Masters Degrees (Early Childhood Education)

This MA offers you the opportunity to explore current issues within early childhood education in national and international contexts, and can open up a wide range of career opportunities in areas including childcare management, lecturing and research.

It focuses on the crucial role that experiences in early education play in producing happy, healthy and successful children. Drawing on your own professional experience, practice and interests you'll be able to research and develop specialist areas of expertise within this field.

Specifically, our re-validated course provides an exciting new opportunity to:
• Engage in rigorous and critical professional development
• Explore issues of relevance to your own workplace
• Enhance your skills in research and critical enquiry
• Investigate the latest research
• Innovate and lead practice

Visit the website: https://www.canterbury.ac.uk/study-here/courses/postgraduate/early-childhood-education.aspx

Course detail

The range of modules is designed to reflect the range of expertise and specialisms within the Early Childhood Directorate teaching team, who are passionate about using insights from their research to enhance your learning experience. You will have the opportunity to develop your own research and specialist areas of expertise, based on personal interests and professional experiences. We encourage you to gain experience as a researcher, and there may be opportunities to get involved in research projects and student internships within the Faculty of Education.

You will study a core module at the outset which will help you develop an understanding of Level 7 learning and the importance of reflection on practice, as you begin to develop effective Level 7 writing skills and abilities.

• Professional Development through Research, Reflection and Professional Practice (core 20 credit module)

As you progress you will have the opportunity to develop these skills further in a range of optional 20 credit modules. Options include the following although some combinations may be limited due to your mode of study (full/part¬time). All modules are subject to change.

• Early Childhood Education: Curricular and Pedagogical Approaches (optional)
• Leading Quality Practice in Early Childhood Education (optional)
• Policy and Practice in Early Childhood Education (optional)
• Learning Outdoors in Early Childhood (optional)
• Children’s Lives in Context: Historical and International Perspectives (optional)
• Children and Charities in Early Childhood Education (optional)
• Early Childhood Education for Sustainability (optional)
• Early Childhood Education: Negotiated Project (optional)

The final 60 credits of the course are designed to enable you to demonstrate self-direction and originality in conducting an independent research study into a specialist area in early childhood education.

Suitability

The MA attracts a wide range of graduates from a variety of backgrounds not necessarily Early Years related but those who wish to expand and deepen their knowledge of young children from birth to 8 years. Throughout the course you will have the opportunity to engage in extracurricular activities hosted by the University such as conferences, open lectures, and visits to early years settings.

Format

You'll study using a variety of learning and teaching strategies involving you as an active participant in the process of learning and teaching depending upon the mode of delivery. Modules typically consist of a series of lectures, workshops and seminars which are delivered over the course of seven weeks. Some modules may be offered on a blended basis combining face to face Saturday sessions with access to online learning resources. Blended delivery is particularly appropriate where the module content demands experiential learning and some sessions may include field work as well as classroom based activities. It is also appropriate for modules such as the Negotiated Project where students are encouraged to further their own specific research interests with one-to-one tutor support.

All learning will be supported through the use of the University Virtual Learning Environment (Blackboard) as well as other digital media. Individual tutorials are offered to students in all modules and individual supervision forms an essential part of work on the dissertation. The module tutor or the Programme Director will act as your personal tutor.

Assessment

The programme uses a range of assessment types including presentations, action research reports, reflective commentaries, literature reviews and document analysis. You will also complete a 15,000 word dissertation based on your research interests.

What can I do next?

As a programme of rigorous and critical professional development, the MA Early Childhood Education can open up a wide range of opportunities. Graduates from the MA Early Childhood Education have been successful in pursuing careers in a variety of different professional contexts with roles including Lecturer in Early Years, Nursery Manager, Childrens Centre Manager, Deputy Headteacher (primary) and Creative Early Years Specialist. Some students have gone on to enroll on doctoral programmes and to undertake a PhD based on their particular research interests.

How to apply

For information on how to apply, please follow this link: https://www.canterbury.ac.uk/study-here/how-to-apply/how-to-apply.aspx

Funding

-Masters Loans-

From 2016/17 government loans of up to £10,000 are available for postgraduate Masters study. The loans will be paid directly to students by the Student Loans Company and will be subject to both personal and course eligibility criteria.

For more information available here: https://www.canterbury.ac.uk/study-here/funding-your-degree/funding-your-postgraduate-degree.aspx

-2017/18 Entry Financial Support-

Information on alternative funding sources is available here: https://www.canterbury.ac.uk/study-here/funding-your-degree/2017-18-entry-financial-support.aspx

Read less

About the course

This course blends distance learning with face-to-face teaching. It’s open to early childhood professionals anywhere in the world, including early years practitioners, FE and HE lecturers, teachers, nursery nurses, voluntary and independent providers, and inspectors and managers working in areas relevant to early childhood.

Wherever you are in the world, you’ll develop the skills you need to carry out high-quality educational research relevant to your own culture. Those skills include a clearer understanding of the policies, practice and theories that underpin your work. You’ll discuss international approaches and educational change with leading experts.

Your career

We offer postgraduate courses that will launch your career in education or aid your continuing professional development.

Our graduates work in the UK and overseas in schools, universities, and local and national government. Some are teachers and lecturers. Others use their skills in policy development, education, administration, psychology and social work.

