Course summary

Early Childhood offers an exploration of issues regarding provision for early childhood, focusing on children aged 0-8. Within the course we encourage you to link theory to the practice of working with children and develop a critical understanding of a range of issues in this field of study. You will learn about different professional roles in within the early years sector, including though not limited to Early Years teaching and working as a graduate level Early Years Professional. Early Childhood modules include a focus on: perspectives on play; child development including children's conceptual and linguistic development; historical and cross-cultural comparisons on childhood; technological and commercial impacts on children and working as a professional with children. A significant theme is the dynamic debate around children's rights, and you will examine national and international policies concerning young children. You will also consider the ethics and methodology of researching children's lives. In your final year you write a dissertation based on research with children during your work-related learning.