BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies

Summary 2012/13

• Study the perceptions and realities of childhood in our society and across the world;
• Gain a degree that prepares you for a career in the expanding early years employment sector;
• Develop personalised career management and planning skills.

The course has been carefully designed to respond to present and future developments in the area of early childhood. The programme examines key issues about the nature of childhood, of children and of the provision that is made for them.

2012 Entry Requirements

260 UCAS tariff points overall.

Details

Who is this course for?

Anyone with an interest in early years development and those wanting to enter or progress in a career involving children aged 0-7 years will find this course of interest.

What will I gain from this programme?

During the course you will gain a broad understanding of childhood in an historical, socio-cultural and international context, and you will be able to understand how current policies and practice meet the needs of young children and families.

What will I study?

In Year 1 you start with an introduction to Childhood Studies which gives you the conceptual tools for your analysis in Years 2 and 3. You will be able to put your course into a broad context of world development and change as well as getting a basic introduction to social and developmental psychology, social policy and education studies.

Year 2 develops your academic and research skills. You will cover a range of subjects including the notion of equality in society, the way children develop through play, language and literacy in the early years and the range of laws and policies relating to young children and their families.

Year 3 focuses on the critical theory and practice in the key areas of the early years sector, including children’s social services and education. Modules also cover the interdisciplinary nature of children’s services and international perspectives on children and families and safeguarding children and young people. You will also complete a supervised dissertation on a social science topic of your choice.

How will I study?

The programme is taught via lectures, presentations, seminars, workshops, small group work and tutorials. Most sessions are interactive and make use of tutor and student presentations, video recordings, newspaper articles, ICT-based learning and research evidence. The emphasis is on student-centred learning, which encourages you to raise questions, evaluate sources, critique theoretical debate and develop your own analyses. All students can opt to build a national and a European field trip into their optional studies. This involves an intensive, brief period of study in London and/or a major European city such as Amsterdam.

Who will be teaching me?

Staff are engaged in cutting edge research in a number of crucial areas of social science, including subjects of contemporary significance, such as child protection, disability, mental health and sexuality and gender studies.

How will I be assessed?

Achievements are assessed throughout, and at the end of, modules using a variety of methods including essays, case studies, portfolios, poster and oral presentations, analysis of interview findings, completion of directed tasks, an enquiry report, class tests and examinations.

What are my career prospects?

Potential career paths for Early Childhood Studies graduates include the early years sector, social services, education, health authorities, voluntary sector, private sector, further specialist study or postgraduate studies.

A Great Study Environment

Based in 160 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds, the Ormskirk Campus is a unique and inspirational place to study. Industry standard resources and cutting edge technology combine to make an interactive and highly advanced teaching and learning environment. Everything you could want is on one site with 25 acres of sport and leisure facilities, more than 1,000 rooms in halls of residence and fantastic modern spaces in which you can study and socialise.

The University library gives you access to thousands of books, journals, online resources and extensive PC and media provision. You'll get all the support you need to succeed, reflected in Edge Hill University being ranked in the top two in England for students' personal development, and the top three in the country for assessment and feedback, in the 2011 National Student Survey. The University is also featured in the top four in England for graduate employment.

How do I apply?

Apply online through UCAS at www.ucas.ac.uk.

See our How to Apply pages for more information on the application process and our Admissions criteria.

Fees and Finance

For academic year 2012/13, Edge Hill University will charge £9,000 for full-time BA, BSc and LLB degrees. Eligible students will not have to pay upfront for their tuition. The cost of tuition will be paid by a loan which you will only start to repay once you have finished the course and are earning over £21,000.

Eligible full-time students can also apply for a maintenance grant, subject to household income, and a non-means-tested loan to help with living costs.

Edge Hill University offers a range of scholarships for prospective full-time students. These include £2,000 Entrance Scholarships rewarding determination, commitment and achievement in creative arts, performing arts, sport and volunteering. Eligible entrants with outstanding grades are recognised through the £1,000 High Achievers Scholarship.

The University will also be offering awards, worth £3,000 in cash benefits and fee/accommodation waivers for academic year 2012/13, to eligible prospective full-time students through the National Scholarship Programme.

For more information on scholarships, including eligibility criteria for each award, visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/scholarships.

To find out more about fees, grants and loans for academic year 2012/13, visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/undergradfees2012.

Please note, the above information is for UK and eligible EU students only. International students should check the fees and finance information at www.edgehill.ac.uk/internationalfees2012.

Not got the entry requirements?

Students returning to education may present their previous experience in work (paid or unpaid) to support their application.

Students with relevant study through either a professional body or appropriate academic course can apply to join the programme at an advanced stage.

