BA (Hons) Early Childhood Education and Care 2019/20

The curriculum structure will normally be the following modules:

• Contemporary Issues in Early Childhood 20 credits (Employment based)
• Protection, Power and Participation 20 credits (Employment based)
• Leadership and Management in Early Years 20 credits (Employment based)
• Social Pedagogy 20 credits (Employment based)
• Early Childhood Independent Study 40 credits (Employment based)

The curriculum is reviewed annually by the Stakeholder Committee.

Contemporary Issues in Early Childhood 20 credits (Employment based)

This module develops knowledge, skills and concepts through a critical understanding of the complexity of factors that impact upon the growth and development of young children. For example you might explore the debates and philosophies surrounding the education and care of young children in the UK and around the world. You will be encouraged to reflect upon the ways in which your own values influence your thinking and the impact on the choices you will make on behalf of children and families in your future careers.

Protection, Power and Participation 20 credits (Employment based)

This course module provides you with opportunities to explore, analyse and critically evaluate the concepts of protection, power and participation in different contexts and from a range of perspectives. Through discussion you can explore and analyse the implications of these concepts for children, families, society, services and professionals.

Leadership and Management in Early Years 20 credits (Employment based)

The focus of this module is to examine the key concepts, definitions, theories and philosophies relating to early childhood leadership and management and debate the relationships between theory, policy, research, and ethical practice in the context of leading and managing change. You will identify the key management and leadership styles, roles and theories alongside the challenges and constraints required for leadership and management in a range of contemporary early years professionals within a multi-professional framework.

Social Pedagogy 20 credits (Employment based)

Knowledge and understanding of the purpose, scope and breadth of social pedagogy in the context of meeting the changing needs of the child is the focal point of this module. Theoretical perspectives of pedagogy will be examined within the context of leading practice and leading change. You will critically explore and examine creative approaches to social pedagogy and how this links to relationships with children, for example, through the key person approach, and quality frameworks that aim to enhance experiences and outcomes for children.

Early Childhood Independent Study 40 credits (Employment based)

This module provides you with an opportunity to follow a sustained line of enquiry in an area of interest related to early childhood and to produce a high quality structured and relevant research project which may inform future career development.

We continually review and where appropriate, revise the range of modules on offer to reflect changes in the subject and ensure the best student experience. We will inform applicants of any changes to the course structure before enrolment.

Fees

Tuition Fees for 2019/20 have not yet been finalised. Course webpages will be updated with Tuition Fee information once these have been agreed.

• Read advice about funding your degree
• See information about the financial support available for undergraduate studies
• If you would like information about paying your fees, please contact finance@canterbury.ac.uk
• For specific fee queries, please contact fees@canterbury.ac.uk

Additional course costs

Although we aim to minimise any additional costs to students over and above the course tuition fee, there will be some additional costs which students are expected to meet.

Costs applicable to all students

General principle policy

The University’s general principles policy for additional course fees are set out here

The course consists of one year of study at year three (Level 6). You will typically attend one day per week and will study two 20 credit modules per term and a 40 credit independent enquiry.

Teaching and learning may comprise of, but not be limited to lectures, seminars, workshop, personalised tutorials, guided learning, independent study and blended learning.

The teaching strategies and learning experiences include an increasing proportion of individualised and self-directed learning approaches, as you progress through the course.

Academic input

The teaching team comprises of lecturers, senior lecturers, programme directors and module leaders. Many staff also pursue their own continuing education from masters degrees to doctorates and PhD’s as well as pursuing their own research interests.

Staff represent a diverse set of professional backgrounds including Policing, Education, Social Care, Health, Psychology, local authority, third sector workers, commissioning services, Charities and other agencies. They provide a multidisciplinary and dynamic learning environment that includes specialist knowledge in the field.

All academics have a recognised teaching qualification for Higher Education and fellowship of the Higher Education Academy or are working towards one.

Surprising terms

It is a requirement of the course that you must be working (employed or voluntary) in a relevant setting for a minimum of 15 hours per week.

You will complete one summative assessment task for each 20 credit module (4,000 words). The assessment tasks aim to develop a range of practitioner characteristics through a varied approach and as such are likely to utilise the following assessment methods: Case studies, reports, reflective commentaries on focused observations, essays, presentations, appraisal of professional practice, analysis of issues which arise out of work experience, reading or seminars, self-evaluations, examinations, pedagogic documentation, artefacts.

You must be working (employed or voluntary) in a relevant setting for a minimum of 15 hours per week.

If you do not have English Language or Mathematics at GCSE grade C or above, you will be required to take and pass the University Equivalency tests for entry onto this programme.

A current satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check will be required. Where you do not already have this you can apply for this check through the University. There will be a charge for such applications.