Childhood Studies
Entry Requirements
The Entry Requirement is 240 UCAS points: we will also accept 24 in the International Baccalaureate Diploma and 65% in the European Baccalaureate. Mature students may also ask to have other relevant experience taken into account.
Course Structure
The full time duration of this course is 3 years, but there is flexibility to study on a part-time basis. During the course, you will study a combination of core modules, which are obligatory, and non-core modules, which you choose from those on offer. The modules are outlined below, with a brief description of the core modules.
Year 1
Policies and Issues in Education
This module provides an introduction to education policies and issues in England and Wales. It sets current education policy in the context of historical educational developments and change, whilst introducing some major contemporary education issues. This module is also delivered through the medium of Welsh as: Polisiau a Materion mewn Addysg.
Child Development
Students are introduced to the methods of child study, childcare practices and developmental psychology. The module also explores the nature versus nurture debate, and the development of racial and gender attitudes in young children.
Young Children Learning
You will examine influences on the development of the child in the home, the community and the pre-school group. The module discusses the transition from home or play group to school, and examines the nature of the learning environment and its relevance to the development of skills. Optional modules:
- Working with play
- Play for emotional intelligence
- Early years provision, principles and practice
- Study skills
- Introduction to working with groups
Year 2
Psychology of Learning and Thinking
This module aims to extend students’ knowledge and critical understanding of the major theories of how we think and learn. You will be encouraged to reflect on your own learning style and relate it to the key concepts in the field.
Literacy in Young Children
This module focuses on the skills necessary for the development of language and literacy in young children. It considers the uses of language and literacy in the interaction between the teacher and the young child and the role of literacy in various cultures.
Research Methods
This module provides an introduction to a range of research methods commonly employed in educational research. It also aims to develop your awareness of the issues associated with different methodological choices and guide you in the planning of a small scale research project. Optional Modules:
- Cultural diversity in education
- Bilingual education
- Working with children
- Work based learning
- Making sense of the curriculum
Year 3
Critically reflecting and evaluating learning and skills
In this module you will be encouraged to reflect upon and evaluate what you yourself are learning and, through that evaluation to consider general questionsof how asessment contributes to the educational process. What does assessment need to find out; and how for whose benefit? The module deals with the whole range of assessment from information assessment in the classroom to assessment systems at a national scale.
Major Dissertation
With the guidance of a tutor you will prepare a longer study of an area of particular interest to you. The subject of study will reflect your own areas of interest and will involve wide reading and inquiry-based learning. You may choose to write your dissertation in Welsh.
Mathematical Development in the early years
This module is designed to develop students’ theoretical understanding of young children’s mathematical development and its implications for good practice in the mathematical education of young children. Optional modules:
- Children and the media
- Special educational needs
- Health and education