Early Childhood Studies – BA (Honours)

At a glance

Gain the theoretical and practical knowledge needed to work with children from birth to seven years in a rapidly expanding area. You explore young children's development, education and care in a range of social contexts. Teaching and learning take place in a range of learning environments to reflect those that are available to young children.

Key points
• Build your professional confidence and enhance your employability through placements in a range of early years settings.• Develop your understanding of how theory links to practice through work-based learning.
• Choose opportunities for further qualifications during your study such as the practitioner option (Ofsted approved).
• Learn from experienced practitioners and published academics.

What is early childhood studies?
The study of developing, educating and caring for young children.

This course

Develop your understanding of the way children think and learn and the meaning of their play. Increase your understanding of the safeguarding and protection of children and of their health and well-being. This knowledge provides the foundation for any future career working with children and families.

During the course you gain knowledge in the key areas of early childhood education, child protection, child development, and the health and culture of children under eight years.

As well as your theoretical understanding of these subjects, you develop your professional experience and confidence by working in a range of early childhood environments.

Placements take up around 30 days of the first two years and 20 days of your final year and are designed to enhance your career prospects after you graduate.

You develop a range of relevant practical skills, such as how to • identify and support children's individual needs and how to relate appropriately to children
• understand play situations in order to develop practice and experiences for young children
• how to listen to children and understand how they think

Your studies are led by experienced and published lecturers who come from backgrounds including social work, health visiting, education and psychology. You take part in small tutorial groups who meet regularly to link practice to what you are learning academically.

You then build on this experience with work-based learning in relevant maintained, private, voluntary and independent settings including • children’s centres • schools • pre schools • day nurseries • outreach workers • childminders • specialist support groups.

Practitioner option (Ofsted approved)
If you do not already have a level 3 early years qualification, you can complete the practitioner option module alongside your degree. This allows you to gain an equivalent award, which lets you take up employment as a qualified member of staff in early years settings.

Forest Schools
If you have an interest in young childrens outdoor play you can choose an optional module to gain your level 1 qualification in Forest Schools. You link theory to practice by learning in the woods in the south east of Sheffield and gain some new practical skills to use with young children. We are constantly looking for teaching opportunities to reflect current early years thinking and therefore enhance your employment prospects.

Key areas of study
You can develop your interests and career aims by focusing on particular areas, such as • children’s friendships • forest schools • gender and identity • working with families • young children's well being.