About us

We value creative teaching that challenges inequalities in the education system. We believe in increasing opportunities for education, for everyone. Our research has a direct impact on educational theory, policy and practice. We’re supporting the development of children, families and learning communities through dedicated research centres.

You’ll learn from world-class academics such as Professor Cathy Nutbrown and Professor Dan Goodley. Cathy, who teaches on three of our postgraduate courses, won an Outstanding Impact in Society award in 2013 for her work on literacy. Dan’s work on disability in education has been described as ground breaking.

Our research seminar programme gives you access to the latest findings, often before they’re published. The University’s library has online catalogues and databases, e-books and e-journals.

Structure, teaching and assessment

All MA courses follow a similar pattern with two core modules (1 and 4) and two subject-specific modules (2 and 3).

Teaching and learning takes place via lectures, seminars, tutorials, discussion, active inquiry and investigations. Regular meetings with a personal tutor support and encourage your learning and understanding.

A weekly tutorial and a Study of Education course accompanies the taught modules.

There are no formal written examinations and assessment is by coursework and a 15–20,000-word dissertation.

Core modules

Early Childhood Education: history and policy; Development Learning and Curriculum; Contemporary Issues in Early Childhood Education; Research Methods in Early Childhood Education; Dissertation (Early Childhood Education).

Teaching

You’ll study mostly at home, staying in contact with your tutor by telephone, post and email. You must attend five residential weekends in Sheffield during the two years of the course.

Assessment

Each module is assessed through a 6,000- word assignment. A final 15–20,000-word dissertation represents one-third of the MA (60 credits out of 180). On completion, you’ll have the opportunity to apply for doctoral study on our Early Childhood Education EdD.

Read less

This contemporary Masters from Liverpool John Moores University is aimed at graduates and graduate practitioners keen to examine international approaches to early childhood education (ECE).

•Unique in the UK, this contemporary Masters degree invites graduates and graduate-level practitioners to explore international approaches to early childhood education (ECE)

•Compare Montessori’s ideas with other approaches

•Learn from highly respected, research-active staff and early childhood professionals

•Critically engage with the theoretical and practical issues of ECE

•Enhance your learning with a European placement (also open to international students)

•This course will only run subject to minimum numbers

The programme comprises philosophy modules, research modules and international policy modules.

The philosophy modules emphasise a critical view of educational knowledge, the research modules consider the methodological implications of research skills and the international policy modules focus on the practical application of global childhood education. All of these themes then converge in the Dissertation module.

The course is taught by research-active staff with practical experience and close links to education providers in Sweden (Gothenburg) and Italy (Reggio Emilia). You can enhance your academic learning with a two month Erasmus work placement, gaining a valuable insight into the impact of different European cultures on their approaches to education.


The course can be studied full or part time. There are timetabled study sessions one day a week, with the emphasis on independent, self-guided study. The two month placement is, however, full time.

On joining the course you will be allocated a personal tutor who, alongside programme and module leaders and administrators, will be on hand to offer guidance throughout the course.

You will also have access to:

•24 hour learning support via Blackboard

•an MRes introductory weekend

•various programme, student and module guides

•LJMU counselling services

Please see guidance below on core and option modules for further information on what you will study.
Research Methods
You will identify and critically evaluate different research methodologies and methods pertinent to research with young children.

Philosophies of Early Childhood Education
This module explores personal views around the purpose of education and progresses to critically reflect on different philosophies of Education in relation to early childhood education, such as Maria Montessori and Reggio Emilia. In doing so you will develop and identify a personal philosophy of education.

The Critically Reflective Practitioner
This module involves critically reflecting on personal values, beliefs and assumptions in relation to early childhood practice. You will demonstrate the implications of relevant theory and research on your own practice having engaged in a critically reflective process.

ECE Curricula in an International Context
This module will enable you to develop a critically reflexive lens in exploring ideologies within a framework of curriculum theory in an international context.


Democracy and Participation in ECE
This module will develop your critical understanding of the rationale, issues and debates related to enhancing the democratic participation of diverse groups of young children in a range of education and care contexts in order to plan for future research and practice.

Global Issues, Childhoods and Education
This module critically examines contemporary global issues affecting children and their families drawing on key debates in education and care. In doing so, you will use your comprehensive knowledge base to focus on a global case study pertinent to early childhood education and care and critically analyse it.

Dissertation
This module will provide you with the opportunity to integrate the skills, facts, theory and practice that have been developed as part of engaging with the previous modules. You will design and carry out an empirically based research project.

Read less

The PGCE Early Childhood Education with recommendation for Early Years Teacher Status is funded by the National College for Teaching and Leadership (NCTL) for the Initial Teacher Training for specialist early years teachers (birth to five years).

Visit the website: https://www.canterbury.ac.uk/study-here/courses/postgraduate/early-childhood-education-with-early-years-teacher-status.aspx

Course detail

There are two routes for this course. The Graduate Entry (Mainstream) and the Graduate Entry (Employment Based).

The Graduate Entry (Mainstream) is a twelve month, full-time course suitable for high calibre graduates who have limited experience of working with children from birth to five, but who are looking to pursue a career working in early years.

On this pathway you will work for some periods of the week in a minimum of two placements, undertake a number of PGCE modules and attend Early Years Teacher Status professional study days.

