findings.

What do I learn?

The content of the taught sessions of this module establish a structured framework for applying a range of academic research skills within the subject area. Students will learn how to differentiate between texts produced for a variety of purposes, including academic articles, book chapters, reports, newspaper articles and filmed material. In considering the limitations and/or validity of a text, students will learn how to critique a resource effectively and thus demonstrate the understanding needed to assess information in the public domain, thereby applying the skills gained.

What’s the assignment?

Students must choose research papers that are relevant to their subject, which may include a focus on communities, community groups, education, human development or Teaching & Learning, leading to the submission of a 3000-word report, which contrasts and evaluates the summaries of two research papers.

Want to know more?

To see the module description, please click here.

Module title: Enabling Environments (20 credits)

What’s it about?

The impact of children’s surroundings on their development is a well documented topic of discussion within the sector. The EYFS guidance actively promotes creating environments that enable children’s opportunities to explore, observe, take part in and recreate experiences. Although the government provides guidelines for mainstream school building design and construction, there is less emphasis on the play and learning environment to be included. The layout, decoration, resources and use of school space will often be the responsibility of staff and should continue to promote active learning.

What do I learn?

This module will explore a range of play and learning environments used within settings, schools and provisions, both indoors and outdoors. Content will evaluate the impact of the environmental space, considering aspects of planning, organisation, risk, inclusivity, and health and safety. The aim of the module is to prepare students with the knowledge and understanding of how to create and plan for a safe, nurturing and responsive space to support play and learning, whilst considering behaviour management, social interactions, emotional wellbeing, motivation and stimulation.

What’s the assignment?

The poster title will be: “Enabling Play and Learning Environments”

Students are expected to evaluate the factors that impact this, whilst comparing and contrasting 2 settings on their effectiveness.
Based on students’ research and experience throughout the module, they will present a

plan for a play space with justified reasons on their poster. The purpose of the academic poster is to attract the attention of the audience and to inspire interest in their chosen area of research. It can use text, graphics, web links and references to convey the central message(s).

Want to know more?

To see the module description, please click here.

Module title: Professional Practice: The Curriculum (20 credits)

What’s it about?

The purpose of this module is support students to expand the knowledge and skills gained through successful completion of the Level 4, “Professional Practice: The Practitioner” and Level 4 “Curriculum Studies” modules.

What do I learn?

The module aims to explore different approaches to curricula and compares those studied with alternative educational settings. Students will develop a deeper understanding of how policy has influenced educational provision for children 0-11 and assess how this impacts practice. An evaluation of the historical and current attitudes to children’s play and creativity will also be undertaken to strengthen students’ understanding of the sector. Students will then examine and apply how these approaches can be used when planning and delivering a STEM activity.

What’s the assignment?

Students will plan and conduct a 20-minute assessed practical activity including a rationale for their proposed activity.

Within the rationale students should address LO1 and LO2 and within the activity plan should address LO3. Students will include a reflection on how play and creativity has been incorporated into a STEM activity.

Want to know more?

To see the module description, please click here.

Year Three (Level 6)

Module title: Children’s Rights (20 credits)

What’s it about?

The legal position of children has been enhanced by the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child to encompass principles of protection, provision of services and participation. This module explores the different dimensions of children’s rights and their influence on the care and welfare of children and their families.

What do I learn?

While human rights have been accepted since the end of the Second World War, it took longer for children’s rights to be adopted. The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child 1989 (UNCRC) has endeavoured to enhance the lives of all children across the world. It encompasses, amongst other things, principles and concepts of protection, the provision of services, and, as well, participation by the child. This international document requires governments to ensure children obtain certain rights – in the United Kingdom, this was achieved through the Children Act 1989 and subsequent legislation.

What’s the assignment?

A 3500 word essay covering all learning outcomes

Your essay will address three key elements in relation to children’s rights: general principles associated with children’s rights, the role of the practitioner, and a critical understanding of the different implementation of children’s rights internationally

Want to know more?

To see the module description, please click here.

Module title: Research Methodologies (20 credits)

What’s it about?

The content of this module builds on knowledge and understanding developed in Academic Practice at Level 4 and Introduction to Research at Level 5. Students are expected to deepen their understanding of the rules of the academic world, and to apply these to group activities and individual written work

What do I learn?

