Early Years Education

Research shows that early childhood education plays a critical role in cognitive development and later life. The Education Studies (Early Childhood) degree is perfect if you want to analyse in-depth why those early learning processes are so vital.

Although some of the philosophical and pedagogical theories you study are the same as on the BA Education Studies degree at Winchester, the focus is always on how to apply them to the early years. Alongside core modules, you learn about how other factors influence early childhood learning, including race, gender, power, technology, culture, ecology and inclusion.

One factor that makes this such a fascinating area for study is the intense political disagreement about all aspects of early education. On our course, you assess a range of political ideas about family life and caring for the young that have had far-reaching effects on schooling and wider society.

In Year 1, you learn to familiarise yourself with the important names and terms in educational theory and you are encouraged to reflect on how your own educational experiences have influenced you.

In Years 2 and 3, you learn more about the impact of different social, political and cultural perspectives on early childhood learning. The course gives you a lot of flexibility to follow your interests. In Year 2, you can choose from a range of optional modules as diverse as What is a Child?, Play, or Progressive Education. In this second year, you can also choose to do volunteering for academic credit.

In Year 3, you write your dissertation on a topic of your choice – examples of 2017 dissertations include the role of the parent in the nature/nurture debate, the impact of life scripts in early childhood, and the relation between physical education and academic performance. You also pursue optional modules which may include the Loss of Childhood, Early Childhood in a Changing World, or Film in Education. By the end of the programme, you graduate as a well-rounded, critical thinker in early childhood theory.

Our graduates pursue careers in teaching, social services, and the caring professions. Some do PGCEs, but most find the degree has opened their eyes to other possibilities. Many work in support roles in schools and early years settings, sometimes with children with special needs and often in challenging settings like pupil referral units or special schools. Others go into local government, international development or charity work.

The Education Studies and Early Childhood BA is the right degree for you if you have a wide interest in education and early childhood. You may be thinking about teaching, but at this stage you are looking to keep your options open. The programme tutors form a dedicated and enthusiastic team who look forward to meeting you and talking about your ambitions.