MSc Accounting & Business Finance
The MSc Accounting & Business Finance program at the University of Bedfordshire com...
BA (Hons) Early Childhood Education (Graduate Practitioner)
Bedford
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
The BA (Hons) Early Childhood Education (Graduate Practitioner) program at the University of Bedfordshire is designed to provide students with the knowledge, skills, and practical experience necessary to excel in the field of early childhood education. This program is tailored for students who already hold a relevant diploma or foundation degree and wish to further their studies to gain a bachelor's degree and become qualified early childhood educators. The program focuses on child development, learning theories, pedagogical approaches, and effective teaching practices for children from birth to eight years old.
Curriculum: The curriculum of the BA (Hons) Early Childhood Education (Graduate Practitioner) program covers a wide range of topics relevant to early childhood education and care. Core modules may include Child Development and Learning, Play-based Curriculum, Assessment and Observation in Early Years, Inclusive Practice, and Safeguarding and Child Protection. Students also have the opportunity to specialize in areas such as literacy development, special educational needs, outdoor learning, or leadership in early years settings through elective modules or independent research projects. Practical placements in early years settings provide students with hands-on experience working with children under the supervision of qualified practitioners.
Research Focus: The BA (Hons) Early Childhood Education (Graduate Practitioner) program integrates research-focused learning to enhance students' understanding of early childhood development and educational practices. Students learn research methods, ethics, and critical analysis skills, enabling them to conduct independent research projects on topics relevant to early childhood education. Research-focused modules may involve exploring best practices in early intervention, evaluating teaching strategies, or investigating the impact of early childhood policies on children's outcomes. Through research-based learning, students develop the ability to critically evaluate evidence, reflect on their practice, and contribute to the advancement of early childhood education.
Industry Engagement: The BA (Hons) Early Childhood Education (Graduate Practitioner) program emphasizes industry engagement to provide students with practical experience and professional networking opportunities. The university collaborates with early years settings, schools, and childcare organizations to offer students placements, internships, and volunteering opportunities. Students gain hands-on experience working with children, families, and communities, applying theoretical knowledge to practice and developing their teaching skills under the guidance of experienced practitioners. Industry placements also enable students to build professional relationships, receive mentorship, and gain insights into the realities of working in early childhood education settings.
Global Perspective: In an increasingly interconnected world, the BA (Hons) Early Childhood Education (Graduate Practitioner) program integrates a global perspective to understand diverse cultural, social, and educational contexts of early childhood development and education. Modules may explore global trends in early childhood policies, multicultural education, or international approaches to supporting children's learning and well-being. Students may have the opportunity to learn from international case studies, engage with guest speakers from diverse backgrounds, and participate in study abroad programs or international fieldwork experiences. By embracing a global perspective, students develop cross-cultural understanding, empathy, and awareness of global issues and opportunities in early childhood education.
Location
Bedford
Score
IELTS 6
Tuition Fee
£ 15500
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants should have successfully completed their secondary education with a minimum overall score of 60% or equivalent in their respective country's grading system.
English language proficiency:
- IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.0 or 6.5 with no individual component below 5.5.
- TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 72, with at least 17 in Listening, Reading, Speaking, and Writing.
- PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 72 with no individual score below 59.
- Some programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.
Students must provide:
- academic marksheets & transcripts
- letters of recommendation
- a personal statement - SOP
- passport
- other supporting documents as required by the university.
It is important to note that meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee admission, as the university considers factors such as availability of places and competition for the program. Additionally, some courses may have higher entry requirements or additional selection criteria, such as interviews or portfolio submissions.
The University of Bedfordshire offers various scholarships and financial aid options to support students in their academic journey. These scholarships are designed to recognize excellence, support underrepresented groups, and provide financial assistance to deserving students.
Vice Chancellor's Scholarships: These scholarships are available to both undergraduate and postgraduate students and offer a reduction in tuition fees. The scholarships are awarded based on academic achievement, leadership potential, and contribution to the community.