The Graduate Entry (Employment Based) pathway is suitable for graduates working in an early years setting or who require training and further experience to demonstrate the Teachers’ Standards (Early Years), or for newly recruited graduates in an early years setting who need to undertake early years ITT through an employment based route.

Suitability

This postgraduate route into teaching is a credible career choice for students wishing to pursue specialisation and expertise as a teacher with children from birth to five years.

Content

All PGCE pathways cover three main areas: Curriculum Studies, Professional Studies and Enhanced Studies. The Early Childhood Education pathway is designed to complement professional practice and the academic study should be informed by and inform practice.

In Curriculum Studies modules and taught days, you will develop your understanding and knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum, pedagogy and resources to support the teaching.

As you progress through your studies and can apply your learning to practical teaching situations, you will be introduced to a wider range of critical perspectives on teaching and learning in the early years. You will be expected to apply that critical reflection to your own teaching.

In Professional Studies modules and taught days, you will learn about broader aspects of education and the early years, its role in society and communities and how education policy and practice has an impact on schools. Key principles and values in early years education will be explored as you develop your own theories of education and reflect critically on others.

In the Enhanced Studies module and taught days, you will have the opportunity to choose a particular aspect of early years education and to study that in greater depth. Your learning in this context will enable you to reflect more strongly and critically on your own emerging identity as an early years teacher.

On completion of the course you will be awarded your Early Years Teacher Status from the National College of Teaching and Leadership. The Early Years Teacher Status is subject to the relevant standards and requirements set out by the Department for Education which are subject to change.

Format

You can expect to receive 50 hours academic direction for each module in a university taught session. The range of learning and teaching strategies is a central component of the design and planning of the PGCE Early Childhood Education pathway on the ITE course.

There is an expectation of 150 hours practice learning and independent study to support your individual and collaborative learning. We will use of a range of ways of engaging you in critical debate and discussion during taught sessions, including talk partners, small group discussion and micro-teaching, while enhancing the experience with practical, creative and active learning.

The Graduate Entry (Mainstream) students on this course are required to be in placement for 120 days. These placements are linked to two credit bearing modules and will contain the assessment process for the recommendation of the award of Early Years Teacher Status. The placements will be in settings for children from birth to five years and will be sourced by the Partnership Team in line with the University placement procedures and processes.

Students studying on the employment pathway (Graduate Entry Employment Based) will be able to use their current employment as their base location in addition to contrasting placements to meet the requirements of the course. On commencing the course they will complete a needs analysis with tutors so that gaps in their knowledge, skills and experience can be highlighted; in this way additional placements will be arranged to ensure these students can cover the breadth of the 0-5 years subject area.

Assessment

Early Childhood Education PGCE pathway students who opt for the PGCE modules (either as a whole or for separate Masters level modules) will be assessed in two main ways – via academic assignments and via assessment of your teaching.

You will submit academic assignments for 20 credits in curriculum, professional and enhanced studies. Each submission will include a written element, but you may also be assessed via presentation or practical performance as relevant to your subject or chosen options. You can achieve up to 60 Masters (Level 7) credits (except in the PGCE Modular pathway which offers up to 40 Masters (Level 7) credits.)

What can I do next?

On successful completion students will be awarded a Postgraduate Certificate in Education with Early Years Teacher Status. Students may have already achieved 60 Masters level credits and may wish to continue studies by applying for the MA Early Childhood Education.

How to apply

For information on how to apply, please follow this link: https://www.canterbury.ac.uk/study-here/how-to-apply/how-to-apply.aspx

Funding

-Masters Loans-

From 2016/17 government loans of up to £10,000 are available for postgraduate Masters study. The loans will be paid directly to students by the Student Loans Company and will be subject to both personal and course eligibility criteria.

For more information available here: https://www.canterbury.ac.uk/study-here/funding-your-degree/funding-your-postgraduate-degree.aspx

-2017/18 Entry Financial Support-

Information on alternative funding sources is available here: https://www.canterbury.ac.uk/study-here/funding-your-degree/2017-18-entry-financial-support.aspx

Read less

This award is gained through taking an early childhood education focus for 50% of the study, including the Dissertation.

The programme is flexible to enable students to demonstrate an early childhood education focus in any of the 30 credit modules of interest which are studied, although study might include the Child Development: Foundations for Life module. Students must have an early childhood education focus for the final dissertation. In order to gain this award, students need to submit the Early Childhood Education evidence log to demonstrate the 50% focus.

Why choose this course?

The programme supports you in developing your knowledge and understanding of issues and practice through enquiry and research. The programme provides a range of module choices, but you are encouraged to bring your own ideas and focus on your own particular professional interests.

Through this programme you will:

• Develop and deepen your knowledge and understanding of issues relating to education practice through critical reflection, analysis and enquiry
• Develop your ability to critically analyse educational theory and how it links to practice
• Become a member of a supportive learning community and learn from professionals from a range of educational settings
• Become a successful practitioner researcher

Structure

Year 1

Core Modules:

Early Childhood Education Dissertation
Exploring Approaches to Research

Optional:

Creativity: You and Your Practice
Developing Subject and Professional Knowledge
Early Childhood: Foundations for Life
Education, Social Justice and Social Change
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
Inclusive Perspectives on Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities
Leadership and Management

Teaching methods

Taught sessions are built around discussion, discovery, shared learning and peer review with tutor support and expertise immediately at hand. All modules are constructed so that the focus of the work should be upon your individual interests and professional requirements.

