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The Course | Modules | Case Study
These pages contain everything you need to know about the course, including what you will study, entry requirements, assessment, careers and how to apply. Please click on the links to go directly to the area of interest to you. Alternatively, just scroll down and you'll see everything you need to know about the course.
This course is designed for those who are aspiring to a career working in a variety of Early Years settings. If you have a desire to inspire young children and have an impact on the future of the next generation, then this is the course for you.
This course focuses on the educational, social and emotional development of children from birth to 8 years of age. You will gain an appreciation of how children think and learn and will identify the role of the adult in facilitating this learning through a range of strategies. Theoretical aspects of learning will be studied and you will gain an understanding of children's physical, intellectual, emotional, social and language development.
A variety of learning and teaching techniques will be employed to enable you to develop your understanding of early years, including lectures, classroom-based seminars and input from visiting speakers. Classroom-based work will be supported by placement opportunities in a range of settings within the statutory, private and voluntary sector, allowing you to apply theoretical principles to real-life situations.
During your first year, you will be inducted into higher education within the context of learning through an introduction to early years practice and provision and develop a grounding in key psychological, sociological and physiological theories. There will also be an introduction to the inter-disciplinary roles needed to support and safeguard children).
Your second year will see you focus on the rights of children, the changing perspective of childhood whilst gaining an appreciation of equality issues. In addition there will be an interdisciplinary module which considers other areas of study, along with a work placement for experience.
In your final year, you will study language and behaviour through building expressive relationships, and consider practices from overseas. Alongside this you will debate a range of current issues within the sector and examine what it is to be a professional within the children's workforce, learning about leadership and management of early year's provision. You will also undertake an independent study or project.
View the modules on offer in this course >>>
You will normally need a maximum of four advanced level qualifications equivalent to a total of 240 UCAS tariff points, 80 of which must be in Psychology, Sociology, Early Years, Health and Social Care or a related subject. We will accept one A/S Level as part of the 240 points, in a subject not included as an A2 subject. Please see the UCAS Tariff for further details.
We welcome applicants with a wide range of qualifications such GCE/VCE A-Levels, the Access to HE course, NNEB/CACHE Certificate or Diploma and the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma (Grade 5 is required at Higher Level in the specialist subject). If you are currently studying an Access to Higher Education course we ask for the following:
• You achieve at least 45 credits at level 3 overall
• With at least 18 credits in one of the relevant subjects listed above
• Please contact Admissions if you are not sure on the suitability of your Access course
In addition, all students will need to pay £44 for an Enhanced Disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) (formerly the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB)). A successful Enhanced Disclosure is required before commencing the course.
If you are unsure if your qualifications are suitable, please contact our Admissions team for advice on +44 (0) 1522 583658 or email admissions@bishopg.ac.uk and we will be happy to talk to you about your individual circumstances. We also encourage applications from mature students and recognise that your experience or qualifications are likely to be different. Again, please contact Admissions if you require any further information.
BG is committed to widening access and participation and we adhere to a strict policy of non-discrimination.
"I really enjoy the variety this course offers. The modules have been interesting and the guest speakers really help to ensure that the theory is made relevant to real life. Experience within a placement setting has been invaluable, as it allowed us to observe the behaviours of children within a natural environment."
"As a mature student I feel that life experiences have helped prepare me to manage my time efficiently. I feel that although at times challenging, I have managed with the support of my family to successfully combine studying with my home/family commitments. The Virtual Learning Environment used enables me to access information from my laptop at home."
"I always regretted not going to University when I was younger. BG has allowed me to fulfil this ambition."
Michelle, second year Early Childhood Studies student
"The tutors are friendly and provide a lot of support both academically and emotionally! I have two children and a part-time job and I don't think I would have made it this far if it wasn't for the genuine interest and support that the lecturers give. I like being 'me the student' and not 'me the mum' for a little while each week! If I can do it any one can! I have gone from young mum, potato grading, and flower packing, to deputy manager in a nursery and degree student working towards a 1st! If nothing else it's done loads for my self esteem!"
Rachel, third year Early Childhood Studies student
View a more in-depth student case study >>>
Assessments 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 are used to support your learning, including portfolios, presentations, displays and examinations.
Early Childhood is a growing sector and the skills learned 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 PGCE qualifications here at BG (see our Postgraduate Courses section for more information), whilst others enter other teacher training routes as well as working towards Early Years Professional Status. This will present you with opportunities to work in different early years environments, such as nursery schools and privately run nurseries, or even enter into management within Early Years settings.
The diverse nature of this course will also enable you to go on to further study, seeking wider opportunities in many different fields, including health and social care, children's social work, play therapy and speech and language therapy.
All applications to this course are made through UCAS (the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) using 'Apply', an online application system which can be found at www.ucas.com. This will guide you through the steps you will need to take and register your application. You will find a full set of instructions on the UCAS website which will make filling out your application as easy as possible.
If you require any further information or advice please click here or you can contact the UCAS Customer Service Unit on +44 (0) 871 468 0468.
You can get more details on BG and the courses we offer by taking a look at our new prospectus. Download a PDF version or request a printed copy by visiting our Prospectus Request page.
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