For personalised advice based on your circumstances, please contact us or come to an event.

Where can I find out more?

If you would like to receive a copy of our prospectus or be kept updated about forthcoming events, contact the Course Information, Advice and Guidance Team by emailing study@edgehill.ac.uk or calling 01695 657000.

If you want to attend one of our open events held throughout the year, visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/opendays to book your place.

You will also find Edge Hill University staff at many national careers fairs and UCAS events.

Still want more?

If you have any questions you would like to ask the programme leader about this course, please contact Allison Moore on 01695 584713 or email: moorea@edgehill.ac.uk.

Overseas students should visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/international or email international@edgehill.ac.uk for further information.

Combinations

Joint

• BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies and Sociology (LL53)

Modules

Year 1

Personal Development Programme or Plan (PDP) emphasises the importance given to vocational, transferable and study skills. These are skills that provide a foundation for independent (lifelong) learning and transferable skills that enable employability in the labour market. The PDP at Year 1 is identified in four broad themes: Personal Development Skills, Study and Self Management Skills, Transferable Skills, and Critical Thinking Skills.

The Sociology of Childhood explores traditional and current sociological thinking in the context of childhood. It acknowledges that relatively new empirical and theoretical work has advocated for the conceptual autonomy of children and childhood and that childhood deserves to be at the centre of a sociological analysis rather than linked to other groups. Both micro (social psychological) and macro (structural) approaches are taken to the sociology of childhood as the module prepares you for more advanced sociological analysis in years two and three.

Social and Developmental Psychology covers theories and concepts central to the study of psychology and explores psychological explanations of many core issues across the breadth of psychological work. These include attachment, social and cognitive development in childhood, influences on behaviour, aggression, attitudes and attitude change. The psychological study of human behaviour will allow you to investigate the mechanisms and processes of how we perceive, think and attend to situations, relate to others and function in the wider world.

Introduction to Social Policy initially covers the broad issues within social policy - its various philosophies, underlying ideologies and dimensions and some of its recent relevant social consequences. This will form the basis on which policy and practice with regard to children and young people may be studied, understood and subjected to critical reflection later in the programme.

Introduction to Education Studies considers the interdisciplinary study of education as a process which plays a key role in shaping both the identity of children and young people and the experience of childhood and youth.

Interdisciplinary Childhood Studies introduces you to the multi-disciplinary nature of the study of childhood and youth. You will have the opportunity to explore your personal beliefs, assumptions and expectations about childhood, youth, family and society, and think about the ways in which these are developed, reinforced and perpetuated by dominant ideologies and the roles of social institutions in contemporary Britain.

The module will explore social constructions of childhood and youth as distinct groups and will begin to consider theories based on children and young people being at particular and significant stages of human development.

Introduction to Social and Cultural Theory provides foundation knowledge on the different social and cultural theories that underpins contemporary sociological analysis. As well as providing an overview of different ways in which theorists have thought of modern societies, the module will focus on how we think theoretically.

Year 2

Social Research Methods offers a clear induction into the nature of social science methodology, with a particular emphasis on your chosen programme. In order to develop a deep understanding of the nature and content of any academic discipline, it's necessary to understand how such disciplinary knowledge is produced. Such knowledge clearly is the ultimate product of social scientific research activity and a critical appreciation of methodology is therefore crucial.

The module will enable you to focus on the application of research methods to appropriate topics of study and will culminate in the production of a programme specific dissertation proposal. The module will also offer you the opportunity to develop key transferable skills, which are of currency in the graduate labour market.

Diversity and Equality. At the core of the study of contemporary societies is the notion of equality, and the movement towards a society that is more equal in the way in which rights are accorded and acknowledged. This module seeks to explore the concept of equality, and associated concepts of equal opportunities and anti-oppression, exploring different conceptions and theoretical critiques, the problems and contradictions inherent in the concepts themselves and the issues and problems that arise from putting them into practice.

Contemporary Perspectives on Early Childhood Education and Care builds on Year 1 modules to critically explore approaches to early years' curricula. The module seeks to explore the nature and purpose of early years' education and care and examine the role of play in learning.

Representations of Childhood and Youth explores and analyses ways in which childhood and youth are represented in popular culture in historical and contemporary genre. Film, documentary and TV will be the main areas of focus. A critical approach will be adopted by drawing on theoretical perspectives including cultural theory and constructions of childhood and youth. In taking this approach consideration will be given to representations of social divisions such as age, gender, sexuality, race and disability.

