Overview:

This postgraduate programme draws on Froebel's understanding of the transformative power of young children's play on their thinking, and the crucial way that adults can either seek to assist or control young children’s intrinsic creativity. In adults' interactions with children, however, Froebel recognised the profound influence of the community and social context.

The syllabus is underpinned by an awareness of the influence of these social, cultural, and political contexts on young children's lives, and of the roots and structures of inequality that arise from these issues. The programme will strengthen your awareness and understanding of these influences and explore how you take account of them in action. In these respects, the programme also draws inspiration from the work of Paulo Freire, the radical and pioneering educator.

The teaching is informed by active research and scholarship in early years policy and practice, as well as leading research into young children’s well-being, thinking and understanding. There is a deep commitment to working in partnership with families and communities and to the development of students’ professionalism, advocacy, and leadership.

The programme is relevant, engaging and of professional and personal value for a variety of roles within the early years sector. For those working directly with young children, engagement with the course content will provide a platform for continuing professional development and career progression, while for those involved in early years policy or research, the course offers an opportunity to engage with up current thinking in a broad range of issues.

Career Options

Our graduates typically progress into careers in professional practice and leadership in early childhood, education, health, and social welfare.

Other possibilities are policy making, implementation, administration of early childhood services, research and developing the early years workforce in further and higher education. You will also achieve PGCert and PGDip awards in this course.