Overview
This course is also available with an integrated foundation year. Apply using UCAS code X311. Find out more here.
The early years of a child's life are recognised as the most crucial in their development. You could be at the heart of their learning, helping to shape their identity and giving them the best possible start in life.
If you aspire to be a specialist who leads learning and development in an early years childcare setting, or you have the entrepreneurial ambition to create your own business in this field, this course is ideal. Combining a thorough academic grounding with practical experience, it will equip you with the knowledge and skills needed to be an effective leader working with children, from birth up to the age of five, and their families.
You will explore a variety of issues relating to early years policy, practice and research, including children's health, safety and wellbeing, and their relationships with families, wider society and the environment. You will also cover the legal, business, financial and ethical aspects surrounding early years provision, as well as developing the leadership skills needed to run your own childcare business.
TEACHING & LEARNING
To help you manage your time while you study, we timetable lectures together on one day of the week. To ensure that our assessments more accurately reflect working in the early years sector, we assess you in your modules using a variety of innovative approaches, such as through professional conversation, the creation of artefacts to use with children, or reporting on your completion of a sector-based intervention. There are no exams.
You will hear from a range of guest speakers, each giving their own perspectives on current educational issues. Previous events have covered topics such as social work, employability and enterprise activity.
As well as the opportunity to network with guest speakers at the University, you will benefit from visiting childcare providers in the area, where you will learn about effective methods for operating a business to help you develop your own ideas and plans.
We understand that full-time study does not suit everyone. That’s why we offer courses which give you the opportunity to decide where, when and how you can get involved in learning. Studying a distance learning course offers the convenience and flexibility to make education work for you. Whether you’d like to fit your studies around childcare, develop your skills while working or, quite simply, want to learn from the comfort of your own home, we can help you gain a qualification at a time and pace that suits your lifestyle.
Like our students on campus, you will have the same excellent teaching and learning resources, however you’ll find these online instead of in a lecture theatre. Not only are all the modules taught online, but you will also have access to an online community and more than 140,000 books and journals in our online library.
This course offers the opportunity to take a ‘sandwich’ year – a year of paid employment in industry which will build your skills and experience. This is usually taken between the second and third year of your degree, typically making your course four years in total.
Students who choose the sandwich route find it helps with both their studies and getting a job after graduation. It can build your confidence, contacts, and of course your CV. Leeds Beckett advertise lots of placement opportunities and provide support in helping you find the right placement for you.
Course Features
- 24/7 Library
- Placements
- Study abroad option
- Expert careers service
- University accommodation
- TEF Silver Award
Life in Leeds
Entry Requirements
If you're applying via UCAS, find out more about how your qualifications fit into the UCAS tariff.
Additional Requirements
GCSEs:
GCSE English Language and Maths at Grade C or above (Grade 4 for those sitting their GCSE from 2017 onwards) or equivalent. Key Skills Level 2, Functional Skills Level 2 and the Certificate in Adult Literacy/Numeracy are accepted in place of GCSEs.Access to HE Diploma:
Pass overall with a minimum of 104 UCAS tariff points.Scottish Awards:
Minimum of 5 subjects at Grade B at Higher Level.Irish Leaving Certificate:
Minimum of 5 subjects at Grade C1 or above at Higher Level of which at least 3 must be at B2.Selection Criteria:
Due to the popularity of this course, we may use selection criteria based on your personal attributes; experience and/or commitment to the area of study. This information will be derived from your personal statement and reference and will only be used if you have met the general entry requirements.Enhanced Criminal History Checks
A satisfactory enhanced criminal history check will be required by all applicants prior to acceptance on the course. For further information on DBS checks, click here.The DBS in the UK is currently not able to conduct overseas criminal record checks. International applicants, those without British Citizenship and British Citizens with a significant period of overseas residency therefore require a criminal records check or certificate of good conduct from their home/overseas country prior to entry on to the course. A UK DBS check will be required after enrolment.
International Baccalaureate
24 PointsIELTS:
IELTS 6.0 with no skills below 5.5, or an equivalent qualification. The University provides excellent support for any applicant who may be required to undertake additional English language courses.Mature Applicants
Our University welcomes applications from mature applicants who demonstrate academic potential. We usually require some evidence of recent academic study, for example completion of an access course, however recent relevant work experience may also be considered. Please note that for some of our professional courses all applicants will need to meet the specified entry criteria and in these cases work experience cannot be considered in lieu.If you wish to apply through this route you should refer to our University Recognition of Prior Learning policy that is available on our website.
Please note that all applicants to our University are required to meet our standard English language requirement of GCSE grade C or equivalent, variations to this will be listed on the individual course entry requirements.
If you're applying via UCAS, find out more about how your qualifications fit into the UCAS tariff.
