BA (Hons) International Early Years Education

Summary 2012/13

• Study a programme designed for both UK and overseas students and explore the theories of children’s learning and development;
• Prepare for a career in the international early years workforce;
• Benefit from a professional placement in a UK early years setting.

This innovative and exciting degree has been designed to provide you with the skills, knowledge and experience to become an outstanding early years education professional.

Devised for both international and UK students who are interested in working with children aged 0-7, this programme provides an opportunity to immerse yourself in theories of children's learning and development and explore international perspectives on early years education.

Integral to your studies is a work placement which will help you develop practical skills and observe the implications of your research and learning. Throughout, you will be attaining the academic and professional abilities vital to your future early years education career.

2012 Entry Requirements

UK Students: A typical offer is expected to be 240 UCAS tariff points or equivalent. You will also require GCSE Mathematics and English Language (or equivalent) at Grade C or above.

Medical clearance is a condition of any offer. If you are a UK applicant and accept a formal offer from Edge Hill University you will be required to apply for a Criminal Records Bureau Enhanced Disclosure indicating that you meet the mandatory criteria of 'Clearance to Work with Children and/or Vulnerable Adults'. Further information will be sent to you after you have firmly accepted an offer.

International Students: International students require the equivalent of 240 UCAS points, verified by the National Recognition Information Centre for the United Kingdom (UK NARIC). You will also require Home Country Police Clearance, medical clearance and IELTS 6.5 (overall and spoken). Students who do not meet the IELTS 6.5 requirement can access a range of Pre Sessional English courses prior to commencing the programme. Please contact the Centre for International Education for further details.

Summary 2013/14

• Study a programme designed for both UK and overseas students and explore the theories of children’s learning and development;
• Prepare for a career in the international early years workforce;
• Benefit from a professional placement in a UK early years setting.

This innovative and exciting degree has been designed to provide you with the skills, knowledge and experience to become an outstanding early years education professional.

Devised for both international and UK students who are interested in working with children aged 0-7, this programme provides an opportunity to immerse yourself in theories of children's learning and development and explore international perspectives on early years education.

Integral to your studies is a work placement which will help you develop practical skills and observe the implications of your research and learning. Throughout, you will be attaining the academic and professional abilities vital to your future early years education career.

2013 Entry Requirements

UK Students: A typical offer is expected to be 280 UCAS tariff points or equivalent. You will also require GCSE Mathematics and English Language (or equivalent) at Grade C or above.

International students require the equivalent verified by the National Recognition Information Centre for the United Kingdom (UK NARIC). You will also require Home Country Police Clearance, medical clearance and IELTS 6.5 (overall and spoken). Students who do not meet the IELTS 6.5 requirement can access a range of Pre Sessional English courses prior to commencing the programme. Please contact the Centre for International Education for further details.

Medical clearance is a condition of any offer. If you are a UK applicant and accept a formal offer from Edge Hill University you will be required to apply for a Criminal Records Bureau Enhanced Disclosure indicating that you meet the mandatory criteria of 'Clearance to Work with Children and/or Vulnerable Adults'. Further information will be sent to you after you have firmly accepted an offer.

Details

Who is this course for?

You should be interested in undertaking academic study, keen to undertake personal research, possess good English Language oral and written communication skills and be able to use ICT effectively. You should also be willing to participate in an early years placement.

How we will support you

Pastoral care will be provided by a personal tutor who will supervise you throughout your studies at University and also while on placement.

What will I study?

In Year 1 of the programme you will develop knowledge and understanding of practice in early years settings, research international early years pioneers, examine a range of positive relationships important to young children, consider the importance of the learning environment and analyse the principles of child development.

Year 2 explores the principles of inclusive practice and offers an international perspective on families and early years provision, enabling you to build a personal vision of quality early years provision. During this year you will be immersed in the planning, delivery, assessment and management required of early years professionals.

In Year 3 you will examine the concepts of holistic learning and creative learning. Additionally, you will compare and contrast leadership and management, focusing on an aspect of your own personal specialism and assessing its impact on children’s learning and development.

How will I study?

The programme will be delivered through a combination of lectures, group tutorials, workshops and personal tutorials. Programme delivery will be supplemented and supported by the virtual learning environment.

Placement

You will undertake a compulsory placement, in pairs or small groups, in an early years setting. Attending your placement for two days per week through the academic year, you will be supported and supervised by your University Personal and Professional Development Tutor. The placement experience will help you develop practical early years skills and observe the implications of your early years research and study.

Who will be teaching me?

You will be taught by a team of highly qualified early years tutors who have considerable professional experience in the field of early years education and who have also benefitted from extensive research-based experience in a variety of countries including China, New Zealand, Italy and Denmark. Guest speakers and specialist professionals will also contribute to the delivery of the programme.

How will I be assessed?

Assessment methods will include poster presentations, oral presentations, practical tasks, problem solving, self-evaluations, reports, case studies and written assignments as well as the development of a personal portfolio.

