CHILDHOOD AND EDUCATION STUDIES

You will be exploring the individual needs of children and how to identify these through different methods of assessment. Different strategies, techniques and approaches for managing children's behaviour, meeting their individual needs and supporting their development will be evaluated. You will also show an awareness of the key role played by legislation and policy on practice and a consideration of how these impact on children, their families and practitioners.

This module aims to build your understanding of the importance of language and literacy as communicative tools. Language is one of the key developments of childhood, and the ability to communicate is fundamental to all other aspects of learning and development. You are encouraged to respond with sensitivity, awareness and skill to children's language and learning needs, and to reflect on your own experiences as a language user. The significance of story and the importance of rhyme, rhythm and sound will be discussed, while language delay and disorders will be considered. The module will help you to understand the importance of providing a supportive language and literacy environment.

This module introduces you to the management and application of research. The primary aim of the module is to develop your skills and expertise in the evaluation and use of essential research tools. The application of these tools will be done through online activities and directed reading. The module develops inquisitiveness through building an awareness of multiple perspectives for studying, analysing and understanding phenomena. You will be encouraged to challenge research, both national and international, and data through systematic analysis. This enquiring approach will engender in you the ability to view research as tentative, to be revised and reconsidered.

This module focuses on the professional practice of practitioners working with infants from birth to three years. It will facilitate your development of the knowledge and skills necessary to respond to the needs of this group. The module will enable you to gain an understanding of the need for effective parent partnerships, particularly in relation to infants aged 0-3. You will study key aspects of the care, health and development of young children, including ante-natal and post-natal care, early characteristics and development of the infant, health and care of the infant and considering how parents and professionals can work together so that the optimum potential of the infant can be achieved.

Creativity and play are explored in this module as interwoven themes in young people's learning and development. This module provides opportunities for you to examine theoretical perspectives but also to explore your own creative processes through the provision of interactive sessions. You are encouraged to link your work-based experience to the theory so that the significance of play in underpinning children's learning and development is fully recognised and acknowledged.

This module focuses on the skills needed for successful recruitment and selection in the workplace. You will devise a recruitment and selection portfolio which will include a range of material aimed at supporting the selection of personnel. You will have the opportunity to formulate induction and appraisal proformas. In addition, you will explore the management of change and identify implications for managers and the workforce. Consideration will be given to quality issues within the workplace.

This module allows you to explore the concepts, legislation, philosophy and contexts of various contemporary issues in relation to children and families. The issues will be current to your year of study and your personal engagement with the assessment will reflect the geographical location, social and cultural context you find yourself in during the course.

You will look at children with disabilities and learning difficulties, and examine a plethora of strategies which will allow you to support children with complex learning needs. The module is underpinned by the critical analysis of legislative and policy frameworks which facilitates the examination of intrapersonal interactions with children with complex needs and the interactions between these children's families and education/care practitioners.

This module allows you to engage in a piece of independent research exploring a field relevant to your studies and/or desired future career pathway. You will choose to engage in either primary or secondary research and will develop independent learning, problem-solving and analytical skills. You will be encouraged to employ a wide range of academic resources in the development of your study. This module will include you being assigned a project supervisor who you will meet with five times during a two-semester period.

This module takes the perspective that children are viewed as competent, active participants and social agents in their own lives. Furthermore, the belief is that they are regarded not just as "becoming but being", and thus recognises that listening to children requires a process of continual adjustment to meet changing individual and societal needs. It is acknowledged that this concept is not without contention and therefore the emphasis will be on engaging in critical reflection to ensure potential barriers to listening to children in a professional context are identified, debated and examined using political and theoretical frameworks. You will be invited to explore your understanding of strategies and tools used in practice to support children's participation, voice and agency and promote a listening culture.

This module builds on your knowledge of psychology and human development, policies in context, and communication and practice experience. It encompasses the premise that health and wellbeing, in its widest sense, is paramount for a fulfilling life. This module examines the different approaches and models of health promotion, and their application by a range of professionals. It explores the physiological, psychological, and social health needs of various demographic groups in different settings and communities. The international, social, political, legal and research perspectives will be integral to the area of study.