New degree programme: BA (Hons) Early Childhood in Society (Graduate Practitioner)

It’s great to see a new degree programme launch with a strong social pedagogical foundation, as the School of Education at the University of Worcester is starting its new, innovative BA (Hons) Early Childhood in Society (Graduate Practitioner) in September 2020. 

For many young children life is magical; their early years are carefree and full of wonder. For a significant minority of children, however, life is not so great. These children and their families need professionals who use their personal warmth to help children develop self-efficacy skills; the ability to make positive changes within their own lives. This may be an informed teacher, an understanding practitioner, a committed family support worker, a visionary charity worker, a skilled play worker/therapist, an effective welfare officer, a reflective SEND teacher, an ethical business owner or a courageous NGO/aid worker.

 

About the course

The course is structured to enable students to follow their own pathway. Mandatory modules focus on key skills and knowledge, enhancing understanding of how children learn, develop and think and the range of factors that can influence these. The choice of optional modules provides opportunity for further specialisation.

Students will spend 210 hours per year in practice to help prepare them for graduate employment. The Graduate Practitioner pathway of the degree is recognised by the Department for Education as being “Full and Relevant” which means students can be counted in ratios in early years settings (provided they have passed GCSE maths and English (or equivalent) and the practice modules). Practice is assessed through the meeting of Graduate Level Competencies underpinned by the Early Years Educator and QAA benchmarks; or if students choose to select the Early Childhood in Society pathway practice is assessed against the requirements of the Social Pedagogy Standards.

 

Where is the course taught?

The BA (Hons) Early Childhood in Society is taught face to face and is delivered over three years, full-time study.  

You will also have the opportunity to undertake a placement abroad.

 

What award will the course lead to?

The BA (Hons) Early Childhood in Society (ECIS) degree will lead to one of the following awards:

  • ECIS (Graduate Practitioner) (assessed practice in an Ofsted registered in years one and two leading to “full and relevant” status. Practice in any regulated setting in year three)
  • ECIS (assessed practice in an Ofsted registered setting in year one, then in any regulated setting in years two and three)

 

For further information please visit the university’s website. Alternatively, contact Nicola Stobbs at: n.stobbs@worc.ac.uk or Sue Baylis at: s.baylis@worc.ac.uk