Additional Requirements
GCSEs:
GCSE English Language and Maths at Grade C or above (Grade 4 for those sitting their GCSE from 2017 onwards) or equivalent. Key Skills Level 2, Functional Skills Level 2 and the Certificate in Adult Literacy/Numeracy are accepted in place of GCSEs.Access to HE Diploma:
Pass overall with a minimum of 104 UCAS tariff points.Scottish Awards:
Minimum of 5 subjects at Grade B at Higher Level.Irish Leaving Certificate:
Minimum of 5 subjects at Grade C1 or above at Higher Level of which at least 3 must be at B2.Selection Criteria:
Due to the popularity of this course, we may use selection criteria based on your personal attributes; experience and/or commitment to the area of study. This information will be derived from your personal statement and reference and will only be used if you have met the general entry requirements.Enhanced Criminal History Checks
A satisfactory enhanced criminal history check will be required by all applicants prior to acceptance on the course. For further information on DBS checks, click here.The DBS in the UK is currently not able to conduct overseas criminal record checks. International applicants, those without British Citizenship and British Citizens with a significant period of overseas residency therefore require a criminal records check or certificate of good conduct from their home/overseas country prior to entry on to the course. A UK DBS check will be required after enrolment.
International Baccalaureate
24 PointsIELTS:
IELTS 6.0 with no skills below 5.5, or an equivalent qualification. The University provides excellent support for any applicant who may be required to undertake additional English language courses.Verify your qualifications
If you are an international student, we can help you to compare and verify your qualifications. Please contact our International Office on +44 (0)113 812 1111 09.00 to 17.00 Mon-Thurs / 09.00 to 16.30 Fri GMT or email internationaloffice@leedsbeckett.ac.uk.Need to improve your English Language skills?
Don't worry if you don't have the level of English required for your chosen course. We offer a wide range of courses which have been designed to help you to improve your qualifications and English language ability, most of which are accredited by the British Council. Check your English and find out more about our English courses.More questions?
No matter what your questions, we are here to answer them, visit our International website to get more information and find out about our online open days.Careers
Careers
MA Childhood Studies and Early Years
“The modules on the MA allowed me to pick areas of study I could apply directly to my classroom practice. The course has given me many experiences to draw upon and it reflects the ever changing world of education.
Teaching and learning
Core Modules
- The Holistic Child
Examine varying explanations of early learning and development, and consider their relevance to current issues and practice relating to the care, education and welfare of young children, particularly in the 0-5 age range.
- Play as an Approach to Learning
Explore the importance of social and cultural settings, including popular culture for the development of playful teaching practice in the early years.
- Curriculum & Pedagogy in the Early Years
You will be introduced to curriculum and pedagogy in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) through the consideration of theoretical, policy and practical perspectives.
- Developing Academic Skills
Gain the key learning skills and approaches to study that will enable you to work successfully to degree level and determine your own learning preferences.
- Personal & Professional Development 1: Your Practice
Enhance your professional practice and employability prospects by engaging in professional development activities and undertaking an integrated placement in an early years enterprise.
- The Context of Early Years Enterprise
Develop an appreciation of the breadth of early years enterprise, together with an understanding of the different types of business within the UK and how such businesses are started.
Core Modules
- Young Children's Communication, Language & Literacy
Explore children's linguistic development, language diversity and multimodal communication, and the importance of quality provision and practice at home in early childhood education and care settings. You will also study early literacy such as mark making, emergent writing and early reading.
- Creative, Confident Children
Develop a critical appreciation and practical application of the many ways that young children from 0-5 can demonstrate their confidence and creativity through play and learning.
- Observing, Assessing & Documenting Early Years Outcomes
Build your knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum by exploring the aims, forms and purposes of observation, assessment and documentation within early education and care.
- Safeguarding, Child Health & Wellbeing
Discover the importance of nurturing child wellbeing and health, and the early years professionals' responsibility in safeguarding and ensuring the wellbeing and health of all children.
- Personal & Professional Development 2: The Team in Practice
Enhance your professional practice and team working skills through group work and further professional development activities and integrated placements in early years enterprise settings.
- Business Planning for the Early Years
Explore a variety of business and financial planning techniques and approaches to develop your knowledge of budgeting, forecasting and accounting for early years enterprises.
This course offers the opportunity to take a ‘sandwich’ year – a year of paid employment in industry which will build your skills and experience. This is usually taken between the second and third year of your degree, typically making your course four years in total.
Students who choose the sandwich route find it helps with both their studies and getting a job after graduation. It can build your confidence, contacts, and of course your CV. Leeds Beckett advertise lots of placement opportunities and provide support in helping you find the right placement for you.
Core Modules
- Current Issues in the Early Years
Develop a professional knowledge and understanding of the contemporary issues that affect young children, as well as an ability to analyse the values and beliefs that underpin policy and practice.
- Transitions
Gain an insight into the varied nature of the transitions that children experience inside and outside the early years setting. You will explore change in a wider context, the nature of families and key life experiences and the impact of these on young children.
- Sector-Based Project
Working independently, you will undertake an in-depth, negotiated and ethically secure project in, and of benefit to, a part of the early years sector.
