Programme Specification for Early Childhood Studies by distance learning BA Honours
|
Final award |
BA Honours |
|
Intermediate awards available |
Cert HE, Dip HE, Ordinary degree |
|
Mode of Delivery |
Distance Learning |
|
UCAS code |
N/A |
|
Details of professional body accreditation |
N/A |
|
Relevant QAA Benchmark statements |
Early Childhood Studies (2007) |
|
Date specification last up-dated |
February 2013 |
Profile
The summary - UCAS programme profile
BANNER BOX:
Early Childhood Studies is a fascinating, innovative and fast developing subject. This programme is now included on the Childrens Workforce Development Council Register of Acceptable Qualifications for working with young children. The BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies is studied by distance learning.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Entry to Level 1 or the Full Programme
To enrol on the first Level or the Full Programme you must normally hold 240 UCAS tariff points or equivalent.
This should be made up of 2 ‘A2’ Levels (or equivalent) in relevant subjects; A vocational course at FE level three with either a Merit , Distinction or grade C and above profile, such as BTEC National Diploma in Early Years, BTEC National Certificate in Early years, BTEC Advanced GNVQ in Health and Social Care; Diploma in Childcare and Education (NNEB) or Diploma in Playwork, plus 5 GCSE Grade C or above including English (or equivalent). If applicants are intending to undertake an Early Years teaching qualification they will also require Maths and Science at grade C or above; and if they intend to undertake EYPS then they will also require a GCSE Maths at Grade C or above.
Entry on a Modular Basis
If you do not hold the required tariff points for Level 1 or Full Programme entry, studies will be permitted on a modular basis, following a guidance interview with a student advisor.
In order to be able to complete this programme, a good level of English is required. The IELTS requirements for all distance-learning programmes are a minimum of 6.0 overall, with a minimum of 6.0 in both reading & writing (and a minimum of 5.0 in listening & speaking). Where English is not your first language, you may be required to provide a written example of your work in order to ensure your suitability for the programme.
Overseas students should be aware that all exams MUST be taken in the UK at one of our approved exam venues. Students should also be aware that they are expected to cover all costs in attending the exams.
Accredited Certified Learning (APL)
You may be able to gain admission to the programme with advanced standing. If you think that you could be entitled to APL, you will need to contact the programme leader for more information on the process to be followed.
TECHICAL REQUIREMENTS
To participate in the programme you need:
- Regular access to a PC or Mac capable of running standard MS Office software (or Equivalent) for producing word-processed documents, spreadsheets and presentations. Your PC must also be capable of running the required plugins for the Virtual Learning Environment (Adobe Flash player, Adobe PDF viewer, Apple Quicktime).
- Reliable Internet access; at least a 56K modem connection, but broadband is highly recommended. For each module that you take, you will be expected to spend approximately 3-6 hours online per week, participating in discussions and accessing resources.
- The latest version of your chosen Internet browser.
- A valid and reliable email address.
ABOUT THE PROGRAMME
What is Early Childhood Studies?
Early Childhood Studies is the study of early childhood in context. It should enable students to develop insights and understandings relating to how children and childhood are understood from a range of academic and professional perspectives and to understand the philosophies, beliefs and attitudes that inform them. The interdisciplinary nature of the degree takes account of the ecology of children’s lives, in studying the complexities of family life and of children’s development from conception onwards, thus signifying the importance of both the intricate and interactive continuum of growth and development and the significance of early childhood across cultures and societies. It provides a critical, comprehensive and interdisciplinary preparation for multi-professional work in Early Childhood.
Early Childhood Studies by Distance Learning at UEL
- An exciting and dynamic area of study. There are many career opportunities available for graduates of this programme
- Broad-based degree preparing you for many careers
- No entry qualifications needed to start on a module – modules make up degrees!
- All programme materials designed by experts in the field of Early Childhood studies
- No need to attend classes
- Help and guidance from student advisors
- Academic support from a subject specialist tutor
- Access to our virtual learning environment and online student community
Programme structure
To be awarded a Single Honours Degree in Early Childhood Studies, you will have to complete 360 credits over three levels. This will comprise 120 credits at Level 1 or higher, plus 120 at Level 2 or higher, plus 120 at Level 3 or higher.
It is also possible to study Early Childhood Studies in combination – joint, major or minor – with another programme.
Learning environment
The programme is delivered exclusively through distance learning. Learning will be supported through study guides accompanying a core textbook, and through the use of our online student community.
