MA Migration Studies
The MA in Migration and Refugee Studies at Sussex is a one-year full-time or two-year p...
MA Early Years Education
Falmer
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
The MA in Early Years Education at the University of Sussex is designed for professionals passionate about making a meaningful impact in the lives of young children and their families. The program equips students with in-depth knowledge of child development, educational theory, and practical strategies to support children’s learning and well-being. The course is structured to blend academic learning with real-world applications, offering a dynamic learning experience for educators, policymakers, and other professionals working in early childhood settings.
Curriculum: The curriculum for the MA Early Years Education emphasizes both the theoretical foundations and the practical aspects of early childhood education. It covers a range of topics such as child development, pedagogy, leadership, social justice in education, and the role of play in early learning. Students engage in critical thinking and reflective practices, preparing them for leadership roles in early childhood education. The curriculum is flexible, allowing for personalized study paths and focusing on the areas most relevant to each student’s career goals.
Research Focus: Research at the University of Sussex is at the forefront of educational innovation, particularly in early childhood education. The university’s research centers explore how young children learn and develop, the impact of early years education on later life outcomes, and the role of policies and practices in shaping early childhood education systems. Students in the MA Early Years Education program have the opportunity to engage in impactful research projects, contributing to ongoing debates about best practices in the sector.
Industry Engagement: The University of Sussex has strong ties with local and international organizations, enhancing its programs’ relevance to real-world applications. Students in the MA Early Years Education program have opportunities to work alongside practitioners, policymakers, and community organizations, ensuring that the skills they acquire are aligned with industry needs. The program emphasizes collaborative learning and encourages students to engage in professional networks, internships, and placements that enrich their academic experience.
Global Perspective: With a diverse student body and a strong emphasis on international collaboration, the University of Sussex offers a global perspective on early years education. The MA Early Years Education program draws on a wide range of global case studies and approaches, enabling students to critically examine different educational systems and contexts. The university's international outlook fosters a rich, multicultural learning environment, providing students with insights into global challenges and opportunities in early childhood education.
Location
Falmer
Score
IELTS 7
Tuition Fee
£ 21500
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants should have successfully completed a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a recognized institution with a minimum overall score of 65% or equivalent.
English language proficiency:
- IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.5 or 7.0 with no individual component below 6.0.
- TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 95.
- PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 67.
- Some postgraduate programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.
The University of Sussex offers a range of scholarships and financial support for international students to help make studying in the UK more accessible. These scholarships recognize academic excellence, support for underrepresented groups, and the ambition to help students thrive in their studies.
Sussex International Scholarships: The University offers a range of scholarships specifically for international students, including the Sussex Excellence Scholarships.These awards typically cover a portion of the tuition fees and are available for students pursuing undergraduate or postgraduate degrees.
Postgraduate Scholarships: International postgraduate students can benefit from the Sussex Graduate Scholarship, which provides a discount on tuition fees for eligible students with strong academic records.This scholarship is available for a variety of postgraduate programs and is aimed at supporting students who wish to advance their studies in the UK.
Chevening Scholarships: The University of Sussex is a partner in the Chevening Scholarship program, which is the UK government’s global scholarship program.Chevening Scholarships are awarded to outstanding individuals from around the world who wish to pursue postgraduate studies in the UK.
Erasmus Mundus Scholarships: The University of Sussex is involved in several Erasmus Mundus programs, offering scholarships for international students from EU and non-EU countries.These scholarships support students pursuing joint Master’s degrees across European universities.
Specific Country Scholarships: The University also offers country-specific scholarships for students from particular regions, such as Africa, India, and China.These awards are often designed to make studying at Sussex more accessible for students from those regions.
Graduates of the MA Early Years Education program at the University of Sussex have a wide range of career opportunities available to them in the field of early childhood education. The program is tailored to develop the skills and knowledge necessary for leadership roles and advocacy in early years education.
Early Years Educator / Practitioner: Graduates can work directly with young children in various educational settings, including nurseries, preschools, and primary schools. They can take on roles that involve teaching, planning, and delivering developmentally appropriate learning experiences for children.
Early Years Manager / Leader: Many graduates progress to leadership roles within educational settings, such as becoming Early Years Managers or Head of Early Years. These positions involve overseeing the operation of early years settings, managing staff, ensuring adherence to regulations, and implementing quality early childhood education practices.
Child Development Specialist: With expertise in child development gained from the MA program, graduates can work as child development specialists, supporting children with additional needs, or advising on best practices in child growth and learning.
Educational Consultant: Many graduates opt for a career as consultants, where they provide advice and support to early years settings, schools, or government agencies on improving educational practices, developing curriculums, and ensuring compliance with educational standards.
Policy Maker or Advocacy Roles: Graduates of the MA Early Years Education program can pursue careers in advocacy or policy-making. Working with local governments, NGOs, or international organizations, they can influence policies surrounding early childhood education and children's rights.
Researcher in Early Childhood Education: Sussex’s program emphasizes research in early childhood education, making graduates well-prepared to contribute to academic and applied research. Graduates can pursue roles in educational research institutions, universities, or governmental agencies focused on improving early years education practices.
Special Educational Needs (SEN) Coordinator: With their expertise in early childhood education, graduates can work as SEN coordinators, supporting children with additional learning needs and ensuring that educational provisions are inclusive and equitable for all children.
Trainer or Educator for Early Years Professionals: Graduates can also become trainers or lecturers, educating the next generation of early childhood educators. They can work in higher education institutions, or run professional development workshops for current educators.
Founder/Director of Early Years Education Centers: Many graduates go on to open their own early years education centers or educational programs. With the knowledge gained from their MA program, they can create innovative learning environments that focus on child-centered practices and educational excellence.
Educational Technology Specialist: As technology becomes increasingly important in the education sector, some graduates may pursue careers focused on integrating educational technology into early childhood education, creating digital resources, or advising institutions on the use of technology to enhance early learning experiences.