- Personal & Professional Development 3: Leading & Managing Practice
Enhance your professional practice and employability prospects in relation to leadership and management within an early years enterprise setting.
- Nurturing Your Early Years Enterprise
Through an introduction to marketing principles, from determining business models through to promotion of the enterprise, you will explore the planned growth of an early years enterprise.
Creative and innovative practice in the early years’ sector is informed by the connections made between theory, research and policy, and brings together care and education in inspiring, evolving settings. Early years’ enterprise involves leading teams, making imaginative use of resources, harnessing indoor and outdoor environments and supporting young children’s exploration of the world.
Life in Leeds
Fees & funding
See further information on financing your studies or information about whether you may qualify for one of our Bursaries and Scholarships.
Tuition fees
Your tuition fees cover the cost of registration, tuition, academic supervision, assessments and examinations.
The following are also included in the cost of your course:
- 24/7 Library and student IT support
- Free wifi via eduroam
- Skills workshops and resources
- Library membership, giving access to more than 500,000 printed, multimedia and digital resources
- Access to software, including five free copies of Microsoft Office 365 to install on your PC, laptop and MAC, and access to free high-end software via the Leeds Beckett remote app
- Loan of high-end media equipment to support your studies
Course specific
- First Aid Certificate
- Safeguarding Awareness Certificate
- Forrest School Level 3 Practitioner Training
Additional costs
In many cases, costs associated with your course will be included in your course fee. However, in some cases there are ‘essential’ additional costs (those that you will be required to meet in addition to your course fee), and/or ‘optional’ additional costs (costs that are not required, but that you might choose to pay). We have included those essential or optional additional costs that relate to your course, below.
Course-specific essentials
- Placement travel costs
(Amount dependent on location)
Other study-related expenses to consider: books (the library stocks books from your module reading list but you may wish to purchase copies for yourself); placement costs (these may include travel expenses and living costs); student visas (international students only); printing, photocopying and stationery; field trips; study abroad opportunities (travel costs and accommodation, visas and immunisations); PC/laptop (provided on campus in social learning spaces and in the library. However, you may prefer to have your own); mobile phone/tablet (to access University online services); academic conferences (travel costs); professional-body membership (where applicable); and graduation (gown hire and guest tickets).
This list is not exhaustive and costs will vary depending on the choices you make during your course. Any rental or living costs are also in addition to your course fees.
See further information on fees and finance on our Financing Your Studies webpage.
Tuition fees
Your tuition fees cover the cost of registration, tuition, academic supervision, assessments and examinations.
The following are also included in the cost of your course:
- 24/7 Library and student IT support
- Free wifi via eduroam
- Skills workshops and resources
- Library membership, giving access to more than 500,000 printed, multimedia and digital resources
- Access to software, including five free copies of Microsoft Office 365 to install on your PC, laptop and MAC, and access to free high-end software via the Leeds Beckett remote app
- Loan of high-end media equipment to support your studies
Course specific
- First Aid Certificate
- Safeguarding Awareness Certificate
- Forrest School Level 3 Practitioner Training
Additional costs
In many cases, costs associated with your course will be included in your course fee. However, in some cases there are ‘essential’ additional costs (those that you will be required to meet in addition to your course fee), and/or ‘optional’ additional costs (costs that are not required, but that you might choose to pay). We have included those essential or optional additional costs that relate to your course, below.
Course-specific essentials
- Placement travel costs
(Amount dependent on location)
Other study-related expenses to consider: books (the library stocks books from your module reading list but you may wish to purchase copies for yourself); placement costs (these may include travel expenses and living costs); student visas (international students only); printing, photocopying and stationery; field trips; study abroad opportunities (travel costs and accommodation, visas and immunisations); PC/laptop (provided on campus in social learning spaces and in the library. However, you may prefer to have your own); mobile phone/tablet (to access University online services); academic conferences (travel costs); professional-body membership (where applicable); and graduation (gown hire and guest tickets).
This list is not exhaustive and costs will vary depending on the choices you make during your course. Any rental or living costs are also in addition to your course fees.
Additional information
For further information on financing your studies or information about whether you may qualify for one of our bursaries and scholarships, follow the links below:
Facilities
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Library and online resourcesOur Library is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, every day of the year, providing you with access to specialist books and journals, learning spaces, computers, multimedia facilities and media equipment hire. Tens of thousands of our Library's digital resources, including ebooks, ejournals and databases, can be accessed online at a time and place to suit you.
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Location
Headingley Campus
Home to our first-rate sporting facilities – Headingley Campus has a rich and diverse history having played to visitors such as Winston Churchill and Oscar Wilde. Set in 100 acres of parkland, with easy access to Leeds city centre, many of our buildings look out onto our grassy acre – a perfect place for hanging out, playing games and catching up with friends on long summer days. Headingley Campus has modern sport science laboratories, animation and music studios and the latest computing labs, as well as one of our libraries, open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.