• For each 30 credit module, attendance at between 7/8 twilight sessions per module
• A significant amount of private study and reading
• Independent research
• An assignment of 4,500 words or equivalent for 30 credit modules
• A final 60 credit module over a year with a 12,000 word assignment
• Full access to the University’s Learning Resource Centre (LRC) and virtual learning environment

Read less

Overview

The early years of a child's life are critical years that play a major role in determining the child's developmental trajectory throughout life. A significant body of research literature has documented the importance of early childhood education and the difference that quality early childhood education makes in these early formative years. The Faculty of Education at UBC is fortunate to have a number of faculty members whose research and professional interests focus on children from birth to age 8. The strength of this group is in its breadth across disciplinary areas, the variety and the high calibre of its research, and its commitment to professional development. As a collective, this group represents a significant strength within the Faculty of Education that attracts outstanding students, new faculty, and research funding.

The Master of Arts (MA) in Early Childhood Education is a research-oriented degree, requiring the completion of a Master's Thesis. As such, it is the preferred route for individuals planning to pursue a doctoral degree after the Masters.

The Masters of Education (MEd) is a course-based degree; while the MEd also includes research courses, its focus is primarily on knowledge of professional practice. Students may choose from either the course-only option or courses plus ECED 590 (3 credits), which is recognized as a capstone experience by the British Columbia Teacher Qualification Service (TQS).

Quick Facts

- Degree: Master of Arts (research-based), Master of Education (course-based)
- Specialization: Early Childhood Education
- Subject: Education
- Mode of delivery: On campus
- Program components: Coursework + Thesis required
- Faculty: Faculty of Education

Read less

Advance your knowledge of young children’s learning and develop your early years practice and professionalism. Explore areas of personal interest in early childhood education and care whilst also enhancing your research skills. There will also be opportunities to visit different early years settings.

See the website http://www.anglia.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/early-childhood-education

If you have a degree in early childhood studies, pre-school education or a related subject, our MA offers a great opportunity to explore aspects of young children’s lives in more depth, examining current policies and practices to build on your existing knowledge. If that’s you, why not take this opportunity to boost your skills and knowledge? You’ll be able to link your newly-learned theories and research with your practice from the start, boosting your contribution to your workplace and enhancing your career prospects. Taught by experienced tutors who are passionate about using insights from research to enhance the lives of young children and their families. The course focusses on early childhood education from birth until eight years old and you'll graduate with a valuable postgraduate qualification.

Teaching times: Tuesday evenings (5-8pm) plus day time study for full-time students; Tuesday evenings only for part-time students. For all part-time students and for full-time students starting in January, there are two Saturday day schools and a daytime summer school in the last week of July in trimester 3.

For the June intake you can only choose to study part-time.

See the website http://www.anglia.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/early-childhood-education

Careers

Are you working with children, or do you intend to work with children in the future? If so, our MA will enhance your career. It provides a highly relevant professional development opportunity for you whether you’re an early years or pre-school teacher, a manager in a childcare setting, a family support worker or an early years consultant. It’s also a great starting point if you’re looking for a career in academia and is a step towards a PhD or EdD.

- Work placements
There are no formal work placements for this course. If you’re already working in an early years environment then you can immediately put your new skills and experience into practice. Our course also gives you the opportunity to visit different early years settings thanks to our links with local nurseries. If you’re interested in gaining experience as a researcher you may be able to get involved with research projects run by our Department of Education and the Early Childhood Research Group.

Core modules

Investigating Education through Research
Major Project

Optional modules:
Early Childhood - Principles, Practice & Professionalism
Specialist Studies in Early Childhood Education and Care
Professional Enquiry for Early Childhood
National & International Policy Perspectives

You will take 3 optional modules from the above list. The availability of modules will depend on whether you are a full-time or part-time student and on when you start your course. More information and guidance will be available from your course leader. All modules are subject to change.

Assessment

You’ll be assessed in a variety of ways including presentations and written assignments as well as group work and peer reviews. For each 30 credit module you’ll complete an assessment of 6,000 words or equivalent. Your Major Project will usually be a written research report of around 15,000 words.

Read less

About the course

This one-year, full-time course covers a broad range of issues, encourages students to reflect on their experiences of early childhood education current policy and addresses theory and research relevant to their interests.

Your career

We offer postgraduate courses that will launch your career in education or aid your continuing professional development.

Our graduates work in the UK and overseas in schools, universities, and local and national government. Some are teachers and lecturers. Others use their skills in policy development, education, administration, psychology and social work.

About us

We value creative teaching that challenges inequalities in the education system. We believe in increasing opportunities for education, for everyone. Our research has a direct impact on educational theory, policy and practice. We’re supporting the development of children, families and learning communities through dedicated research centres.

You’ll learn from world-class academics such as Professor Cathy Nutbrown and Professor Dan Goodley. Cathy, who teaches on three of our postgraduate courses, won an Outstanding Impact in Society award in 2013 for her work on literacy. Dan’s work on disability in education has been described as ground breaking.

