Early Childhood Studies (BA)

In this module you will explore the many ways children communicate and make meaning from birth, including verbal and non verbal expression, reading and early writing. You will examine how children engage with books, develop reading and writing skills, learn multiple languages and how best to support those with SEND. You will reflect on key theories of language development and practise observing and documenting children’s communication. You will also consider equity, diversity and inclusion, exploring how social, cultural and policy contexts shape early communication and literacy, and reflect on global perspectives and your own experiences.

In this module you will deepen your understanding of the nature, purpose and use of educational research in local, national and global contexts. You will engage critically with different methodologies and paradigms, exploring how evidence is gathered, interpreted and applied across varied social, economic and cultural settings. You will examine how research informs professional practice, shapes policy and supports educational innovation. Through ethical and methodological reflection, you will strengthen your skills in enquiry and learn to connect theory with practice, helping you contribute to inclusive and evidence based educational environments.

In this module you will learn how to create and sustain safe, inclusive learning environments across a range of early years settings. You will examine how teaching approaches, culture and relationships influence children’s and young people’s experiences, and explore the four areas of need within SEND frameworks with a focus on neurodiversity and autism. You will analyse different understandings of disability, develop inclusive practice, and strengthen your collaboration with professionals, families and communities. By linking theory to practice, you will build skills in observation, reflection and analysis to support environments where everyone feels valued and included.

In this module you will build on your first placement experience by extending your professional skills across 210 hours in nurseries, early years settings, schools, or other areas of early childhood. You will deepen your understanding of children’s development, health, wellbeing, participation and learning, while strengthening your reflexive practice through academic reading and reflective tasks. You will work to develop ethical, respectful relationships with children, families and practitioners, recognising the importance of social and cultural context. Support from mentors and tutors will guide your progress as you evidence the Early Childhood Graduate Practitioner Competencies and prepare for your oral assessment.

In this module you will explore what it means to be an imaginative and ethical leader in the early years. You will reflect on your own values, engage with real scenarios and develop the confidence to advocate for children’s rights and inclusive practice. Through storytelling, case studies, role play and creative reflection, you will build the skills to lead with compassion and creativity. You will finish the module with practical strategies to inspire others, support families, shape meaningful learning environments and champion the voices of young children.

In this module you will consolidate your learning and placement experiences from across the BA ECS course, developing as a confident, analytical and reflective early years professional. You will complete 175 hours in nurseries, schools, family hubs or other settings, ensuring experience with children from birth to eight. You will strengthen your democratic and reflexive practice, build professional relationships, and evaluate your progress in achieving the Early Childhood Graduate Practitioner Competencies. Guided by tutors and mentors, you will reflect on your pedagogical thinking, document your learning in a reflective log, and prepare for your oral assessment, demonstrating your readiness for professional practice.

In this module you will undertake your Capstone Project, bringing together the knowledge, skills and experiences gained throughout your degree. You will design and complete an independent project in education or early childhood studies that reflects your interests, whether through action research, investigation, dissertation or another in-depth study with real-world relevance. Supported by a supervisor, you will apply theory to practice, integrate prior learning and placement experiences, and develop professional expertise. This module will challenge you to produce work that demonstrates academic rigour, practical impact, and prepares you for future career opportunities or further research.

In this module you will explore how children, childhood and young people are represented across media, including films, TV, social media and news. You will examine theory and literature to critically analyse these portrayals and consider their impact on practice. You will investigate children’s engagement with online spaces, including social media, YouTube and gaming, and explore safeguarding strategies to support wellbeing and mental health. Through this module you will develop the skills to deconstruct media influences, understand their real-life implications, and confidently apply this knowledge to inform and guide practice in your professional settings.

In this module you will develop a play-based pedagogy and advocate for meaningful play opportunities for all children. You will explore attitudes and perceptions of play, with a particular focus on outdoor play and its role in children’s learning and holistic development. You will examine how culture, socioeconomics, politics and climate change influence play provision, and critically evaluate the benefits and limitations of technology on play. Through this, you will learn to design inclusive and engaging play environments that support children’s growth, curiosity and creativity across diverse contexts.

30 credits

You will develop your core academic and integrated English language skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing. You will become familiar with key academic skills and concepts, such as referencing methods and awareness of academic integrity and tone. You will apply these skills and knowledge to both broad topics and also your chosen subject pathway.

Teaching and learning

You will be required to actively engage in on-campus learning for up to 10 hours a week.

You will be taught through a full range of teaching and learning methods, which include lectures, seminars, workshops, discussion groups, group directed tasks and presentations. This will enable you to learn from your peers and tutors in both structured and information settings.

You will be encouraged to think creatively about your approach to learning and discussions with your peers. You will also have access to recordings, resources, links and signposting through Moodle to enrich your learning.

Assessment

You will be assessed through group and individual presentations, comparative and reflective essays, multiple choice exams, coursework and reports, oral exams, portfolios, case studies and blogs.