Bedfordshire Education Excellence Scholarship: This scholarship is aimed at supporting high-achieving students from the local region. It provides a fee reduction for eligible undergraduate students who have achieved outstanding academic results.
Sports Scholarships: The university offers sports scholarships to talented athletes who have demonstrated exceptional performance in their respective sports. These scholarships provide financial support, coaching, access to sports facilities, and other benefits to help athletes balance their studies and sports commitments.
International Scholarships: The university provides scholarships specifically for international students. These scholarships are awarded based on academic merit and can help offset tuition fees for eligible international students.
External Scholarships: In addition to the university-specific scholarships, students can also explore external scholarship opportunities offered by government organizations, charities, and other funding bodies. The university's scholarship office can provide guidance and support in finding external scholarship opportunities.
The University of Bedfordshire provide a range of scholarships to help students achieve their academic goals and make their university experience more accessible and affordable.
Graduates of the BA (Hons) Early Childhood Education (Graduate Practitioner) program at the University of Bedfordshire are well-equipped to pursue various rewarding careers in the field of early childhood education and related areas.
Early Years Teacher: Graduates may pursue careers as early years teachers in nursery schools, preschools, or early years settings, working with children from birth to five years old. Early years teachers plan and deliver age-appropriate educational activities, foster children's social, emotional, and cognitive development, and create nurturing learning environments that support children's holistic development.
Primary School Teacher (Foundation Stage): Graduates may work as primary school teachers specializing in the foundation stage (ages three to seven), teaching early years and key stage one curriculum subjects in primary schools. Primary school teachers engage young learners in play-based learning, literacy and numeracy activities, and creative arts experiences, laying the foundation for children's lifelong learning and academic success.
Early Childhood Educator: Graduates may become early childhood educators, working in various early childhood education settings such as daycare centers, children's centers, or family support services. Early childhood educators provide care, support, and learning opportunities for young children, promoting their physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development through play-based activities, routines, and interactions.
Childcare Center Manager: Graduates may pursue careers as childcare center managers or directors, overseeing the operations and administration of childcare centers, preschools, or daycare facilities. Childcare center managers recruit and train staff, manage budgets and resources, ensure compliance with regulatory standards, and create inclusive and stimulating environments that meet the needs of children and families.
Early Intervention Specialist: Graduates may work as early intervention specialists, supporting children with developmental delays, disabilities, or additional needs and their families. Early intervention specialists collaborate with families, educators, and healthcare professionals to assess children's strengths and needs, develop individualized intervention plans, and provide early intervention services and support to optimize children's development and well-being.
Family Support Worker: Graduates may pursue careers as family support workers, providing support, advice, and advocacy to families with young children facing challenges such as poverty, housing instability, or parental mental health issues. Family support workers connect families to community resources, offer parenting education and support, and facilitate access to services that promote family well-being and children's development.
Early Childhood Education Consultant: Graduates may work as early childhood education consultants, advising schools, childcare centers, or government agencies on early childhood education policies, practices, and program development. Early childhood education consultants conduct needs assessments, provide professional development training to educators, and offer guidance on curriculum design, assessment practices, and quality improvement initiatives.
Child Development Researcher: Graduates may pursue careers as child development researchers, working in academic institutions, research organizations, or government agencies to conduct research on early childhood development, learning, and education. Child development researchers design and implement research studies, collect and analyze data, and disseminate findings through publications, presentations, and policy briefs to inform early childhood education practice and policy.
Parenting Educator: Graduates may become parenting educators, delivering parenting education workshops, classes, or support groups to parents and caregivers of young children. Parenting educators provide information, resources, and strategies to support positive parenting practices, strengthen parent-child relationships, and promote children's healthy development and well-being.
Early Childhood Education Entrepreneur: Graduates may start their own early childhood education businesses or ventures, such as home-based childcare services, playgroups, enrichment programs, or educational toy stores. Early childhood education entrepreneurs develop business plans, market their services, and create innovative and engaging learning experiences for young children and families in their communities.
