Course summary

If you long to teach at primary level or be influential in children’s early development, there could be no better place to start. This SSTAR award-winning course is focused on early childhood and primary education, curriculum, assessment, and related issues. Contemporary, and with professional relevance, the course combines in-depth academic study with meaningful practical references. You will collaborate with others, follow independent lines of enquiry, and draw on professionals’ and lecturers’ experience to develop your knowledge and your skills. In the first year, you will begin by learning essential professional skills, how to develop inclusive practice in education, and young children’s welfare and wellbeing. You will look academically at theories of learning and development (including child psychology), considering international education perspectives, and other concepts in the education of young children. The second year introduces deeper study comparing perspectives on childhood, researching childhood, understanding multi-agency working, children’s spaces (including outdoor play, play design and forest school), supporting wellbeing in educational settings, and curriculum and assessment for young children. During the course, you will gain a strong core of knowledge in psychology, sociology, and the holistic development of children. You will also be able to specialise in areas that might form the subject of further study or a career. It is a highly engaging course taught through lectures, collaborative and independent study, trips and events with the university, and offers a uniquely supportive and challenging learning environment.