All sessions contain a mixture of activities, from reading and critically appraising excerpts of text, to reflecting on spoken commentaries, learning how to engage critically with writings and evaluating effectively juxtaposing information. The content of the taught sessions of this module establish a structured framework for understanding and applying a range of research methodologies.

What’s the assignment?

The critical evaluation of the research methodology chosen for the subsequent writing of the undergraduate dissertation, enables students to review and critique a methodological approach, thereby enhancing their understanding of a research tool prior to applying it

Want to know more?

To see the module description, please click here.

Module title: Undergraduate Dissertation (40 credits)

What’s it about?

Building on the skills, knowledge and understanding developed in the Level 6 Research Methodologies module, the writing of an undergraduate dissertation enables students to conduct a detailed study of a topic relevant to their discipline. The undergraduate dissertation is a document that is a substantial piece of critical writing which evidences its author’s ability to apply the analytical research skills learnt to date.

What do I learn?

The Undergraduate Dissertation is an opportunity for students to explore a topic by using a methodological approach relevant to the dissertation title. The delivery structure of the module enables students to move gradually from structured group sessions towards individual supervision.

What’s the assignment?

The dissertation will be assessed according to the marking criteria applicable to the module.

Want to know more?

To see the module description, please click here.

Module title: Leading and Managing In Education (20 credits)

What’s it about?

Leaders in education are striving to meet the demands of the education sector whilst continuously being challenged by external macro factors such as funding, regulatory requirements and staffing. This module is designed to introduce learners to the complexities of leading and managing in educational settings today, whilst exploring the transferable skills required of a leader which can be applied at all levels.

What do I learn?

This will enable learners to understand the strategic aims of a setting that they wish to embark a career within; and develop an appreciation of the contextual challenges that senior leadership teams face. In doing so, learners will be able to demonstrate a strong grasp of educational issues and how they can be resolved from a leadership perspective. This will prove enabling and assist career development.

What’s the assignment?

Select an educational setting of your choice and prepare a report to address the following:

Critically analyse a range of macro challenges that the senior leadership team will face that will influence the setting meeting its strategic aims.

Evaluate a range of leadership and management principles, competencies and skills which can be implemented or demonstrated to address the challenges that you have identified. Explain the potential impact of these on the setting’s strategic aims.

Want to know more?

To see the module description, please click here.

Module title: Professional Practice: In Context (20 credits)

What’s it about?

This module follows on from the knowledge and experiential learning gained in Professional Practice: The Curriculum (Level 5) and Professional Practice: The Practitioner (Level 4). This final Professional Practice module will prepare students to synthesise theory and application as they prepare to graduate and enter professions.

What do I learn?

During this module, the students will analyse and reflect upon a change to be made in practice drawing from current key issues and debates. Students will then plan and deliver a practical activity that demonstrates the change made to practice. This will support the justification of how the Early Years Foundation Stage and The National Curriculum meet the needs of children (0 -11).

What’s the assignment?

Students will plan and conduct a 20-minute assessed practical activity, including a rationale for their proposed activity.

Within the rationale students should address LO1 and LO2. The activity plan should address LO3 – 5 and students will include a reflection on how a change made to practice impacted the children’s learning during the activity.

Want to know more?

To see the module description, please click here.

Pre-2020 Course Information

This programme was previously validated by the University of Essex as BA (Hons) Childhood Studies. Students who commenced study on the course prior to September 2020 will complete modules approved by the University of Essex and upon successful completion will be awarded a University of Essex validated degree.

Please find below a list of modules for each year of the BA (Hons) Childhood Studies.

Year 1:

Module title: Introduction to Early Years Care and Education: Integrated Practice (15 credits)

What’s it about?

This module will introduce students to the professional world of childcare. They will learn about the range of settings in which the care and education of children 0 – 8 years old takes place, and the roles of the workers in those settings.

What do I learn?

You will learn about the EYFS, the National Curriculum and the structure of Early Years provision in the UK. Lectures will explore legislation, policies, practices, guidelines and procedures that you will experience within your Early Years placements.

What’s the assignment?

As part of this module the students will be seen and assessed in a practical observation during placement. Additionally, there will be a 2,500-word written assignment.