The main purpose of the study guide is to help you to make the most effective use of the core textbook and other resources. It provides clear structuring, routeing and signposting, to establish a context for learning. It highlights key concepts, models and frameworks and it clearly indicates to you the sections of the textbook that you should study.
The study guide encourages deep learning through the use of activities, self assessment questions and other formative assessments. Self-assessment questions enable you to check your progress – by comparing your answers with sample answers, you can assess for yourself how well you have met the learning outcomes for a particular section of the study guide.
Each module is accompanied by a site in our online student community, UEL Plus, with discussion facilities that will enable students to discuss and resolve issues related to their studies. In addition, the module tutor will use this facility to address any common academic issues, and to contact students where necessary. It is essential therefore that you have easy and regular access to the Internet and reliable email.
Assessment
Assessment methods vary across the degree according to the learning outcomes of the individual module. Assessment might include; essays, written reports, exams and research projects. There are three opportunities each calendar year at which to take exams or submit final assessments: when students start studying a module, they are automatically enrolled for the next assessment point.
Students are required to pass all six level one modules but their overall degree classification is calculated on their performance at levels two and three.
Project work
All students on the single honours degree and the combined Early Childhood Studies major degree are required to undertake a research project on an educational subject of their choice at level 3. This enables specialisation in a key area of personal interest and allows students to put into practice the research skills acquired during the programme. Students may choose to focus their project work for the purposes of career development or simply to broaden their areas of expertise.
Added value
Early Childhood Studies is an interesting multi-disciplinary field of study providing wide options in employment and postgraduate study. Prepared for a range of professions and occupations, our recent graduates have obtained employment in a diverse selection of fields.
By successfully completing a distance learning degree programme, you not only display relevant knowledge, skills and understanding to an employer but also that you are able to manage your time effectively, that you are self-motivated and already have a good work ethic – all of which can give you the edge you need to find success in the real world.
IS THIS THE PROGRAMME FOR ME?
If you are interested in...
You will be given the opportunity to gain knowledge and understanding of the interdisciplinary nature of Early Childhood Studies and of the structural, institutional, personal and cultural systems and ideas which affect the experience and construction of childhood.
If you enjoy...
Students who undertake the degree in Early Childhood Studies come from a variety of educational, cultural and occupational backgrounds – some more traditional than others. It is this rich diversity of age and experience which enhances the debate and discussion.
If you want...
- To learn more about children and childhood
- To study Early Childhood Studies but are not sure about exactly what career you want
Your future career
The holistic approach to Early Childhood in the programme prepares you to undertake several post-graduate programmes through which professional qualifications, such as primary teaching, children’s nursing, midwifery or social work, might be attained.
In addition to these professional programmes, Early Childhood Studies graduates can find employment within Local Authorities, Health Authorities, Charities, Housing Associations, and Day Nurseries. Jobs have included Childcare Project Managers, Family Support Workers, Nursery Officers, Play Co-ordinators, Out of School Project Managers, Residential Care Workers, Classroom/education Assistants, Learning Mentors, Researchers, Disability Co-ordinators, Sure Start Project Workers, and Early Years Officers within the local early years partnership.
How we support you
On enrolment, you will be provided with introductory materials on the use of the UEL Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) and UEL Direct.
During your studies, you will be supported by our team of Distance Learning Student Advisors in UEL Connect. These advisors act as a first point of contact for you, addressing the majority of student queries and referring only those that relate to academic matters to the module tutor. The Student Advisors will also contact students who seem to be falling behind and will offer advice and encouragement to them.
The programme fully implements our Skills Curriculum, and one of the first modules that you will be expected to undertake is our level 1 Academic Study Skills module, which will provide you with additional support in your study habits and in being an effective distance learner.
We also provide useful advice and information in our Student Handbook and online.
Bonus factors
- No Entry requirements for entry on a modular basis
- Contact with Tutors as much or as little as you want.
- The support of experienced Advisors to guide you through your studies.
- Instalment-based payment plan
- Contact with other students through UEL Plus
Outcomes
Programme aims and learning outcomes
What is this programme designed to achieve?
This programme is designed to give you the opportunity to:
- Gain knowledge, understanding and a critical appreciation of early childhood studies;
- Understand the development, needs and experience of young children, and the services which support them;
- Achieve a foundation for employment, professional and further academic study in the early years domain;
- Become a skilful and adaptable graduate.
