切斯特大学

Inspire the next generation through the practical and theoretical exploration of child development, early childhood issues and professional working.

Course overview

This course’s distinguishing features include support in making the transition to Higher Education, with emphasis upon placement experiences which enable students to link theory to practice. Students have the opportunity to develop their practice in a range of early childhood settings, including placement opportunities abroad. Our graduates leave as knowledgeable professionals with a full and relevant qualification for the purposes of employment within early years settings and a variety of other employment opportunities.

Why study this course with us?

There is a continued recognition that Early Childhood Studies is a distinctive specialism with its own career pathways. This stimulating and challenging degree recognises the importance of the academic study of early childhood and the particular ways this important phase of human development is provided for in our society.

Achieving this degree can prepare you for the world of work in a number of ways; for some candidates this is likely to be in the care and education field. A distinctive feature of this programme is the support offered to gain an additional Level 3 qualification in Paediatric First Aid.

Students will also have the option to achieve Graduate Practitioner Competencies which are recognised by The Department for Education and will enhance employability and progression to post-graduate study such as Qualified Teacher Status, Social Work, Children’s Nursing, and other career pathways.

Our students are closely supported by their tutors as part of small teaching groups, which means that we get to know our students really well in lectures, seminars and personal tuition. Students are taught by tutors who are experts in their own field and are all actively engaged in their own research interests.

Teaching methods

Teaching methods include lectures, seminars and tutorials. You will also undertake placement experiences, providing the opportunity to achieve a degree which immediately qualifies you to work with babies and young children in the 0-5 age range.

Assessment

A variety of modes of assessment are a feature on this course. Examples include: coursework; portfolio; essay; presentation; child study; curriculum planning and rationale; and the production of a dissertation. You will also be assessed in practice by your placement mentor and University Tutor.

Job prospects

Previous graduates have entered into roles as a Teaching Assistant, Early Years Practitioner or self-employment as Nannies and Childminders.

Graduates have also progressed to further study such as Children's Nursing, Social Work, Qualified Teacher Status and Early Years Teacher Status. Some have progressed to higher level academic study in Children's Psychology and Early Childhood.

The Early Childhood Studies degree sits within the Early Years careers progression map, which has been designed by Early Years experts and stakeholders and supported by the Department for Education (DfE).