Bath Spa University has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework.These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.

What does this TEF outcome mean?

Course summary

Intellectually stimulating programme with 75 planned days of placement.

Innovative exploration of real local and global issues in Early Childhood.

Engaging and experienced tutors with high levels of knowledge and expertise.

Employability focused to enable achievement of the sector-recognised Early Childhood Graduate Practitioner Competencies.

On this dynamic course, you’ll develop a critical understanding of childhood, babies, children and families from multi-disciplinary and global perspectives. Informed by the latest research and our Centre for Research in Early Childhood (REACH), you’ll examine current debates and explore concepts such as play, development, ethics, wellbeing, social justice and leadership. Through 75 days of planned placement activity, you’ll gain essential skills and knowledge of inclusive and collaborative practices to make a positive impact on children’s lives and shape your future career. You might also apply for our Certificate in Global Citizenship or opt for a study visit or international placement. More about the Professional Placement Year A Professional Placement Year (PPY), traditionally known as a sandwich year, is where a student undertakes a period of work with an external organisation for between 9-13 months. The placement occurs between the students' second and third years of undergraduate study. Students can engage in up to 3 placements to make up the total time and are required to source the placement(s) themselves with support from the Careers & Employability Team.

Modules

Level 4 core modules:

Introduction to Early Childhood.

Constructions of Early Childhood.

Children’s Participation.

Children’s Voices in Early Childhood.

Research in Early Childhood.

The Holistic Child.

Year One (Level 4) will introduce to you contemporary and global issues in childhood, to the education and care of young children from birth to eight years, and to the importance of reflection as a professional tool. Through your studies and placement, you’ll explore theoretical and research perspectives underpinning how children develop and learn. This includes a focus on children’s creativity, wellbeing, rights and participation. Level 5 core modules:

Care, Development and Learning in Early Childhood.

Issues in Early Childhood.

Professional Practice in an Early Childhood Setting.

Early Childhood Pedagogue.

Two optional modules, such as but not limited to: Children’s Health and Wellbeing; Supporting Learners with Additional Needs; Environment and Education. During your placement and studies in Year Two (Level 5), you will develop your professional identity as an early childhood educator and gain a deep understanding of the care, development and learning of children between birth and eight years. You’ll question how current social, political and cultural perspectives impact the lived experiences of children and their families, and critically examine issues such as equity and social justice, diversity and inclusion and digital technologies. Level 6 core modules:

Leadership and Teamwork in Early Childhood Settings.

Play and Playfulness.

Early Childhood Dissertation (Part 1 and Part 2).

Two optional modules, such as but not limited to: Child, Family and Community; Symbolic Representations: Young Children Making Meaning; Professional Identities; International Perspectives in Early Childhood. In Year Three you'll undertake your professional placement year. Your final year (Level 6), you’ll continue in placement and gain understanding of leadership in early childhood settings. Alongside this, experiential learning will support your knowledge of effective ways of leading a team, reflective practice and working with parents/carers, families and communities. You’ll analyse concepts such as play and playfulness, ethics and democracy. Through balancing independent work with one-to-one support, you’ll carry out research in a chosen, specialist area and prepare for your future career.

Assessment method

You’ll be assessed through coursework. There are no exams. Assessments could include essays, group presentations, research-based reports and portfolio-based work. We’ll provide you with regular feedback on how well you're doing and give you regular guidance on how to improve your skills, knowledge and understanding.

How to apply

31Jan

This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

Application codes

Course code:: X313

Institution code:: B20

Campus name:: Main Site

Campus code:: -

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

Year 1
Year 2
Year 4

Entry requirements

Qualification requirements

A level - BBB - BCC

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - DDM - DMM

Access to HE Diploma - M: 45 credits

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 32 points

T Level - M

Additional entry requirements

Criminal records declaration (DBS/Disclosure Scotland)

English language requirements

Test	Grade	Additional details
IELTS (Academic)	6	IELTS 6.0 - for visa nationals, with a minimum score of IELTS 5.5 in each element.

Student Outcomes

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

England	£9250	Year 1
Northern Ireland	£9250	Year 1
Scotland	£9250	Year 1
Wales	£9250	Year 1
Channel Islands	£9250	Year 1
Republic of Ireland	£9250	Year 1
EU	£15750	Year 1
International	£15750	Year 1

Additional fee information

No additional fees or cost information has been supplied for this course, please contact the provider directly.

Degree level: Undergraduate

Early Childhood Studies (Professional Placement Year)

Course options