BA (Hons) Early Years Education with QTS*

Summary 2012/13

• Train to teach children aged 3-7 and gain Qualified Teacher Status (QTS);
• Become and expert and learn how to enthuse and inspire young children with creative teaching;
• Develop your own interests and receive individual support to meet your needs;
• Benefit from our excellent relationships with schools, settings and local authorities;
• Study with an outstanding provider of high quality Initial Teacher Training.

"Edge Hill University provides its trainees, regardless of their chosen age range, with outstanding training": Grade 1 'outstanding' judgements made in all 33 inspection cells - Ofsted Initial Teacher Education inspection report, 12/5/2011.

Please note, this programme is now closed for September 2012 entry.

* Successful completion of the programme leads to recommendation for Qualified Teacher Status.

This distinctive, three-year full-time programme is an exciting opportunity to train to teach in the Early Years Foundation Stage or in Key Stage 1 of primary schools. If you are committed to becoming an outstanding creative teacher of young children and you want to acquire a deep understanding of how they develop and learn, then this is the programme for you.

2012 Entry Requirements

300 UCAS tariff points overall, to include grades BC or equivalent, plus GCSE Mathematics, English Language and Science at grade C or equivalent. Candidates are expected to have relevant experience in an early years setting or school or working with young children.

Please note, for the purposes of initial teacher training, level 2 numeracy and literacy qualifications are not considered as equivalent to GCSE grade C in mathematics or English. Candidates are expected to have relevant experience in early years settings or schools or working with young children.

If you accept a formal offer from Edge Hill University you will be required to meet the Department for Education's standards for physical and mental fitness to teach and clearance to work with children. Further information, including a Declaration of Health questionnaire and details of how to apply for a Criminal Records Bureau Enhanced Disclosure will be sent to you after you have firmly accepted an offer.

Details

Who is this course for?

If you want to be a skilful and creative teacher of children aged 3-7 years then this is the programme for you.

When you successfully complete this degree you will:

• Have a strong knowledge of Early Years education and excellent classroom management skills, so that you meet the national standards for Qualified Teacher Status.
• Have a comprehensive understanding of young children and how to support their development and education in schools and settings.
• Have developed a thorough knowledge and understanding of a range of issues related to Early Years education and care.
• Be skilled in monitoring and managing your own development and learning.

How we will support you

Your personal tutor and your trained school mentors will support you and help you to monitor and plan your own progress.

What will I study?

You will follow four strands throughout your programme:

• Personal and Professional Development - you will learn how to study effectively at university and take charge of your own development. You will develop the planning, teaching and assessment skills that you need to be an excellent teacher.
• Curriculum - you will study all of the Areas of Learning and Development in the Early Years Foundation Stage and all of the National Curriculum subjects for Key Stage 1, including the use of ICT across the curriculum. Your knowledge will enable you to provide stimulating and imaginative learning experiences for children.
• Enhancement - you will learn about children's social, cognitive and behavioural development and a range of early educational provision. You will carry out a research study of your choice, and choose from a variety of option modules such as Additional Educational Needs or Birth to Three.
• Provision-based Training - you will spend a minimum of 24 weeks on placements in a wide variety of nursery, reception and Key Stage 1 classes during your three years. You will progress from teaching small groups with a partner to teaching a full class on your own as you become more confident in the classroom.

How will I study?

Your university experience will include lectures, seminar groups and independent study supported by online and distance learning materials. In workshops you will engage in and reflect on classroom-type activities. In schools and settings, you will observe and talk to children and teachers and try out different teaching methods.

Placement

You will spend a minimum of 24 weeks on placement in schools and settings over the course of the programme, putting your training into practice by assisting in, and having increasing responsibility for, classes, and working alongside mentors and peers to further your professional development. Your teaching timetable will increase as your training progresses and you become more confident and competent in the classroom.

You will work with children with a range of learning needs and with a range of abilities, providing you with excellent experience in classroom management and the ability to teach individuals and groups at a range of levels.

Who will be teaching me?

You will be taught by a range of highly qualified and experienced tutors including practicising Early Years teachers. Your tutors care passionately about good quality Early Years education and will model outstanding practice to enable you to develop your own teaching style.

How will I be assessed?

You will be assessed in a variety of ways, including portfolios of school-based work, written assignments, oral presentations and your teaching in schools and settings. You will be given clear assessment criteria and constructive feedback to support your progression.

What are my career prospects?

Early Years is a rapidly growing sector within education and our Early Years trainees work in schools across the UK.

Further study at Edge Hill University

As a teacher you will be keen to build your skills as your career progresses. Edge Hill is one of the largest providers of Professional Development for teachers in the country. You could gain further qualifications through your work in schools and settings, or through further in-depth study.

During your ITT programme we will carefully prepare you for your Induction Year by helping you to identify your continuing training needs. Edge Hill's Professional Development Team will continue to support you through your Induction Year and be available to throughout your teaching career.

Related Programmes

• Pathways to Early Years Professional Status (EYPS)
• FdA Early Years Leadership, Education and Practice
• BA (Hons) Primary Education with QTS (Full Time)
• BA (Hons) Primary Education with QTS (Part Time)
• MA Early Years and Management (Pathway)
• MA Early Years Education

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.

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?

If you do not have the relevant GCSEs required for this programme, Edge Hill University offers GCSE equivalency tests in English, Mathematics and Science.

25% of the trainees at Edge Hill University are people returning to study to enhance their career prospects or pursue a personal interest. Once you are studying, we provide ongoing help through Personal Tutors and responsive trainee systems.

If you would like pre-entry advice and guidance about your qualifications, please complete the advice and guidance online enquiry form.

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?