Policy and Law for Children and Young People. The current emphasis on inter-disciplinary and inter-professional approaches to studying and working with children and young people is a welcome and much-needed development, but it presents students with the difficult task of linking theory and practice across a range of settings operating within differing legal and policy contexts. Building upon earlier learning in first year modules, this module enables you to understand these differing legal and policy contexts by situating them within a more general exploration of concepts of need, rights and responsibilities as they apply to the state, the family, the child and the young person.

Social Work with Children and Families. The key feature of this module is its emphasis on the position of 'the child' and 'children’s voices' in theory, policy, research and practice for social work. It is designed to enable you to critically examine the world of Children’s Services from a social work and inter-professional perspective. A critical analytical approach will be taken to the contemporary 'Children's Agenda' and concomitant organisational changes in service delivery. You will also consider the theory and methods that underpin social work with children and young people, enhancing your understanding of reflective practice in modern social work and children's services.

Children's Cultural Worlds engages you with many of the contemporary debates about the changing nature of childhood and the importance to children and young people of their own cultural worlds. A range of sites of both cultural use and creation are explored such as play and the media. Theoretical ideas concerning culture, language, representation and children’s agency are employed to examine the daily lives of children and young people. Experiential Learning provides you with the opportunity to encounter and reflect upon the practical experience of undertaking work in community health, education and social care settings. The module explores the practical application of your knowledge and relates this to the personal circumstances of people's lives. This will be achieved through experiential learning in an approved activity such as work placement, work experience, observational visit, voluntary opportunity or internship. An experiential learning approved activity involves a time commitment of not less than 50 hours, and allows you to demonstrate an understanding of, and competence in, different vocational settings, using specialist and transferable skills such as inter-personal awareness, empathy and reflection.

Year 3

Dissertation provides the opportunity for you to engage in an independent study of a relevant social science area of your own choice with tutorial guidance and supervision. The chosen area must be appropriate to the module pattern studied through your degree. The methodology adopted for the dissertation must be appropriate to the area chosen, and may include primary empirical research.

Contemporary Theory, Policy and Practice in Education enables you to critically examine the world of children’s education and begin to develop reflective practice in modern children’s services. The contemporary ‘Children’s Agenda’ and concomitant organisational changes in service delivery set the backdrop for the module. Lying at the heart of the module is the claim that education is a political activity which confronts a range of issues to do with ideology, politics and values which in themselves function at a variety of different levels of power, status and influence. You will focus on competing discursive narratives, which demonstrate the intensely political nature of education, teaching and learning.

Contemporary Theory, Policy and Practice in Safeguarding Children and Young People focuses on the position of 'the child' and 'children's voices' in theory, policy, research and practice in the arena of child protection. It is designed to enable you to critically examine the world of Children’s Services (social work, education and health) from a distinctly inter-professional perspective and in the specific context of safeguarding children and young people.

Children, Young People and Conflict. For many children and young people around the world the reality of their lives is defined by war, conflict and political violence. It is estimated that there are currently some 300,000 child soldiers, 6 million young people who have been injured in conflicts in the last decade and, of the 12 million refugees in the world today, half are children and most have been displaced by war. This module will explore the ways in which children and young people in societies in conflict are treated as subjects of militarisation and nationalisation, represented as social threats and objects of harm. You will have the opportunity to explore how young people are specifically impacted upon by the issues of underdevelopment, poverty, exploitation and violent social division that are bound up in the nature of contemporary armed conflicts.

Sociological Perspectives on Health and Wellbeing in Childhood examines the interaction between society and children's health and wellbeing. You will consider issues of 'health' in relation to social institutions such as the family and school, exploring health in terms of the influences of the socio-economic status of individuals, ethnic traditions or beliefs, and a range of cultural factors. The module reflects on how the health of individuals and communities is influenced by the environment, social policy and relationships with others. The module also takes account of the way societal inequality can generate mental and physical illness and the way that greater equality can be associated with improved health.

Researching Early Childhood focuses on the main research methodologies used in the study of early childhood, preparing you for personal research projects as well as enabling you to critique the research of others. It will explore what is meant by 'research' from philosophical, ethical and practical perspectives. The module will focus upon ethical considerations in relation to early childhood research and will explore research that incorporates young children’s perspectives.

Contemporary Issues in Early Childhood. This dynamic and evolving module has been designed to respond to and reflect contemporary issues in early childhood. Underpinned by an interdisciplinary perspective, the module will explore critical issues including the role of the early years professional, emancipatory practice with children, and young children’s rights.

European Field Trip offers you the opportunity to spend a short period of time studying abroad. Whilst abroad visits will be made to, for example, non-government organisations, campaigning organisations, early years' facilities, social work services and youth work services. The purpose of the module is to establish a global perspective on the study of children, families and young people. You will consider how constructions of childhood, family and youth are shaped by interactions between cultural representations and political and economic structures in differing social contexts.