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

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. Education studies Level 1: At this level the student takes a single year-long module: perspectives and practice in education; this module offers a range of interpretations and analytical tools, which are of use to the student’s studies in subsequent years; it also offers tasters of some of the more specialist subjects the student is able to take at levels 2 and 3. Level 2: at this level the student is able to select from a range of subjects, according to their own interests and career preferences; these modules build on the groundwork undertaken at level 1; modules may include: values in education: addresses some of the core values underpinning education, wherever it is located; the educational professional: takes up and builds upon the preparatory vocational strand introduced at level 1; the global citizen: examines the gathering world phenomenon of citizenship; futures in education: explores futurist philosophies and approaches to futurist technology in education. Level 3: at this level the student is further able to tailor their studies to meet their needs by selecting from a range of vocationally focused subjects, according to their own interests and career preferences; modules may include: revolution, change and innovation; the effective practitioner: addresses the theory and practice relating to work-based learning; research project in education; leadership and management in education training and care; information and communication in education; alongside these core areas, a range of options may be available in studying education both in the United Kingdom and overseas; the course also offers a range of placements in schools, post-16 education and industry.

This is a combined Honours programme which allows the student to combine the 2 subjects; 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; the role of the educational professional is changing and will be almost beyond recognition within a few years; education studies offers the opportunity to study this vital subject in all its manifestations; the course is suitable for students looking at a career in teaching, looking to take up one of the many new roles developing in education, or for students who simply want to find out more about this area.