30 credits

You will develop your core academic and integrated English language skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing. You will become familiar with key academic skills and concepts, such as referencing methods and awareness of academic integrity and tone. You will apply these skills and knowledge to both broad topics and also your chosen subject pathway.

Teaching and Learning

You will be required to actively engage in on-campus learning for up to 10 hours a week.

You will be taught through a full range of teaching and learning methods, which include lectures, seminars, workshops, discussion groups, group directed tasks and presentations. This will enable you to learn from your peers and tutors in both structured and information settings.

You will be encouraged to think creatively about your approach to learning and discussions with your peers. You will also have access to recordings, resources, links and signposting through Moodle to enrich your learning.

Assessment

You will be assessed through group and individual presentations, comparative and reflective essays, multiple choice exams, coursework and reports, oral exams, portfolios, case studies and blogs. 

30 credits

You will develop your research, numeracy and information technology skills. You will investigate the difference between primary and secondary research, conduct your own research project and demonstrate your findings through data analysis. You will also develop your awareness of equality, diversion and inclusion in the UK, through a real-world issue; discrimination in the workplace.

Teaching and learning

You will be required to actively engage in on-campus learning for up to 10 hours a week.

You will be taught through a full range of teaching and learning methods, which include lectures, seminars, workshops, discussion groups, group directed tasks and presentations. This will enable you to learn from your peers and tutors in both structured and information settings.

You will be encouraged to think creatively about your approach to learning and discussions with your peers. You will also have access to recordings, resources, links and signposting through Moodle to enrich your learning.

Assessment

You will be assessed through group and individual presentations, comparative and reflective essays, multiple choice exams, coursework and reports, oral exams, portfolios, case studies and blogs. 

30 credits

This module provides an in-depth exploration of the principles, theories and practices underpinning learning and child development. You will gain a comprehensive understanding of the key factors influencing children’s physical, cognitive, social and emotional growth, as well as your implications for effective educational practice. Drawing on foundational theories by Piaget, Vygotsky, Froebel, Skinner and others, this module bridges the gap between theoretical perspectives and practical application in diverse educational contexts.

Through weekly themes, you will examine milestones in child development, the role of play, language acquisition, individual differences, and the impact of external environments, including technology, on learning. Special emphasis is placed on reflective practice, observation, and assessment techniques, as well as strategies to support diverse learners, including those with special educational needs (SEN) and English as an Additional Language (EAL).

This module aims to also develop your critical thinking, analytical skills, and practical expertise, preparing you to create inclusive, supportive, and effective learning environments that foster holistic child development.

Teaching and learning

The teaching delivery for each module consists of one, one-three-hour lecture and one, two-hour seminar per week.

You will have a diverse learning experience of lectures/seminars, case studies, practical sessions and field visits, active learning workshops and microteaches and guest speakers.

You will also have an additional 30 minutes of online support each week to enhance your understanding and learning. This will consist of formal reflection as part of the reflective journal assignment, as well as tutorial support for the informative poster.

Assessment

This module will be assessed using a reflective journal and an information poster.

50% - reflective journal, which documents your learning and insights from each session.

50% - informative poster, you will create an informative poster based on a chosen case study that investigates an aspect of child development.

30 credits

This module explores the relationship between education policies and ethical practices, emphasising your impact on teaching, learning, and professional responsibilities. Through a comprehensive study of key UK and International policies, such as safeguarding, equality, and SEND frameworks, you will critically evaluate how these policies are developed, implemented, and upheld in diverse educational settings.

This module integrates a focus on professional ethics, exploring how educators navigate complex decision-making processes while adhering to policy requirements and maintaining moral and ethical integrity.

The module prepares you to address the challenges of policy compliance and professional accountability while fostering collaboration with diverse stakeholders.

This module also aims to develop your critical thinking, analytical skills, and practical expertise, preparing you to create inclusive, supportive, and effective learning environments that foster holistic child development.

Teaching and learning

By engaging with real-world case studies, global perspectives, and interactive workshops, you will gain the skills to critically analyse policy frameworks, apply ethical reasoning, and ensure inclusive and effective educational practices.

The teaching delivery for each module consists of one, one-three-hour lecture and one, two-hour seminar per week.

You will have a diverse learning experience of lectures/seminars, case studies, practical sessions and field visits, active learning workshops and microteaches and guest speakers.

You will also have an additional 30 minutes of online support each week to enhance your understanding and learning. This will consist of activities to develop your communication skills as well as providing you with opportunities to explore wider policy implementation in diverse/comparative education settings.

Assessment

This module will be assessed using a policy review and a school-based intervention pitch.

40% - policy review, where you will critically evaluate a key education policy.

50% - school-based intervention pitch, you will be design and pitch an intervention aimed at addressing a specific issue related to educational policy and professional ethics.