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

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. Geography Level 1: the course provides a foundation for the study of human, physical and environmental geography at university, and may include residential fieldwork in north Wales and, normally, in either Malta or Romania; small-group teaching encourages discussion of key issues and allows the student to develop important personal and subject related skills, including practical abilities in mapping, and social and scientific approaches. Level 2: The student is able to develop their interests in either human or physical geography; study of the human landscape explores cultural issues such as identity, power and urban change; investigation of the physical environment focuses on geomorphological landforms and processes; a skills module teaches research design plus geographical information systems and fieldwork, statistical and laboratory techniques. Level 3: the student has the opportunity to specialise in either human or physical geography, working with the research interests of the tutors; possible study areas include: coastal environments; heritage; tourism and identities; or cultural geography of childhood and youth; residential fieldwork may include options to go to Berlin, the French Alps, Romania and Wales.

This is a combined Honours scheme 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 geography course provides a mix of human, physical and environmental geography; learning on campus is supplemented by fieldwork in the United Kingdom and Europe.