Early Childhood Studies

EEC411
An Introduction to Early Childhood Studies 20 credits

A series of lectures given by members of the Early Childhood Studies team, focusing on their own research, interests and enthusiasms, and weekly seminars, will introduce students to the wide range of areas of study which are included in Early Childhood Studies. The diversity of interests and approaches introduced in lectures will be balanced by process of developing study skills and dispositions and integrating themes and ideas by means of active engagement in small seminar groups.

EEC414
Understanding Development; Biology and Psychology 20 credits

In this module we will explore the nature of the disciplines of biology and psychology. We will look at how biologists and psychologists study young children. We will look at some current biological and psychological perspectives of child development. Students will carry out psychological tasks with young children and reflect upon the implications of what they have found and the nature of their own learning and understanding of children and themselves.

EEC415
Politics for Equality 20 credits

This module explores the concepts of equality, inclusion, diversity and anti-discrimination and investigates cultural structures, discrimination, social exclusion, power and participation. Students will consider the impact of political and policy developments at global, European, UK and local levels drawing on theoretical frameworks and real examples, including students own experiences, to explore how culture and policy impact on young children and their families.

EEC416
Places and Spaces for Learning and Playing 20 credits

Throughout this module students will be introduced to a range of places and spaces that facilitates children's learning and play. There will be opportunities to link these experiences with academic theories with an aim to support the students' skills in noticing and understanding the process of learning.

EEC423
Children in Society 20 credits

This module will focus on the complexity and diversity of young children’s experiences of growing up in contemporary societies. It will examine how children’s everyday lives are shaped through a wide range of structural influences and through children’s own active engagement with their worlds.

EEC432
Multi Professional Perspectives 20 credits

An introduction to the diversity of early childhood settings, their structures and the varied heritages of the practitioners that work with them/in them. Notions such as communication, team work, working with parents and as part of a multi-professional team are explored along with an understanding of self as a reflective practitioner

EEC527
Developing Communication in the Early Years 20 credits

This module has two related purposes: to give students a sound understanding of how children develop their ability to communicate and to help them develop their own communication skills. Language development is a central focus, but set within a wider understanding of different forms of communication.

EEC566
Work Based Learning (in a setting with young children and/or families) 20 credits

This module is intended to provide students with the opportunity to experience work-based learning opportunities in a setting which involves work (paid or unpaid) with young children (0-8) or with children and their families. There is recognition that such work-based learning can take place in a wide variety of situations and settings, but for this module it will normally involve more than one child and more than one family. A reflective approach to this learning experience provides students with the opportunity to develop their professional practice.

EEC547
Perspectives on Child Development

The module will draw on approaches from Sociology, Psychology, Education and Biology to explore physical, emotional, social and cultural influences on child development. Co-production, as a means to support development, through working with families will be emphasised. Students will construct an informed personal perspective on co-production and early development, based on observation and understanding of relationships between theoretical models and research findings.

PIE500
Research Matters

The module provides a basic introduction to research methods to establish some of the fundamentals of research design and process. Students will explore methodological approaches and existing research studies. Students will have an opportunity to engage with a range of innovative and creative methodologies.

EEC522
Working with a Range of Professionals 20 credits

This module is intended for those who wish to understand more about working with other professionals whose work impacts on young children and their families in some way; in Case Conferences; strategy meetings as well as report writing, producing and implementing developmental and/or safeguarding plans, etc.

EEC566PLUS
Work Based Learning Plus (in a setting with young children and/or families)

This module is intended to provide students with the opportunity to maximise professional learning opportunities during a work-place experience (paid or unpaid) with young children (0-5) or with children and their families. There is recognition that such work-based learning can take place in a wide variety of situations and settings, but for this module it will enable students to meet the Early Years Educator Standards. A reflective approach to this learning experience provides students with the opportunity to develop their professional practice.

EEC545
Child Well-being in the Developing World Challenge Module 20 credits

Through this module you will be thinking about the big challenges facing young children today in relation to the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Through reflecting on childhood and the well-being of young children in the developing world (defined as those that are low on the UN Human Development Index), we will be looking critically at issues such as poverty, global inequalities, access to resources, education, health, conflict, livelihoods and sustainability.

EDST527
Sustainable Education in Action - Challenge Module 20 credits

Through this module you will be thinking about the big challenges of today in relation to the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Through a service learning and collaborative sustainable education approach, you will be creatively engaged with pressing issues across the city and local area in order to facilitate learning that helps us make positive change together. This module will enable you to reflect on your development as: competent and confident professionals, sustainable and global citizens, resilient and thriving individuals, and critical and creative learners.

EDST521
Learning Outside the Classroom 20 credits

This module focuses on the understanding and personal exploration of Learning Outside the Classroom and Outdoor Learning. Understanding of the fieldwill be gained through theoretical and practical sessions. Students are encouraged to link theory with practice and will devise and justify (drawing on literature and personal reflection) a program of activities for a targeted group in a named real-world location.

EEC603
Adults' Concepts of Childhood: their impact on the past and present treatment of children 20 credits

This module will explore how childhood and adulthood are related concepts with deep historical roots. It will explain contemporary changes in young childrens lives by tracing the historical forces that have shaped different concepts of childhood, defining the ways in which adults think, act and behave with young children.

EEC646
Enabling Environments for Young Children's Learning

This module considers issues surrounding the spaces in which adults interact with children in teaching and learning relationships. Students will examine governments’ and practitioners’ beliefs and principles that influence the creation of these ‘spaces’ and the pedagogic practices within them.

PIE600
Research Dissertation

This module enhances students’ knowledge and understanding of the nature, significance and role of research and its impact on theory, policy and practice in the field of education and early years. It develops students’ knowledge, skills and understanding in respect of planning, designing, carrying out and critically evaluating their own independent research enquiries.

EDST617
Education for the 21st century: Global, Sustainable and Wild 20 credits

This module offers an integrated approach to key themes in envisioning future fit education; namely global citizenship, sustainable development and environmental care. It asks the learner to explore contemporary educational issues such as the impact of the UN Sustainable Development Goals and Global Action Programme for ESD. It critically and creatively considers the role of compassionate engagement in education with regard to ecological literacy, global citizenship, human rights, social justice, peace and planetary well-being.

EEC638
Children and Risk 20 credits

Looking at the complexity of child protection issues, within a personal, institutional and community context, addressing the issue of risk and the decision-making process the right decision against the defensible decision, in order to develop a personal, and critical perspective on issues of protection and control. In addition an exploration of the concept of Risk In the wider context.

EEC645
Current Issues in Early Childhood: Politics, Welfare and Society 20 credits

This module will enable participants to focus on current debates related to early childhood studies with a focus on the political, welfare and society. By its nature the content of the module will change each year, as issues change, new understandings emerge and different perspectives apply. Key social, political and educational issues that affect the lives of young children, 0-8, and their families will be studied in this module. Some comparisons will be made with Europe and other countries. Students will be encouraged to develop a considerable personal perspective on social questions related to early childhood services.

EDST618
Wellbeing and the 'Good Life' 20 credits

What is meant by ‘wellbeing’? How do we know what it is, what affects it, and how to evaluate ours? What do we need to consider if we are going to ‘manage’ our own and to have achievable goals for a ‘Good Life’? This module is about exploring concepts and theories surrounding wellbeing, and to question our own individual and cultural values and expectations in regard to it. Essentially, though, it is about questioning our own, and looking at a small but significant wellbeing toolkit to help us negotiate the myriad challenges of daily life.