Want to know more?

To see the module description, please click here.

Module title: The Holistic Approach to Child Development (30 credits)

What’s it about?

This module will support you in understanding how children develop and what you can do as practitioners to develop and meet their holistic needs. You will be developing skills in observing children and interpreting those observations.

What do I learn?

The module will teach you key theories and perspectives in child development. There will be detailed exploration into physical, cognitive, language, social and emotional development of children and how to observe these within settings.

What’s the assignment?

This module has a written assignment of 6,000 words.

Want to know more?

To see the module description, please click here.

Module title: Research and Study Skills (15 credits)

What’s it about?

This module will help you to build research and study skills that you can use within your own studies or professional practice.

What do I learn?

You will learn how to retrieve information from a variety of sources as well as exploring major social research methods and processes. The module will give you an introduction to quantitative and qualitative research, data collection, methodological approaches and ethical considerations.

What’s the assignment?

This module has a written assignment of 3,000 words in patchwork text.

Want to know more?

To see the module description, please click here.

Module title: Safeguarding Children (15 credits)

What’s it about?

This module aims to deepen your understanding of the issues around children’s welfare and how you can support children to safeguard themselves.

What do I learn?

You will engage in delicate discussions around child abuse whilst exploring the relationship between safeguarding children, current legislation, the family and the state. There will be an analysis of policies and procedures in children’s services and we will equip you with the listening skills to prepare for challenging circumstances.

What’s the assignment?

This module has a written assignment of 3,000 words in a report format.

Want to know more?

To see the module description, please click here.

Module title: Difference and Diversity (15 credits)

What’s it about?

This module will explore difference and diversity within Early Years settings. There will be a range of debates on inclusion, exclusion, disability, special educational needs and rights.

What do I learn?

You will identify sources of support, information and resources about managing diversity in Early Years settings and consider how they can be used. You will be discussing ethical issues related to the differences and reflect upon your own personal beliefs and values.

What’s the assignment?

A 3,000-word essay.

Want to know more?

To see the module description, please click here.

Module title: Childhood in Society (15 credits)

What’s it about?

This module will explore the concepts of childhood and how it has evolved over time across different cultures and societies. In addition, students will be expected to examine and challenge, where appropriate, their own pre- conceived ideas, attitudes and values about childhood.

What do I learn?

You will explore historical views of childhood, legislation that frames childhood in the UK, and the social construction of childhood. You will learn about current influences and factors that impact childhood such as poverty, homelessness, health, gender, class, disability and race.

What’s the assignment?

A 3,000 word essay.

Want to know more?

To see the module description, please click here.

Module title: Outdoor Play – the root of learning (15 credits)

What’s it about?

This module will explore play as a fundamental means to children gaining knowledge and skills and examines the role of the outdoors in this.

What do I learn?

There will be a mix of practical, playful activities in nearby outdoor space. During this time you will explore different theories and philosophies that support children in outdoor play and why it is important for children.

What’s the assignment?

A 3,000 word essay.

Want to know more?

To see the module description, please click here.

Year 2:

– Start Only

Module title: Research Appreciation and Critiquing: Diet, Exercise and Learning (30 Credits).

What’s it about?

This module will concentrate particularly on developing, in the students, the ability to identify researchable problems, to critically analyse research approaches and methods of data collection and to evaluate published research. Emphasis will be placed on the discussion of ethics and power in relation to research relating to diet, exercise and learning.

What do I learn?

You will develop skills in identifying researchable problems/questions in relation to diet, exercise and learning inclusive of environmental factors. There will be opportunities to analyse the impact of different types of research activity on the development of policy and practice and key legislation. Through this analysis you will then be able to critically analyse and compare published research approaches. This will enable you to debate the ethical issues arising in research.

What’s the assignment?

A report of 3,000 words.

Want to know more?

To see the module description, please click here.

Module title: Play, the Curriculum and the Developing Child: Integrated practice (30 Credits)

What’s it about?

This module is designed to give students a deeper understanding of the importance of play in young children’s learning, and how practitioners working with children 0-8 years of age plan and organise play opportunities that will facilitate the delivery of Early Years curricula. They will have the opportunity to join in with that planning and delivery in their placements.

