Early Childhood Studies (MA)

Postgraduate School of Education

This programme is rooted in the profound belief that babies and young children are individuals with inherent agency and unique capabilities. It is dedicated to nurturing their overall well-being from the prenatal stage onward. The 2023 Complete University Guide ranks Roehampton 2nd in London for research quality in Education.

Early Childhood Studies (MA)
Duration

1 year (full-time)
2 years (part-time)

Number of Credits

60 PGCert
120 PGDip
180 MA

Start date

September 2024

Degree Type

MA/PGDip/PGCert

Modules

These modules are those we currently offer and may be subject to change.

Skills

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Gain the expertise you need to standout in today’s marketplace.

Designed with professionals in mind, the Roehampton Early Childhood Studies MA is international renowned for its research into early years education and its Froebelian ethos - so that you can become a leader in your field.

By focusing on graduating with a professional skillset, you’ll become a confident, agile, independent thinker, with the ability to adapt rapidly to change. This incorporates;

• Strengthening your awareness and understanding of the influence of social, cultural and political contexts on young children's lives and explore how you take account of them into action

• Learning advocacy skills for the well-being of young children and their families and develop effective leadership and collaboration techniques across disciplines in the field of early childhood

There is a deep commitment to working in partnership with families and communities and to the development of students’ professionalism, advocacy and leadership.

We are delighted to announce that applications for a Froebel Trust Scholarship for Roehampton's MA Early Childhood Studies are now open.

This year we have two bursaries of £5,000 each to support (partially) students' fees. Applicants starting in September 2023 and January 2024 are invited to apply.

MA Early Childhood Studies and the Froebel Trust are committed to the development of theory and practice in Froebelian education and to increasing the numbers of Froebelian-trained educators. The Scholarship Award will enable suitably qualified students to undertake the MA in Early Childhood Studies at the University of Roehampton. The Award will be explicitly linked to Froebelian principles, and successful applicants will be expected to be able to demonstrate familiarity with these in their prior professional experience and/or academic study.

How to apply:

The deadline for applications is Friday, 15th December 2023 at 5pm. Please read the instructions carefully and complete the application form.

How you'll learn

Choose a Postgraduate Certificate that works for you.

The course is delivered through stimulating, interactive workshops, lectures, and seminars at Roehampton. You will study a range of theoretical perspectives, critically looking at the values and assumptions underpinning these views. Topics you will cover include:

• babies’ and children’s capacity for play, how they think, and how they communicate their ideas and emotions through a variety of ‘languages’ such as talk, mark-making, drawing, construction, movement, music and dance

• there is special focus on Froebel’s legacy in early childhood practice and other key pioneers in the child-centred tradition, which embodies advocacy and respect for children and their families

• the political nature of this work - the advocacy and skills required for the well-being of young children and their families

• how to develop effective leadership collaboration techniques across disciplines in the field of early childhood.

 

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You’ll shape your studies around your own interests and aspirations, with optional modules including:

• Exploring the Froebelian Legacy in Early Childhood Practice

• Representing Childhoods

• Emotion and the Roots of Wellbeing

Research-based project

You’ll also have the chance to you own social and educational research. These skills will be put into practice with an extended in-depth research-based project, critically enquiring into an identified social or educational problem.

The Roehampton School of Education is a progressive and inclusive community, putting you at the centre of your learning journey. By being a student with us, you will have access to the Frobel Archive, containing rare books, toys and photos, collected over the past 200 years.

 

Career options

With a Roehampton MA, you will be prepared for careers in professional practice and leadership in:

• Early childhood

• Education

• Health and social welfare

• Policy making

• Administration of early childhood services

• Research and developing the early years workforce in further and higher education.

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Our careers team is available to support you from the start of your studies until after you graduate. We will help you build your CV, prepare for interviews, and meet and learn from successful graduates working at the top of their careers.

Application Info

How to apply

Postgraduate programmes

International students
Please note that most international applicants have to pay a deposit before securing their place.

  • See our finance pages for more details

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Tuition fees and funding

September 2024 entry tuition fees

UK EU and International
£8,243 £17,325

Need help before you apply?

Our Research

 

We have a long and distinguished history in educational research, working to ensure that all young people are able to benefit from enriching educational experiences, and to become active and engaged global citizens. Please read about the research carried out by academics withing Roehampton's School of Education by visiting the departmental research pages.