Liverpool Hope University, BA (Hons), Disability Studies and Early Childhood Studies

Disability studies Modules will focus upon current practice and contemporary issues as well as the historical context from which these emanate; this wide-ranging course is designed to stimulate the student’s awareness and increase their understanding on a personal, intellectual, moral, ethical and professional level. Level 1: Core areas of study: The module, conceptualising disability, considers diverse attitudes and approaches to disability from historical, legislative and ethical perspectives; this provides the understanding for current thinking on issues of inclusion. Level 2: the effective practice module (including a placement) is compulsory; optional modules may include: cognitive, behavioural and mental health difficulties; physical and sensory disability; disability and the family. Level 3: optional modules may include: ethical issues; therapeutic approaches; policy, practice and management in special educational needs (SEN); if the student is majoring in disability studies the research project module is compulsory. Early childhood studies Level 1: The student studies an introduction to the philosophical and historical background to the early years tradition; the pioneers identified here will remain central to the course, providing the student with a historical understanding of current good practice that incorporates working closely with the family in relation to the needs of the child; this is followed by a holistic examination of child development in relation to physical, social and emotional development. Level 2: this level develops by looking at how young children think and learn and considers the links between cognition, language acquisition and playful learning; this sets the scene for studying how young children learn in the foundation stage, in comparison to international models; a range of other modules is offered which may include: motivation and well-being in young children; creativity and the young child. Level 3: a key area of study at this level is legislation, policy and strategy for early managers, in relation to early years settings and young children; legislation and social policy are constantly developing and the student examines these in relation to early years provision and leadership within a multi-agency workforce; a range of other modules are offered which may include: research project; surviving change, loss and grief in young children’s lives; using information and communication technology creatively.

This is a combined Honours programme which allows the student to combine the 2 subjects; the disability studies course represents an opportunity to engage with extremely topical issues relating to disability throughout society and across the lifespan; the course offers the student the opportunity to examine society’s response to its members with disabilities; early childhood studies is an academic subject that is a dynamic response to the government’s plan to integrate early years education and childcare provision; the student works towards achieving the Early Years Professional Status (EYPS) as required by the Children’s Workforce Development Committee (CWDC); throughout the pathway, the student is required to experience early years via a placement so that 1st-hand observations of practice can be made in relation to early years pedagogy.