What do I learn?

You will analyse the elements of a chosen Early Years setting that support and encourage learning, comparing it with alternative Early Years settings. Therefore, it is important that you evaluate the importance of effective communication with young children. Within class discussion we will also debate the importance of differentiation and inclusion in planning the Early Years curriculum. This module also has a practical element: you will be asked to plan a range of play-based activities and evaluate the delivery of these activities.

What’s the assignment?

A 4,000-word portfolio and a practical assessment with a reflective evaluation.

Want to know more?

To see the module description, please click here.

Module title: Health Issues in Childcare & Education (15 Credits)

What’s it about?

This module considers children’s health from several perspectives, from the promotion and maintenance of health to the impact that societal issues such as drug abuse and mental health within a family can have upon children. The emphasis will be multidisciplinary, combining health, politics, sociology, philosophy and psychology.

What do I learn?

You will report on research undertaken on social, economic and cultural influences on family health and access to health care. This will enable you to analyse key factors in the promotion of community health and health education to find patterns of need. Through looking at the impact of physical/mental health you will be able to evaluate the impact on the family and child development.

What’s the assignment?

A report of 3,000 words.

To see the module description, please click here.

Module title: Introduction to Counselling Skills (15 Credits)

What’s it about?

This is an optional module for students with a particular interest in developing the skills and knowledge associated with mentoring, counselling and active listening. Importantly, you will develop an understanding of when the parent/carer would benefit from the support of professionals in the field and how to refer them on.

What do I learn?

Through class discussions you will debate the ethical perspectives of counselling and support for children, parents/carers and colleagues. You will analyse two therapeutic models that can be applied to support individuals in crisis. This will enable you to evaluate strategies for managing situations where individuals may need their support or the support of others

What’s the assignment?

Workbook (2,500 word equivalent) and video presentation.

To see the module description, please click here.

Module title: Creativity in Children’s Learning (15 Credits)

What’s it about?

In this optional module, we will explore theories that empower us to be confident with children’s creativity: from the philosophical, Steiner and Malaguzzi, through art inspired Csiksentmilhalyi and Nicholson, to modern education thinkers such as Robinson and Craft. Woven into this rich mix will be the impact of the groundbreaking National Advisory Committee on Creative and Cultural Education (NACCCE) report and the context of the National Curriculum as we discover the facilitators and inhibitors to children’s creativity and arrive at an evaluation of the benefits of creativity in our society.

What do I learn?

You will analyse and evaluate historical and current attitudes to children’s creativity. Through class discussion we will debate the facilitators, motivators and barriers involved in nurturing children’s creativity within the structure of age appropriate curricula. From this you will be able to present and appraise a context for supporting children’s creativity that encompasses national strategies for education.

What’s the assignment?

3,000 word written report.

To see the module description, please click here.

Module title: Philosophical and Psychological Perspectives on Learning in the Early Years (15 credits)

What’s it about?

This module looks at the theoretical perspectives behind the different approaches to learning and teaching in Early Year’ settings. Students will be encouraged to think about the relationship between the individual, their learning styles, and the model of knowledge construction used in particular settings.

What do I learn?

You will learn about different philosophies and views of learning and how you can apply, observe and reflect on these within practice. This will involve debating the nature of knowledge and how to construct this.

What’s the assignment?

This module has a written assignment of 3,000 words in patchwork text.

To see the module description, please click here.

Module title: Domestic Abuse (15 credits)

What’s it about?

The nature and impact of domestic abuse and current responses by health and social care and the criminal justice system.

What do I learn?

You will learn about the different manifestations of coercive and controlling behaviour associated with domestic abuse and the impact on victims in relation to gender, age, culture and sexual orientation. You will develop an understanding of different theories of domestic abuse with particular reference to patriarchal societies. You will appreciate the experience of survivors in the criminal justice system and evaluate current practice and services.

What is the assignment?

3,000 word written assignment.

To see the module description, please click here.

Year 3:

Module title: (30 credits) Planning and Delivering the Early Years Curriculum

What’s it about?

This module aims to consolidate students’ knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage and of the National Curriculum Key Stage 1, enabling students to use their knowledge to plan, lead and evaluate activities and learning opportunities in order to contribute to children’s development and learning.