Our research seminar programme gives you access to the latest findings, often before they’re published. The University’s library has online catalogues and databases, e-books and e-journals.

Structure, teaching and assessment

All MA courses follow a similar pattern with two core modules (1 and 4) and two subject-specific modules (2 and 3).

Teaching and learning takes place via lectures, seminars, tutorials, discussion, active inquiry and investigations. Regular meetings with a personal tutor support and encourage your learning and understanding.

A weekly tutorial and a Study of Education course accompanies the taught modules.

There are no formal written examinations and assessment is by coursework and a 15–20,000-word dissertation.

Core modules

Critical Issues in Education and Educational Research; Early Childhood 1: Development, Learning and Curriculum; Early Childhood 2: Contemporary Issues in Early Childhood Education; The Practice of Research; Dissertation.

Read less

The M.Ed. in Early Childhood Education is an advanced program of study designed to prepare individuals for leadership positions in the field as teachers or administrators. The accomplished teachers track is designed to enhance the knowledge and skills of in-service, certified teachers. The program administrators track is focused on developing the leadership skills of child-care administrators and primary-level principals. Students in either track will take the same eight core courses and then two additional courses based on their track. All candidates will take the capstone course to complete the program. The M.Ed. in Early Childhood Education is an online program.

Curriculum

Core modules:

ECE 502 Advanced Child Dev: Prebirth Through Eight Years
ECE 504 Play as a Learning Medium
ECE 505 Families, Communities and Education in a Multicultural Society
ECE 511 Trends and Issues in ECE
ECE 512 Integrated Curriculum & Assessment: Birth to Age 8
ECE 513 Advocating for Young Children and Families
ECE 515 Coaching and Supervision in ECE
EDA 508 Introduction to Early Childhood/Special Education

For the additional modules taught on the Accomplished Teachers Track:

http://catalog.wcupa.edu/graduate/education-social-work/early-middle-grades-education/early-childhood-education-med-accomplished-teachers-track/

For the additional modules taught on the Program Administrators Track:

http://catalog.wcupa.edu/graduate/education-social-work/early-middle-grades-education/early-childhood-education-med-program-administrators-track/

NCATE Accreditation

All of our programs are accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE). Our programs that lead to teacher certification have been approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE).

Student Experiences

• In 2008-2009, over 10,000 documented hours of community service were provided to area agencies and organizations.
• According to survey data of 2007-2008 teacher-education graduates, over 90% have positions in education-related fields within one year of graduation.
• Our undergraduate candidates participate in community-service experiences that benefit children and their families.

Read less

Overview

Newman University has developed a suite of modules aimed specifically at Early Years Practitioners and Early Years Professionals who are working in or have access to early years settings.

Course content

Newman offers you the opportunity to enhance your professional knowledge, understanding and skills of early years practice by developing and implementing systematic professional enquiry and reflective practice around a range of concepts and theories relevant to early years provision.

Completion of the

Postgraduate Certificate in Early Childhood Education and Care

will enable you to continue onto a full MA via undertaking a further 30 credit module of your choice (from the MA Education module choices) and the compulsory Research Methods module, followed by the final dissertation.

Attendance

You will study the course part-time over 12 months which will provide you with the flexibility to combine employment (if relevant) and placements (if relevant) with study. Taught sessions will be based at Newman. The PG cert comprises of 3 modules with one module being taught each semester on one evening per week with approximately 10 sessions per module.

Assessment

You will experience a range of assessments in the form of reflective accounts, presentations and essays related to practice in the field of early years.

Read less

This course is aimed at people who are currently working with young children aged 0-5 years in early years settings including children's centres, schools and private day care. You deepen your knowledge and understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and early childhood development for young children.

During the course you cover developing the curriculum and pedagogy for the age phases 0-3 and 3-5 years. You also gain knowledge and understanding of transition issues, including children's progress through key stages 1 and 2.

Supported by experienced workplace mentors, you extend your knowledge and professional skills in key areas including

• the observation and assessment of young children's development
• children's development and learning through play
• children's participation and inclusion
• collaborative working with parents and carers
• the leadership of staff teams

During your training you strengthen your expertise in teaching early literacy, including reading, and mathematics, including numeracy. The course also enhances your skills in supporting children's learning and development across all the prime and specific areas of the EYFS. You deepen your understanding of the characteristics of effective learning that are key to this stage of development.

You complete an assessed teaching practice in your home school or early years setting, and a second assessed placement with a younger or older age-group in a second school or early years setting. Placement experience is organised so that you cover the three age groups within the 0-5 age range.

Throughout your course you are supported to develop a range of relevant academic and professional skills at graduate and postgraduate level. This supports and enhances your career potential, opening up opportunities for higher level posts within early years services.

Professional recognition

By meeting the standards for Early Years Teacher Status, you are recognised as an Early Years Teacher (0-5) with EYTS by the http://www.nationalcollege.org.uk/index" target="_blank">National College of Teaching and Leadership.

Course content

Key areas include

• child development for babies, toddlers and young children
• the Early Years Foundation Stage
• play in early childhood
• working with families
• leadership
• working across professional boundaries

Assessment

• course work including reflective writing, presentations and e-portfolio
• practice during placements

Employability

Previous students have gained roles as early years teachers in private nurseries, preschools and children's centres, working with children and their families.

