Early Childhood Studies (Graduate Practitioner) BA

The BA in Early Childhood Studies programme is suitable for those wanting to work in a number of sectors, including early years, primary school teaching and community work. The programme will help you develop a number of personal and professional skills as you will undertake placement hours to enhance your skill set and apply theory to practice. Once you have completed the course, you can go into several different career routes such as teaching, early years management and MA study.<br/><br/>Voluntary placements need to be undertaken in a school or early years setting rated as good or outstanding by Ofsted. Practice-based learning is combined with campus-based sessions at the UCNL; full-time attendance on the course is normally 12 hours, two day a week, over three years. It is a work-based course which will see you combine practice-based learning with campus-based sessions, allowing you to gain industry experience whilst studying.<br/><br/>The aims of this programme are:<br/><br/><br/>- To develop highly skilled, knowledgeable early years practitioners<br/><br/><br/>- To develop reflective practitioners who are innovative and creative in supporting children’s outcomes<br/><br/><br/>- To provide a critical overview of political debates that surround education, health and social care<br/><br/><br/>- To challenge the inequalities that exist for some children and their families<br/><br/><br/>- To provide opportunities for students to evaluate current evidence-based research findings which inform developments in practice<br/><br/><br/>- To develop a systematic understanding the role of partnership working<br/><br/><br/>- To be an advocate for children’s rights and provide children with a voice<br/><br/><br/>This is a pathway option for those who wish to work in early years, be counted in ratio and achieve a full and relevant degree. This option will enhance your practical experience and graduate employability. Applicants will need to successfully meet the entry requirements and meet all competencies.<br/><br/>There are a range of career pathways or higher level education programmes available to you on completion of this programme:<br/><br/>– Early Years Teacher (after PGCE, SCITT or similar)<br/>– Primary Teaching (after PGCE, SCITT or similar)<br/>– Post Graduate Course<br/>– Nursery Management<br/>– Community Play Support<br/>– Teaching Assistant<br/>– School, Family and Welfare Liaison<br/>– Special Education Needs Support<br/>– Specialist Subject Support<br/>– Mentoring