What will you learn?
Knowledge
- Demonstrate knowledge and understanding and practical skills relevant to academic study and professional practice in Early Childhood settings
- Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the interdisciplinary nature of Early Childhood Studies and of the structural, institutional, personal and cultural systems and ideas which affect the experience and construction of childhood
- Demonstrate knowledge and understanding about physical and intellectual development in Early Childhood and Early Childhood provision and organisations.
Thinking skills
- Analyse practical and theoretical situations, in the context of child development and childhood, and synthesise solutions showing original and creative thought
- Plan, manage and reflect on your own learning and progression in acquiring graduate attributes appropriate for entry to teacher training or other Early Childhood careers.
Subject-Based Practical skills
- Communicate appropriately and effectively in a range of modes and media
- Relate appropriate theory to early childhood practice
- Demonstrate understanding of research methodology by applying this knowledge to undertake a small-scale research project.
Skills for life and work (general skills)
- Demonstrate autonomy, self-reliance, teamwork and leadership.
- Develop transferable graduate skills in communication and interpersonal relationships
- Communication
- Computer literacy (word-processing, electronic communication, electronic databases, statistical software, internet searching)
- Numeracy and statistical competence
- Self-awareness
- Planning and time-management
- Employability skills
Structure
The programme structure
Introduction
At University of East London all programmes are credit-rated to help you to understand the amount and level of study that is needed.
One credit is equal to 10 hours of directed study time (this includes everything you do e.g. online activities and discussions, private study and reading).
Credits are assigned to one of 5 levels:
- 0 - equivalent in standard to GCE 'A' level and is intended to prepare students for year one of an undergraduate degree programme
- 1 - equivalent in standard to the first year of a full-time undergraduate degree programme
- 2 - equivalent in standard to the second year of a full-time undergraduate degree programme
- 3 - equivalent in standard to the third year of a full-time undergraduate degree programme
- M - equivalent in standard to a Masters degree
Credit rating
The overall credit rating of this programme is 360 credits.
Typical duration
The expected duration of this programme is 3 years when attended in full-time mode or 4.5 years in part-time mode. Support, however, may be available for longer - up to eight years, if necessary (this is the maximum time from first enrolment that students have to complete the programme).
How the teaching year is divided
There are three entry points per year onto the programme: September, February and May. A student, normally registering for 6 modules in one year would do so in a full-time attendance mode of study and a student registering for up to 4 modules in one year would do so in part-time attendance mode of study.
What you will study when
A typical full-time student will take six 20-credit modules per year, but you may choose to take fewer than this. To graduate as an honours degree student you will need to have completed 120 credits at level one, 120 credits at level 2 and 120 credits at level 3.
It is also possible to study Early Childhood Studies as part of a Combined Honours Degree, either as a Major/Minor or a Joint Honours.
Subjects are offered in a variety of combinations:
- Single - 120 credits at levels one, two and three
- Major - 80 credits at levels one, two and three
- Joint - 60 credits at levels one, two and three
- Minor - 40 credits at levels one, two and three
The following are the core and optional requirements for the single, major, joint and minor routes for this programme:
|
LEVEL |
TITLE |
SKILLS |
CREDITS |
STATUS |
STATUS MAJOR |
STATUS |
STATUS MINOR |
|
1 |
Critical Reading and Writing (ED1000) |
YES |
20 |
CORE |
CORE |
CORE (Unless ‘Skills’ taken in other discipline in which case this module is unavailable) |
|
|
1 |
Introduction to Early Childhood Studies (ED1009) |
|
20 |
CORE |
CORE |
CORE |
CORE |
|
1 |
Children in Their Social Contexts(ED1010) |
|
20 |
CORE |
|
OPTION |
|
|
1 |
Issues in Child Health (ED1012) |
|
20 |
OPTION |
OPTION |
OPTION |
|
|
1 |
Play and Talk in Learning (ED1018) |
|
20 |
OPTION |
OPTION |
OPTION |
|
|
1 |
Understanding Behaviour (ED1019) |
|
20 |
OPTION |
OPTION |
OPTION |
|
|
1 |
Childrens Learning Current Thinking (ED1022) |
|
20 |
OPTION |
OPTION |
OPTION |
|
|
1 |
Introduction to Special Needs (ED1025) |
|
20 |
CORE |
|
OPTION |
|
|
1 |