Early career roles are often practice based but involve some form of leadership such as a room leader, EYT leading practice across a setting or SENCO co-ordinating provision for children with special education needs. Students have also gained practitioner roles in schools, working with young children aged 2 - 5.

There are developing opportunities in schools, as schools extend provision to two-year-olds. Early career salaries on graduation vary across the early years sector, starting at around £16,000 going up to £24,000.

For experienced early years teachers, there are good opportunities for career progression leading to higher level leadership roles. These roles include private nursery manager, nursery chain teacher and children's centres co-ordinator or manager, where you would lead a multiprofessional team. Salaries range between £25,000 and £40,000.

Some graduates take up teaching roles in further education, with salaries starting at £25,000. Others continue their academic and professional development at masters level.

Read less

This course is designed for graduates with limited experience of working with children aged 0-5 years. Your studies are based around extended placements in at least two different early years settings to give you the confidence, skills and experience to work across the 0-5 age range.

Alongside this practical experience you attend taught sessions which provide you with theoretical knowledge of child development, pedagogy and the key areas of early years foundation stage (EYFS). You also gain knowledge and understanding of transition issues, including children's progress through Key Stages 1 and 2.

Supported by experienced workplace mentors during your placement, you develop your knowledge and professional skills in key areas including

• the observation and assessment of young children's development
• children's development and learning through play
• children's participation and inclusion
• collaborative working with parents and carers
• the leadership of staff teams

During your training you also gain skills in teaching early literacy, including reading, and mathematics, including numeracy.

Throughout the course you are supported to develop a range of relevant academic and professional skills at graduate and postgraduate level. This enhances your career potential and opens up future opportunities for higher level posts within early years services.

Professional recognition

By meeting the standards for Early Years Teacher Status, you are recognised as an Early Years Teacher (0-5) with EYTS by the http://www.nationalcollege.org.uk/index" target="_blank">National College of Teaching and Leadership.

Course content

Key areas include

• child development for babies, toddlers and young children
• the Early Years Foundation Stage
• play in early childhood
• working with families
• leadership
• working across professional boundaries.

During the course you complete two assessed teaching practice placements in different early years settings.

Assessment

• coursework
• assessed practice
• professional development portfolio

Employability

This course prepares you for roles including • early years teacher • senior early years practitioner • children's centre teacher • nursery manager.

Previous students have gained employment as early years teachers in private nurseries, preschools and children's centres, working with children and their families.

Early career roles are often practice based but involve some form of leadership such as a room leader, EYT leading practice across a setting or SENCO co-ordinating provision for children with special education needs. Students have also gained practitioner roles in schools, working with young children aged 2 - 5.

There are developing opportunities as schools extend provision to two-year-olds. Early career salaries on graduation vary across the early years sector, starting at around £16,000 going up to £24,000.

Some graduates take up teaching roles in further education, with salaries starting at £25,000. Others continue their academic and professional development at masters level.

Read less

Do you want to develop your professional expertise and advance your career in education? The Master of Education addresses the professional learning needs of educators, educational administrators, managers, policy makers and others interested or involved in learning and education in the wider community. The course positions you to be a thought leader. Step beyond where you are now. Think deeply as you connect with research excellence and transform how you practice.

The course addresses learning in schools, workplaces and community. It connects research and practice to make you a stronger thinker, an engaged practitioner and an advanced specialist. You will broaden your knowledge of key learning constructs, deepen your professional learning in specialist areas and advance your capacity as a professional inquirer.

You will build your research knowledge and extend your expertise in one of the following specialisations:

- Adult learning
- Digital learning
- Early childhood education
- Educational leadership and policy
- Expert teaching practice
- General education studies
- Inclusive and special education.

In the Master of Education you can graduate with a generic, broadly applicable qualification, by choosing general leadership studies and selecting units to suit your requirements. Alternatively, you may prefer to choose one of the other specialisations and graduate with a qualification that highlights your particular leadership expertise. The flexible structure means you do not have to finalise your decision before being admitted to the course.

A flexible course delivery also allows you to continue working whilst completing the course. You can choose to engage via a fully online offering or to combine this with attendance at face-to-face workshops if you are able and interested.

Graduates pursue leadership roles in educational environments, business, and community settings.

Visit the website http://www.study.monash/courses/find-a-course/2016/education-d6002?domestic=true

Overview

Please select a specialisation for more details:

Adult learning

Your qualification will be a Master of Education in Adult Learning

Do you want to develop your knowledge and expertise in adult education? If so, this specialisation is for you. It focuses on ways to lead and develop communities of learners and their learning - in workplaces, communities and in local, global and virtual spaces. It offers ideas and approaches to enable participation and learning, through formal and non-formal means, and expand and extend practice and skill development in communities.

Through engagement with contemporary theories, approaches and concepts around lifelong learning and participation, you will identify local and global trends and practices around adult education. You will develop a repertoire of strategies to design engaging learning activities for adults.

You will explore how socially inclusive communities are developed and through practical case studies gain an appreciation of the transformative power of education in promoting community inclusion in global settings. You will learn how experiential learning and transformative approaches to teaching and learning can be used in community contexts to address core social issues such as poverty, racism and crime.

Graduates of this specialisation will be well positioned to manage, deliver and administer learning in workplaces, communities, tertiary and vocational sectors.

