MA Early Years Education course preparation, January entry
To help you feel confident and ready to begin your MA Early Years Education studies, we’ve put together everything you need to start preparing. Below you will find where you’ll be learning and practical tips to help you make a smooth transition to postgraduate study. Read on to find out what’s waiting for you.
Where your department is based:
As an education student, you’ll have use of the facilities across our stunning campus, but your department is based in our Piazza building. You will have some lectures and seminars in other buildings that will be highlighted in your timetable.
Facilities in our Piazza building include:
- open plan study and meeting spaces
- faculty staff offices
- lecture theatre
- a number of seminar rooms
How to prepare for your transition to postgraduate study
At Edge Hill, you can access our Preparing to Study toolkits which introduces you to essential academic skills. The toolkit you may be most interested in is Postgraduate Taught toolkit. This topic introduces you to the step up from undergraduate to taught postgraduate (PGT) study. We will help you to recognise and understand what the expectations are in relation to academic research, reading and writing skills at this level. We will also introduce you to the many ways you can access support during your time at Edge Hill.
We know that you’re aware that studying at university will include hard work. But succeeding at university is more than academic ability alone. There are a few skills that you can start developing now, so that you’re a pro when it comes to the start of your studies in January.
- Time management – you may have to juggle assessments, lectures, work and social activities. Developing strong time management skills early on will help you to prioritise deadlines, stay organised and make the most of your time.
- Critical thinking – university study encourages you to question ideas, evaluate evidence and for your own informed decisions. You’ll be expected to engage critically with the work you’re studying in a professional, academic manner. Your opinions matter, so don’t be afraid to share them.
- Teamwork – some modules may require you to work with others on your course to complete tasks and discuss analytical findings. Learning how to contribute confidently and work collaboratively as part of a team is a key professional skill.
- Independent work – contrary to the above, it’s also important to be able to work independently. The majority of your work will need to be submitted individually, so it’s important you take ownership of your learning. And if there’s something you don’t understand, make sure you ask your tutor.
- Self-motivation – you’ll be encouraged to manage your own workload. That means you won’t have a teacher chasing you for deadlines. So it’s important that you hold yourself accountable and make the decision to put the work in.
To remind yourself of your modules, please visit your course page:
Get ready for your first module
Your first module will be Contemporary Debates in Education. In this module, we will grapple with a range of contemporary theories related to broad educational themes and your chosen specialism in more depth and consider their relationship with practice. To get you in the mindset, we have suggested the following blog to read and get you thinking:
Useful websites:
The following websites are great places to keep up to date with the latest educational research in a digestible format, written by the people who have conducted the research themselves.
Materials you may need:
It’s a good idea to wait until you start your course to buy any books or specific equipment as your tutor will be able to provide more details about what is essential. And our library may be able to provide you with reading materials. But there are a few things you may want to consider.
- Academic diary – a staple to help you with your time management as well as upcoming tasks in both your academic and personal life.
- Notepads and pens – some people prefer to do this digitally rather than on paper, whichever you prefer, make sure you have the resources to complete any notes you’d like to take. If you like to write on a physical notepad, consider an A5 size so that it’s easier to carry around.
And of course, anything else that you like to use for your academic studies, like highlighters, flashcards and folders.
Building your community
We understand that sometimes it can feel a bit daunting when you join somewhere new for the first time. Even if you completed your undergraduate degree here, you may be feeling apprehensive about taking on a new challenge. But we’re here to reassure you that whatever you’re feeling is normal. Once you arrive, you’ll be able to find out what activities and clubs/societies are available for you to get involved with. These are the perfect way to meet like-minded people who share the same passions as you. Make sure to use the Student Life Portal to keep up to date with all the events happening at Edge Hill. And keep an eye on your email inbox and our socials to see what’s happening during your Welcome Week in January.
Your department contacts
For further information, queries or a chat, please contact the department.
You can also find out more about the department and meet the team.
Accessibility
At Edge Hill, we want you to feel supported and comfortable so that you can thrive. To help you achieve your goals, we offer a wide range of resources, both online and on campus.
Through our Assistive and Accessible Technologies Toolkits, all students have access to software and apps on their devices, including Mind Mapping, Text-to-Speech, Help and Learn, and Note-taking on their devices. You can find out how to use these toolkits on our Assistive Technology webpage.
We pride ourselves in being accessible to all, helping you make the best out of your university experience. With over $350m invested, Edge Hill offers state-of-the-art facilities, dedicated study spaces and on-campus accommodation. We have also created a range of guides to help you plan and navigate life at Edge Hill. You can gain access to these guides on our Accessibility on Campus webpage.
Our brand story
In 2026, Edge Hill’s brand evolved, introducing a fresh, modern look while continuing to represent our suffragette roots and pioneering spirit. The rebrand is not a reinvention, but a progression. An evolution of our identity, not an erasure of our past.
It builds on what has always made Edge Hill distinctive, expressing who we are today with greater clarity, confidence and ambition. Our brand honours our heritage while looking decisively to the future.
We are excited to introduce our rebrand to you and you can learn more about our brand story on our website.