New Masters courses are launched at College

The College will be greatly expanding its range of postgraduate programmes in childhood and education from this September, with the launch of two new part-time Masters courses.

The MA Early Years Education is aimed at students who already have a PGCE Early Years at masters level and are currently working as a teacher, or in another role within an education setting.

It is designed to build on students' existing knowledge and experience by exploring, for instance, issues of management and leadership, to help them work in managerial roles in the Early Years sector, which covers children aged 3-7.

Similarly, the MA Professional Studies in Childhood provides a progression route for those who have studied on the College's BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies, Supporting Learning or Supporting Learning through ICT programmes, or similar courses elsewhere.

It is intended to develop students' knowledge and understanding of current issues related to childhood, and is suitable for people working in schools, children's centres or Sure Start programmes with youngsters aged up to 19.

Programmes co-ordinator Marjorie Jeavons said: "Both courses came from speaking to our own students who wanted to continue with their studies, and would have preferred to do so here.

"In the same way that our PGCE course was launched a few years ago in response to our students' needs, we’re now offering the chance to get a full Masters qualification here at the College."

As with all our Masters and degree-level courses, the two new programmes are validated by the University of Birmingham.