What are my career prospects?

You will be well placed to secure employment and enjoy a successful career in the early years children’s workforce, in early years settings, in schools or associated early years provision.

Further study at Edge Hill University

MA 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 1,400 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?

UK Students: Apply online through UCAS at www.ucas.ac.uk. Visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/apply for more information on the application process and our Admissions criteria.

International Students: Apply directly to Edge Hill University. Download the international undergraduate application form and notes for guidance (doc). For further information on the application process, visit the Centre for International Education website.

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.

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 about the course, please contact:

• Dawn Davies, Faculty of Education, Edge Hill University, St Helens Road, Ormskirk, Lancashire, L39 4QP
• Tel: 01695 657675
• Email: dawn.davies@edgehill.ac.uk

Overseas students can also contact the Centre of International Education by calling +44 1695 584489 or emailing international@edgehill.ac.uk with any queries.

Modules

Year 1

ICE1000 Personal and Professional Development will help you develop vocational skills and knowledge in your placement through a process of reflection, analysis and target setting. You will develop knowledge and understanding of workplace standards including the requirements of current early years policies and procedures. There will be continuity between theory taught in the classroom and professional development in practice on placement.

ICE1001 International Early Years Pioneers explores a range of international early years pioneers and considers their impact on early years provision. The module involves examining, contrasting and evaluating a number of key educational theorists and their associated theories, making links to practice in educational contexts. You will study a range of practical early years based resources and equipment and consider how these link to theories of learning and development.

ICE1002 Positive Relationships in Early Years supports you in exploring the complexities and benefits of helping children develop positive relationships with key familiar people and other children. You will explore the theories and principles of effective transitions, nurturing and attachment, building resilience, key workers systems and social interactions.

ICE1003 Enabling Early Years Environments explores the principles and benefits of high quality learning environments to support and promote the learning and development of all areas of learning. You will examine the concepts of 'continuous provision', 'emotional environment', 'inclusive environments' as well as fully considering the role of the adult to observe, support, enhance and extend children’s thinking and learning. A range of learning resources will be compared and contrasted to identify their suitability and learning potential in an early years environment.

ICE1100 Child Development and the Unique Child looks at the principles of child development and explores the notion of children’s holistic development. You will examine normative ages and stages of development as well as the importance of the individual developmental needs of the unique child.

Year 2

ICE2000 Personal and Professional Development builds upon your previous personal and professional development. It will enhance your knowledge and understanding of the ways in which early years practitioners lead, plan, teach, assess and manage early years provision. ICE2001 Starting from the Child explores the principles of inclusive practice to support and meet the needs of individual children. The module will identify physiological, social and cultural influences that impact on the development of children. You will compare and contrast a range of observation methods in relation to identifying, assessing and planning to meet the individual learning needs of young children. The module also considers the impact cultural differences and gender have on learning and the role of adults in providing a fully inclusive environment.

ICE2002 Child and Family International Outlook will develop your understanding of the concept of families within an international context. You will identify the impact of social change and environmental influences on the child and family unit. Recognising the importance of sharing information with parents, both written and verbal, you will identify the professional qualities and practices that develop partnership working to promote positive outcomes for children.

ICE2003 Quality, Vision and Principles equips you with the knowledge and understanding to develop a personal vision of quality early years provision. You will review a range of quality improvement systems and consider ways in which you could implement similar quality improvement systems in the early years settings of your home country.

ICE2100 International Perspectives on Early Years Education examines how early years provision is delivered in a range of countries. You will be encouraged to consider the benefits of these on children’s learning and development.

Year 3

ICE3000 Personal and Professional Development explores the concept of Action Research and Research Methodologies. You will be encouraged to identify your own personal or creative specialism and examine the benefits of this for young children.

ICE3101 Holistic Learning explores the concept of holistic approaches to understanding how young children make meaning and then ultimately learn and develop in a socio- cultural framework. There will be an exploration of how children develop as thinkers and analysis of the relationship between cognition and language.

ICE3102 Creative Children critically analyses the definitions, theories and practices of creativity and its fundamental foundation within the cultures and constructs of childhood and children’s learning. You will be supported in developing a coherent knowledge of the definitions of creativity as a disposition for learning and a foundation for children’s holistic learning. Additionally, you will analyse the role of creativity in practice and in relation to play and playfulness. The role of the professional through current research will be explored in establishing creative learning cultures and the relationship between creative learning for children and creative teaching.

ICE3103 Leading International Early Childhood Education compares leadership and management. The module looks at the benefits of and challenges to ‘managing change’ and examines a range of theories in relation to teamwork and team building.

ICE3100 Personal, Creative and Playful Pedagogies critically analyses the definitions, theories and practices of play and playful pedagogies within the cultures and constructs of childhood. This investigation will take place within an international perspective and there will be a focus on developing pedagogy of play through exploring personal definitions and their influence on practice.