Early Childhood Studies with Early Years Practitioner Status

The BSc Early Childhood Studies with Early Year Practitioner Status at Aberystwyth University will enable you to discover that children’s early years are crucial to later learning and development and practitioners have a vital role to play in these years. This course, taught by the School of Education will give you the opportunity to delve into the factors which influence ‘early childhood’ and how these can affect later development. During the course, you will undertake extensive placements which will equip you with a practical perspective, while theoretical study draws upon a variety of disciplines including sociology, psychology and educational studies in order to help you to understand the childhood years. If you are interested in how children grow, develop and learn, then this course will allow you to experience and explore this intriguing stage of development. Combining the practical and the theoretical will enable you to develop both academic and professional skills that are needed to work with children.

How will I learn?
In the School of Education we provide a variety of learning opportunities:
- Lectures in larger groups allow you to gain outline knowledge of the ideas and concepts involved in each module. You will be encouraged to discuss key points with your fellow students, to answer questions and to develop your opinions and consolidate your learning. Sound recordings of all of our lectures are available for as long as you are registered on the course at Aberystwyth.

- Seminars in smaller groups involve work in more detail on specific aspects of modules. These may involve more practical applications of ideas from lectures, or detailed analysis of pieces of research or other reading.

- Placements - Because of the practical element of the course, students will require an enhanced DBS check which they will need to pay for. There may also be travel expenses within the Aberystwyth area.

What will I study?
- In each year, modules give you a solid foundation in essential aspects of Early Childhood Studies, for example:

- In Year 1, modules cover topics such as how young children learn, the importance of health and well-being in the early years and learning through play. You will also undertake sessions relating to professional practice in an early years setting.

- In Year 2, you will explore the importance of literacy development, multi-agency working and safeguarding young children. Year 2 also involves an extensive placement opportunity.

- In Year 3, you will again develop your practical skills through a placement. You will explore the importance of social and emotional development and look at how key communication is to everyone involved in young children's learning and development.

How will my work be assessed?
- A variety of assessment techniques will allow you to play to your strengths.

- Some modules are assessed through essays, but you may also complete projects, bibliographic exercises, reflective diaries, posters, and presentations. During your placements, you will keep a folder of evidence to show that you have the skills to work as an early years practitioner.

Successful completion of this degree leads to "Early Years Practitioner Status". This means that you will have a degree that allows you to work as a professional within early years setting (subject to appropriate literacy and numeracy qualifications). Many students progress to become nursery managers and leaders. Furthermore, successful completion of this degree may also lead to progression to a one-year primary school teacher training course (PGCE). The qualification is also an ideal basis for anyone wishing to work in the social work profession or within different types of educational therapy.