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

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. Marketing Level 1: The student is introduced to the underlying principles and concepts of marketing through exploration and analysis of a range of organisations and the changing market environment in which they operate; the student gains knowledge and understanding through: project work; problem-based learning; case studies; practitioner input. Level 2: the student builds on their marketing knowledge by studying core marketing ideas and techniques, whilst at the same time further developing their management skills and acquiring the principles of budgeting necessary to develop market plans. Level 3: in the final year the student applies market research techniques to real situations, and considers customer behaviour and communication processes; in addition, the student is able to select from a range of options that suit their particular career needs.

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 marketing course provides the key skills and knowledge that enable the student to understand the marketing context and its central role to business success, whilst allowing them to reflect on the moral and ethical implications of marketing behaviour.