What do I learn?

You will analyse the developmental and learning needs of children in their setting. You will critically evaluate how the Early Years Foundation Stage and the National Curriculum Key Stage 1 meets the developmental and learning needs of young children. An examination of the potential impact of current policy, proposed changes to Early Years curriculum and the Early Years settings will be made.

You will plan and lead sequences of learning opportunities and activities which make a positive contribution to children’s development and learning, negotiating the implementation of these into the settings curriculum and evaluating these within the placement setting.

What’s the assignment?

6,000 word report.

To see the module description, please click here.

Module title: (30 credits) Undergraduate Dissertation

What’s it about?

This module is designed to support students in the planning and implementation of an undergraduate dissertation based upon an area of Early Years practice of your choice. This will consist of either a literature review, extended essay or a research proposal.

What do I learn?

You will choose and define the scope of an appropriate area for investigation and development, acting autonomously with minimal supervision. You will produce a review of literature that demonstrates your ability to critically evaluate and analyse the selected research material. You will show a critical appreciation of the uncertainty, ambiguity and limits of knowledge specific to your selected research area and demonstrate a critical understanding of primary or secondary research strategies in answering your research question. Finally, you will critically evaluate evidence to justify and create recommendations in relation to these research strategies and consider implications for professional practice.

What’s the assignment?

An outline of research (500 words) and either a literature review or an extended essay or research proposal (7,500 words)

To see the module description, please click here.

Module title: (15 credits) Advocacy

What’s it about?

This module offers the opportunity for participants to explore the purpose, principles and models of advocacy. Advocacy is now embodied in legislation relating to children and people with mental health problems and is an important method of raising awareness on a variety of issues that may lead to improvements in policy, legislation and service development and delivery.

What do I learn?

You will identify and critique the purpose and principles of advocacy and critically examine and compare the various models of advocacy. You will critically reflect and review the role of advocacy in relation to children and people with mental health problems.

What’s the assignment?

3,000 word written essay.

To see the module description, please click here.

Module title: (15 credits) Children’s Rights

What’s it about?

What do I learn?

You will analyse key concepts concerning children’s rights and critically evaluate the role of practitioners in fulfilling the rights of the child, whilst demonstrating a critical awareness of differences in the implementation of children’s rights across the world.

What’s the assignment?

3,000 word written essay.

To see the module description, please click here.

Module title: (15 credits) Pan European Childcare and Education

What’s it about?

By researching the care and education of the under eights in other European countries, students will compare and contrast the different experiences of young children and consider the implications for our own professional practice.

What do I learn?

You will research the Early Years child care and education of two other European states and critically evaluate the systems that you have researched in contrast with that in Britain today. You will analyse the implications of moving into a different care and education system on a child and on an Early Years worker, whilst formulating and justifying your own recommendations for a pan-European system.

What’s the assignment?

3,000 word portfolio.

To see the module description, please click here.

Module title: (15 credits) Management, Supervision and Organisational Behaviour

What’s it about?

This module is designed to introduce students to the importance of leadership, management and supervision principles in Early Years settings whilst considering how these principles will impact upon Early Years strategy and organisational behaviour.

What do I learn?

You will evaluate the application of the general principle of management to the Early Years sector and understand the main factors that influence the behaviour of individuals and groups in organisations. You will think critically and analytically about change processes and the efficacy of various strategies aimed at the resolution of organisational issues and problems facing Early Years leaders. Finally, you will discuss the role of individual supervision both for the development of the individual practitioner and for the professional practice as a whole.

What’s the assignment?

3,000 word essay.

To see the module description, please click here.

Disclaimer

All Fees and prices shown on the website are for courses starting in the 2021-22 academic year and are correct at the time of entering/printing information, however these may be subject to change. The College cannot accept legal or financial liability as a result of any such changes.

The course information describes programmes offered by University Centre Colchester at Colchester Institute. The College takes all reasonable steps to provide courses as described, but cannot guarantee provision. The information is for guidance and does not form any part of a contract.

The College reserves the right to update and amend information as and when necessary. University Centre Colchester at Colchester Institute will do its best to provide the courses shown, but may have to modify or withdraw a course depending on customer demand and other factors.