Digital learning

Your qualification will be a Master of Education in Digital Learning

Do you want to learn how to adapt digital technologies effectively in teaching and learning across school, tertiary, workplace and community settings? This specialisation engages with the key issues and debates relating to digital technology in education and the application of effective educational technology practices for learning.

It is suited to professionals across school, tertiary, workplace and community settings, who are grappling with how best to design, facilitate and assess the use of digital technologies in teaching and learning.

You will explore current and emerging trends in digital technologies being used in education and develop your understanding of the social, political, economic, cultural and historical issues surrounding their adoption. Your expert practice will develop through engagement with contemporary theories, models and practical strategies for understanding digital technology in education and society. Key issues such as identity, cyber safety, globalisation, equity and emerging forms of social practice will be examined.

You will be immersed in a collaborative and student-centred environment as you experience, practise and critique the design of digital technologies, materials, activities and assessments. There is a special focus on online teaching and learning but instructional issues relating to emerging technologies and practices, such as social media, digital games, mobile devices, virtual worlds and augmented reality will also be explored.

The specialisation is designed for all students regardless of their familiarity with computers.

Graduates will be well positioned to adapt digital technologies effectively in teaching and learning across school, tertiary, workplace and community settings.

Early childhood education

Your qualification will be a Master of Education in Early Childhood Education

If you want to develop your expertise and advance your career in early childhood education, then this specialisation is for you. It develops the expert practice of early childhood educators, leaders, policy makers and others interested in advancing their understanding of young children's learning, addressing the emerging need in global economies to build capacity of professionals in the early childhood sector.

It will equip you to respond to complex issues around children, their families and communities and initiate inclusive teaching and learning practices among young children.

You will develop your awareness of the features of leadership that engages critically and ethically in working with children, families and communities, and apply this to your professional practice.

You will gain an in-depth understanding of the nature of early literacy and numeracy development in the context of everyday life across families and cultures. Contemporary theories and approaches in cross-cultural mathematical and literacy development will form the foundation of a rich repertoire of strategies to promote children's early literacy and numeracy learning.

As a graduate you will be in a position to pursue senior roles in early childhood education, policy, leadership and management. The program will enhance your ability to lead educational work, innovative curriculum, teaching and policy, and professional learning in early childhood contexts.

Educational leadership and policy

Your qualification will be a Master of Education in Educational Leadership and Policy

This specialisation focuses on leadership practices and policy development within educational contexts. It is suited to those who are interested in leading educational initiatives and institutions and extending their knowledge of how to lead, manage and administer capable educational organisations.

You will explore the concept and characteristics of a capable organisation, and evaluate factors that contribute to maintaining and sustaining capable organisations including human intellect, knowledge, values, emotion, learning and organisational culture and climate.

As a result you will acquire a suite of effective leadership strategies for capability building and develop your understanding of how organisations build organisational resilience when confronted with change.

Importantly, you will add to this the capacity to assess organisational capability and develop capacity in particular contexts. Using empirical research you will evaluate the decision making process that occurs within organisations and the aspects that influence it. You will design strategies to improve problem solving and decision making processes and outcomes and enhance organisational capabilities.

Expert teaching practice

Your qualification will be a Master of Education in Expert Teaching Practice

How and what we teach and the way students learn lies at the heart of education. As such, expert teachers and expert teaching are critical ingredients in both formal and informal education. Whether your setting is schools, tertiary education, workplaces or community organisations and groups, this specialisation is designed to extend your interest and deepen your knowledge and practice of teaching and learning in various learning areas and contexts of your choice.

You will address the complexity and the artistry of teaching – advancing your understanding of how learning can be both stimulated and supported – in various learning areas and contexts of your choice.

General education studies

Your qualification will be a Master of Education

Monash understands that professionals are themselves often in the best position to decide the particular knowledge they need to acquire. This specialisation offers the opportunity to select your two specialist units from across the other specialisations.

You can tailor your unit choices to suit your own interests or needs while maintaining a strong focus on leadership. A museum director, for example, may choose a blend of organisational learning and science curriculum and pedagogy in anticipation of leading the museum's science outreach. A current or aspiring principal, planning work in a rural community, may find a Community learning unit an excellent substitute to one suggested for principals.

Inclusive and special education

Your qualification will be a Master of Education in Inclusive and Special Education

Do you want to develop effective strategies to promote inclusion of learners with diverse needs in a range of learning contexts? If so, this specialisation is for you.

It focuses on building inclusive learning environments. You will study theories of, and approaches to, inclusion of diverse learners with particular cultural, social, cognitive and emotional needs across learning contexts. In doing so, you will discover ways in which education can be transformed to include all learners regardless of their age, sexuality, gender, class, ethnicity and disability.

For more information visit the faculty website - http://www.study.monash/media/links/faculty-websites/education

Find out how to apply here - http://www.study.monash/courses/find-a-course/2016/education-d6002?domestic=true#making-the-application

Read less

Our MA Education: Early Childhood programme offers you the opportunity to learn about and develop your knowledge of current issues from a wide range of perspectives on education and to focus your study towards your particular interest in Early Childhood.

The Year One modules introduce you to the skills you need for Master’s level study and you will develop in-depth knowledge of a range of approaches and methods through which education is investigated.

