Course summary

This course allows you to study Early Childhood Studies as a single honours degree, giving you an in-depth knowledge of the subject. In studying Early Childhood Studies you’ll have the chance to inspire the next generation of children and have a positive impact on their lives. You’ll mainly focus on the educational, social and health care of children from birth to 8 years of age, gaining an appreciation of how they think and learn, as well as developing an understanding of how to facilitate this learning through a range of strategies. It is often said that children are the future. Here at BGU, we offer you the chance to shape that future. This course offers students the ability to use their enjoyment of and passion for working with children under 8 to work towards a career which might encompass early years education, social work, play therapy or management of an early years setting. Over the duration of the course, you will study aspects of the education, health and social care of babies and children from 0-8 years, which will provide excellent foundations for working in a range of early years settings. You will gain an appreciation of how children think and learn, as well as the policies and practices which can support them and their families. You will have the opportunity to put this learning into practice through a relevant early years placement in each year of study. Throughout the course, you will acquire the necessary skills for working with young children in a challenging and changing environment. In your final year, you will be able to tailor an individual research project to your particular interests or career aspirations, and you may also be able to choose the setting of your final-year placement. Early Childhood is a growing sector and the skills learnt on this course will enable you to enter the children’s workforce in a range of different roles. Some of our students seek a route into teaching through a PGCE qualifications here at BGU, whilst others enter other teacher training routes. Many of our graduates have gone on to further study in areas of specialism including psychology, speech and language or midwifery, whilst others have entered the workforce as managers of early years settings. The diverse nature of this course will also enable you to go on to further study such as postgraduate study on a master degree, seeking wider opportunities in many different fields, including health and social care, children’s social work, play therapy and speech and language therapy. Possible future careers for Early Childhood Studies graduates may include as a Teacher or classroom assistant, Speech and language therapy, Early years management, Social work or Play therapy. We recognise that individuals come from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences, so we use a variety of assessment strategies in our courses. Assessments in Early Childhood Studies take place at the end of each module in order for you to demonstrate your understanding of the objectives covered. A wide range of assessment methods is used to support your learning, including the production of portfolios, presentations and displays. You’ll also be assessed through written essays, discussions, debates and multimedia projects. Assessments are not only designed to assess your knowledge and understanding but also help you to develop transferable skills which will support you as you enter the early year’s workforce. Find out more: https://www.bishopg.ac.uk/course/ecs-foundation-year/