Developing Learning in Early Childhood (ED1034) |
|
20 |
OPTION |
OPTION |
OPTION |
CORE |
|
2 |
Research Design and Method (ED2000) |
YES |
20 |
CORE |
CORE |
CORE (unless ‘Research’ is taken in other discipline in which case this module is unavailable) |
|
|
2 |
Professional Development (ED2001) |
YES |
20 |
CORE |
CORE |
CORE (unless ‘Employability’ is taken in other discipline in which case this module is unavailable) |
|
|
2 |
Challenging Disability (ED2003) |
|
20 |
OPTION |
OPTION |
OPTION |
|
|
2 |
Issues in Child Development (ED2013) |
|
20 |
CORE |
CORE |
OPTION |
OPTION |
|
2 |
Social Policy for Children and Families (ED2016) |
|
20 |
CORE |
CORE |
CORE |
CORE |
|
2 |
Family Sociology (ED2017) |
|
20 |
CORE |
OPTION |
OPTION |
OPTION |
|
2 |
Understanding and Managing Behaviour (ED2019) |
|
20 |
OPTION |
OPTION |
OPTION |
OPTION |
|
2 |
Fieldwork in Early Years Settings (ED2015)* |
|
20 |
OPTION |
|
|
|
|
3 |
Research Project (ED3000) |
|
40 |
CORE |
CORE |
CORE (unless ‘Project’ is taken in other discipline in which case this module is unavailable) |
|
|
3 |
Educational Issues and Special Educational Needs (ED3004) |
|
20 |
OPTION |
OPTION |
|
|
|
3 |
Early Years Policy (ED3012) |
|
20 |
OPTION |
OPTION |
OPTION |
OPTION |
|
3 |
Curriculum in the Early Years: National and International Issues (ED3013) |
|
20 |
OPTION |
OPTION |
OPTION |
OPTION |
|
3 |
Leadership and Management in the Early Years (ED3016) |
|
20 |
CORE |
CORE |
CORE |
CORE |
|
3 |
Supporting Literacy in Early Childhood (ED3018)* |
|
20 |
OPTION |
|
|
|
|
3 |
Explaining Behaviour (ED3019) |
|
20 |
OPTION |
OPTION |
|
|
|
3 |
Inclusion (ED3028) |
|
20 |
OPTION |
OPTION |
OPTION |
OPTION |
* Placement Modules can only be taken in programmes supported by partner institutions who are able to provide support for the placement process
Requirements for gaining an award
In order to gain an honours degree you will need to obtain 360 credits including:
- A minimum of 120 credits at level one or higher
- A minimum of 120 credits at level two or higher
- A minimum of 120 credits at level three or higher
In order to gain an ordinary degree you will need to obtain a minimum of 300 credits including:
- A minimum of 120 credits at level one or higher
- A minimum of 120 credits at level two or higher
- A minimum of 60 credits at level three or higher
In order to gain a Diploma of Higher Education you will need to obtain at least 240 credits including a minimum of 120 credits at level one or higher and 120 credits at level two or higher
In order to gain a Certificate of Higher Education you will need to obtain 120 credits at level one or higher
In order to gain an Associate Certificate you will need to obtain a minimum of 20 credits at level one or higher
In order to gain a Foundation Degree you will need to obtain a minimum of 240 credits including:
- A minimum of 120 credits at level one or higher
- A minimum of 120 credits at level two or higher
- (A Foundation degree is linked to a named Honours degree onto which a student may progress after successful completion of the Foundation degree)
Degree Classification
Where a student is eligible for an Honours degree, and has gained a minimum of 240 UEL credits at level 2 or level 3 on the programme, including a minimum of 120 UEL credits at level 3, the award classification is determined by calculating:
|
The arithmetic mean of the best 100 credits at level 3 |
× |
2/3 |
+ |
The arithmetic mean of the next best 100 credits at levels 2 and/or 3 |
× |
1/3 |
and applying the mark obtained as a percentage, with all decimals points rounded up to the nearest whole number, to the following classification
|
70% - 100% |
First Class Honours |
|
60% - 69% |
Second Class Honours, First Division |
|
50% - 59% |
Second Class Honours, Second Division |
|
40% - 49% |
Third Class Honours |
|
0% - 39% |
Not passed |
Assessment
Teaching, learning and assessment
Teaching and learning
Knowledge is developed through
- Guided independent study
- Group work
- Formative assessment
- Guided reading
- Knowledge-based activities with feedback
- On-line question/ answer forums
Thinking skills are developed through
- Reflective/ thinking activities with feedback
- Analytical activities with feedback
- Evaluative activities with feedback
- Problem-solving activities with feedback
- On-line question/ answer forum
Practical skills are developed through
- Practical/ physical activities with feedback
- IT activities with feedback
- Research skills-based activities with feedback
- Project work and supervision
Skills for life and work (general skills) are developed through
- The study medium, i.e. distance learning
- Planning activities with feedback
- IT activities with feedback
- Formative assessment with feedback
- Project work
Assessment
Knowledge is assessed by
- Coursework
- Examinations
- Project work
