EARLY CHILDHOOD STUDIES

Engaging in individually selected and directed research is one of the highlights of an undergraduate degree and in this module you will be introduced to the skills and competences needed to explore your selected topic in depth to ensure you gain the most from this opportunity. Research at this level can be a daunting process but you will be appointed a dissertation tutor who will help guide you through this important and rewarding process.

Developing and recognising graduate competencies for the early year's workforce will enable you to set yourself apart from the crowd, presenting to future employers the skills necessary to undertake your professional role in a competitive employment arena. The vocational practice you experience on this module will enhance your professional development by advancing and consolidating your theoretical knowledge, increasing your professional skill set skills and enriching your personal and professional confidence.

The module explores leadership and management, contemporary issues and current trends in order to enhance quality assurance and to support change that may improve the educational/child centred experiences of children in the early years. The module content encourages students to identify their settings'/ work place needs and to work collaboratively with the staff, other professionals, children and their families in order to devise and implement an action plan for creating improvement and change.

You will explore the concept of children's voice through a range of theoretical perspective. In doing so you will develop a critical understanding of how to support children's voice, participation and agency in a professional context.

This module encourages students to develop a critical and comprehensive understanding of the key principles of pedagogical leadership within play and learning environments. Both contemporary and classical theoretical frameworks concerning leadership and management are critically evaluated with a view to exploring how such theories afford us a frame through which to view and develop best practice in leadership. The module focusses on the diverse ways in which early years practitioners design, develop, execute and assess pedagogical leadership in play and learning.

This module is designed to provide an insight into the social, historical and cultural construct of 'childhood'. C hildhood is made up of a series of discourses influenced by shifts in political policy, economic factors and industry needs, cultural influences, religion, philosophy, technology and the changing needs of society. Content will investigate the impact of such change upon children, the notion of 'childhood', and the place of children within society from a historical perspective. Key factors affecting children's lives throughout the ages will be discussed and the concept of 'childhood' explored through a range of theoretical perspectives and social contexts.