MA Early Childhood Education
MA
DURATION
3 years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time, Part time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
Key Summary
"Due to the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic, examinations may be replaced by an alternative form of assessment during the academic year 2021/2022. Please refer to the Programme Specification on these pages for further details."
Why choose Herts?
- Excellent reputation: We train highly skilled, successful education practitioners. Our student teachers and early childhood practitioners return to our school for further study and CPD.
- Employment prospects: Graduates have become successful practitioners within early years settings, as well as progressing onto further study and research.
- Industry connections: We have partnerships with over 300 schools and early childhood settings across London and the South East of England.
About the course
The programme supports you in developing your knowledge and understanding of issues and practices 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. This award is gained through taking an early childhood education focus for 50% of the study, including the Dissertation.
Applicants must have substantial experience of practice in early childhood educational settings or must have a bachelor degree in early childhood education.
Why choose this course?
This M.A. Early Childhood Education award aims to equip students to enhance service provision at nursery, local and national level becoming or preparing to become a change agent in their own practice and in early childhood practice in general. Students will build on and deepen their knowledge and understanding of practice and theory in relation to child development, curriculum design and pedagogical leadership
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
Student experience
At the University of Hertfordshire, we want to make sure your time studying with us is as stress-free and rewarding as possible. We offer a range of support services including; student wellbeing, academic support, accommodation, and childcare to ensure that you make the most of your time at Herts and can focus on studying and having fun.
Additional information
- Sandwich placement or study abroad year: n/a
- Applications open to international and EU students: Yes
Study routes
This programme is offered on a 1-year full-time basis and part-time study for 2 or 3 years.
What will I study?
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
Level 7
- Exploring Approaches to Research II 30 Credits II Compulsory
- Early Childhood Education Dissertation II 60 Credits II Compulsory
- Developing Subject and Professional Knowledge II 30 Credits II Optional
- Creativity: You and Your Practice II 30 Credits II Optional
- Early Childhood: Foundations for Life II 30 Credits II Optional
- Equality, Diversity and Inclusion II 30 Credits II Optional
- Leadership and Management II 30 Credits II Optional
- Education, Social Justice and Social Change II 30 Credits II Optional
- Inclusive Perspectives on Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities
What job can I get?
Through the choice of modules and their dissertation topic students can focus on specific aspects of their own professional development or prepare for a future role in research or for doctoral studies.