Thinking skills are assessed by
- Coursework
- Examinations
- Project work
Practical skills are assessed by
- Practical reports
- Portfolio compilation
- IT exercises
- Case study exercises
- Completion of Project
Skills for life and work (general skills) are assessed by
- Project work
- Group work
- IT exercises
Quality
How we assure the quality of this programme
Before this programme started the following was checked:
- There would be enough qualified staff to teach the programme
- Adequate resources would be in place
- The overall aims and objectives were appropriate
- The content of the programme met national benchmark requirements
- The proposal met other internal quality criteria covering a range of issues such as admissions policy, teaching, learning and assessment strategy, and student support mechanisms
This is done through a process of programme approval, which involves convening a panel of academic experts including some subject specialists from other institutions. Each panel member scrutinises available documents and talks to the staff who will teach the programme before deciding whether it can be approved.
How we monitor the quality of this programme
The quality of this programme is monitored each year through evaluating:
- External Examiner reports (considering quality and standards)
- Statistical information (considering issues such as the pass rate)
- Student feedback
Drawing on this and other information, programme teams undertake the annual Review and Enhancement Process which is co-ordinated at School level and includes student participation. The process is monitored by the School Quality Standing Committee.
Once every six years University of East London undertakes an in-depth review of the whole field. This is undertaken by a panel that includes at least two external subject specialists. The panel considers documents, looks at student work, speaks to current and former students and speaks to staff before drawing its conclusions. The result is a report highlighting good practice and identifying areas where action is needed.
The role of the programme committee
This programme has a programme committee comprising all relevant teaching staff, student representatives and others who make a contribution towards the effective operation of the programme (e.g. library/technician staff). The committee has responsibilities for the quality of the programme. It provides input into the operation of the Review and Enhancement Process and proposes changes to improve quality. The programme committee plays a critical role in University of East London’s quality assurance procedures.
The role of external examiners
The standard of this programme is monitored by at least one External Examiner. External Examiners have two primary responsibilities:
- To ensure the standard of the programme
- To ensure that justice is done to individual students
External Examiners fulfil these responsibilities in a variety of ways including:
- Approving exam papers/ assignments
- Attending Assessment Boards
- Reviewing samples of Student work and moderating marks
- Ensuring that regulations are followed
- Providing feedback to the University through an annual report that enables us to make improvements for the future
Listening to the views of students
The following methods for gaining student feedback are used on this programme:
- Module evaluations
- Programme evaluations
- Polls via our website
- Student representation on the programme committee (held twice yearly).
Students are notified of the action taken through:
- Individual mailing letters as required
- Postings on UEL Plus and Connecting UEL (the Resource & Community site)
Listening to the views of others
The following methods are used for gaining the views of interested parties:
- Questionnaires to former students
- Liaison with Local Authorities
- Liaison with Local Schools
Further Information
Alternative locations for studying this programme
| Location | Which elements? | Taught by UEL staff | Taught by local staff | Method of Delivery |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
N/A |
- |
- |
- |
- |
Where you can find further information
Further information about this programme is available from:
- The UEL web site (http://www.uel.ac.uk)
- The programme handbook (give web-site where available)
- Module study guides (give web-site where available)
- UEL Manual of General Regulations http://www.uel.ac.uk/qa/
- UEL Quality Manual http://www.uel.ac.uk/qa/
- Regulations for the Academic Framework http://www.uel.ac.uk/academicframework/
- UEL Guide to Undergraduate Programmes
- Cass School of Education and Communities web site http://www.uel.ac.uk/cass/
School web pages (give web-site address
- Current External examiners
- External examiner reports (available from UEL virtual learning environment (UELPlus or Moodle))