In Year Two there is a choice to adopt a local, national or global perspective. You might choose to study global changes and effects on education or contemporary educational issues and changes at national level, or you might have a specific ‘local’ issue you want to study. This ‘local’ issue might be something relevant to you and your employer if you are employed in a work setting, or it might be a special interest in some aspect of Early Childhood that you choose to examine in more depth. In Year Three you will study the Dissertation/Major Project and the focus for this study will be on Early Childhood. You will have a specific tutor who will supervise this work.

Course detail

We have designed the MA programmes to support you to engage proactively in education from a theoretical or practical approach, or a combination of the two.

We include creative approaches to teaching, learning and assessment and you are supported by a team of tutors who are active researchers. We have designed the programme to enable you to study with others who are interested in a wide range of educational issues; for example people working in primary, secondary, post-compulsory or higher education; libraries and archive professionals; people working in museum education; people with mentor roles; Early Years teachers, play workers or Children’s Centre managers.

The course engages you with current issues and debates in education, enabling you to gain critical awareness and understanding and to develop new insights. You will engage in research and advanced scholarship in the discipline and will develop as a self-directed, independent learner who is able to deal with complex issues both systematically and creatively.

Modules

• Developing Criticality
• Methods of Enquiry
• Global Perspectives on Education
• Critical Contemporary Issues in Education in a National Context
• Local Independent Study/Project

Dissertation: Early Childhood

This module is the culmination of the MA Education. It engages students in a substantial piece of research focused on a topic that is relevant to an educational context and manageable within the time and credit constraints of a Master’s dissertation. The focus and nature of the investigation will be agreed with your supervisor; for example it could be an investigation into developing parental involvement in early learning or young children’s perceptions of outdoor play.

Major Project: Early Childhood

This module is the culmination of the MA Education. It engages students in a substantial piece of research investigation and artefact development on a topic relevant to an educational context and manageable within the time and credit constraints of a Master’s dissertation. The focus, nature of the investigation and intended output will be negotiated and agreed with your supervisor; for example the written component could be an investigation into strategies to promote smooth transition from Foundation Stage to Key Stage One, together with artefacts including a dissemination strategy you have developed which may include a booklet and good practice guidelines for practitioners in the setting.

How to apply

For information on how to apply, please see the following link:
https://www.yorksj.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/how-to-apply/

Other sources of funding

Information on alternative sources of funding can be found here:
https://www.yorksj.ac.uk/student-services/money/funding-my-course/postgraduate-/postgraduate-funding-/

Read less

Why choose this course

Our course aims to:
• support you in becoming a specialist in early childhood development
• enable you to gain a postgraduate certificate that reflects your specialist role working with babies and children from birth to five years old.

About this course:

Upon completing this course, you will be a specialist in early childhood development and will have Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS). This will reflect the specialist role that you have in working with babies and children from birth to five years old.
Early Years Teacher Status is awarded to graduates who have been judged to have met all of the Teachers’ Standards (Early Years) in practice. We offer both full and part-time options to gain EYTS.

Available pathways
We offer two pathways that you can choose to complete in order to achieve Early Years Teacher Status:
Graduate Entry (GE): (12 months full-time)
You’ll study Early Years Initial Teacher Training (EYITT) through reflective teaching modules, alongside academic modules and placements within the sector.
Graduate – Employment Based (GEB): (12 months part-time)
You’ll be currently working in an early years setting, and require training and further experience to demonstrate the Teachers’ Standards (Early Years). Alternatively, you may be a newly recruited graduate in an early years setting. You will study reflective teaching modules, alongside academic modules and your working practice.

Which pathway should I choose?
When you apply, we can help you to decide the right pathway for you.
A key element of your training is practical experience in an early years setting. Placements will help develop your key skill sets. As a minimum, you’ll spend the following periods of time training in the early years sector:
GE pathway - 120 days (24 weeks)
GEB pathway - As determined by the training programme.
Whichever pathway you choose, you must complete a minimum of two weeks in a school in Key Stage 1.
Throughout your PG Certificate in Early Years, you’ll complete assessed teaching placements and additional enhanced placement opportunities that will provide you with challenging, varied, and exciting experiences. For the duration of your placement, you will be supported by a placement/setting mentor and a University of Derby assessment mentor.
Upon completing your course, you’ll have earned 60 credits towards a masters qualification, which means you can progress to stage 2 of a masters degree and quickly progress in your professional career. Our tutors enjoy a strong reputation for the quality of their training, so you can be confident that you’ll be learning from a highly-qualified and competent team.
What is an Early Years Teacher?
Early Years Teachers will be specialists in early childhood development and will have Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS), reflecting the specialist role that they have in working with babies and children from birth to five years old.
Early Years Teachers make the education and care of babies and children their first concern. They are accountable for achieving the highest possible standards in their professional practice and conduct.
The Teachers’ Standards (Early Years) support the training, assessment and award of Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS). Early Years Teacher Status is awarded to graduates who have been judged to have met all of the Teachers’ Standards (Early Years) in practice from birth to five years old.
Early Years Teacher Status will be seen as the equivalent of Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), as the entry requirements are the same as for Primary Initial Teacher Training (ITT).
For more information about the role of Early Years Teachers, visit National Careers Service.

Read less