BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies (with Graduate Practitioner Competencies) Bachelor's degree at Birmingham City University

This module recognises that transitioning into higher education represents a significant milestone in a student's academic journey, signifying a period of personal growth. However, it can also present challenges, as students must adapt to a range of increased academic demands and expectations. The module is specifically designed to support students through this transition by equipping them with essential academic skills and strategies necessary for success in their undergraduate studies. Its pri

The Children and Families module focuses on the importance of working with families in a holistic way. We will consider what we understand by the terms 'Family' and 'Children' and how we can establish a family-focused ethos. This module will encourage you to think about and explore a range of contemporary issues, such as changing family structures, diverse families, social justice, cultural capital, socioeconomic factors and policies and legislation to ensure that our practice promotes inclusive

Child psychology describes and explains children's development from birth to adolescence and the transition to adulthood. This perspective on children and childhoods is interested in how children think, feel, and behave, and is often divided into specialised areas. The module focuses on the physical, cognitive (thinking), emotional, and social development of children from infancy through adolescence. It explores various theories, milestones, and factors that contribute to the overall growth and

This module encourages you to become confident and reflective practitioners and to recognise the value of observation and assessment in the context of childhood. This module will also support you to develop your understanding of how observation can be used to document the child's learning journey and support planning for future development. This module is designed to provide students with an understanding of the ethical principles associated with the documentation of children's learning. You wil

In line with the aims of the course, Contemporary Perspectives of Early Childhood introduces you to a range of perspectives that influence childhood. From a local and global perspective, this module encourages you to consider how differently childhood is experienced by different groups, and to acknowledge how a range of factors can influence early childhood. Across the module we will explore a different topic each week, as we begin to unpick and challenge key ideas about perceptions of childhood

In this module you will apply theoretical perspectives, and the findings of academic research, to develop your knowledge and understanding of enabling and sustainable environments. You will explore their contribution to young children's development, learning and well-being as well as their potential for living and learning in more sustainable ways. Throughout the module, you will engage in interactive taught sessions and a range of practical activities to explore the learning potential of differ

Transitions and Change in Early Childhood will equip you with the knowledge and understanding of the transitions that children will experience in the first eight years of life. You will develop an appreciation of sensitive periods in children's life and will develop skills to support you in practice to meet the needs of young children in informed ways. During this module, you will draw on experience in placement to reflect on and identify the key transitions young children encounter, and the str

The module will explore the enchanting world of children's literature. It aims to offer platforms for the exploration of children's stories and meaning making. You will explore narratives as personal and inter-personal ways of story-making and story-sharing. You will develop insights into how different narrative forms are used in context to convey different individual and group interpretations of reality. The module aspires to introduce you to the practice of storytelling and making with young c

This module explores reflective practice in early childhood. You will learn about the main theories and principles of reflective practice, drawing on concepts and findings from across the associated literature and your practice. This module focuses on helping you to reflect on personal values, beliefs, and assumptions in relation to developing practice and the implications of relevant theory and research on your own practice when working with young children. You will develop a sophisticated unde

This module is an introduction to carrying out research projects. As well as developing your understanding of key aspects of research in education, this module will also prepare you for your final research project at Level 6. The module will support you to engage in a critical analysis of contemporary issues and debates in research, policy and practice related to your field of study. You will identify and design a small-scale study, in readiness for your research project module at Level 6.

This module will explore the significance of safeguarding and child protection and will support you to develop the necessary skills, values and attributes to be an informed professional, aware of your safeguarding responsibilities in practice. This module aims to make connections between policy and legislation, key literature and informed practice. You will develop your awareness and competency by focusing on the roles and responsibilities of professionals in a safeguarding context. There will b

This Level 5 module enables you to explore and examine key aspects of promoting children's health and well-being. Largely drawing on practical experience in placement, you will develop the knowledge and understanding of how to promote healthy development and well-being for young children. We will explore and critique key policies and legislation that focuses on promoting healthy development in the first eight years of a child's life, alongside gaining hands-on experience through undertaking risk

This module introduces you to the National Curriculum and children's progression from the Early Learning Goals through to the end of Key Stage 1. You will take part in a series of lectures and practical experiences to explore ways of making learning more playful and creative. There will be a focus on inclusive practice to enable all learners to thrive and achieve.

This optional module aims to provide you with an overview of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) in a UK context. The focus of this module is for you to consider the impact SEND can have on a child's or young person's (0-25) personality, their learning opportunities, and potential barriers which they might have to face both in the education system and in the wider society. This module offers a unique approach to understanding the child or young person as a learner and the impact of

By studying the Digital Childhoods module, you will explore how digital technologies can be integrated into practice when working with young children. You will have the chance to gain hands-on experience using different technological tools and consider their effectiveness in supporting children's holistic development across the birth-eight age range. We will debate key ideas and discourses around technology, the technological child and the 'digital age,' with discussions going beyond whether tec

This optional module offers opportunities for you to consider, explore and reflect on: How the theoretical foundations of creativity relate to early years practice. The kinds of creative experiences that can and should be offered to young children. How adults can foster young children's creativity, as well as their own. How ideas can be represented visually and creatively as well as in other ways.