Description

Contents

The Early Childhood programme is aimed at graduates in the childrens early years workforce, with an increasing focus on continuing study and professional development.

The full Masters award requires you to gain 180 credits, including a research dissertation in a specialised area of your choice. Prior to a dissertation, students will complete four 30 credit modules. Modules are organised into four complementary themes.

A: Critical analysis of professional practice

B: Contemporary issues and innovation in education and society

C: Exploring specialist interests

D: Research methods

At the Postgraduate Certificate stage, students complete two modules from the themes A and B. The following two modules are available at this stage.

Theme A: The development of young children's' thinking and learning in socio-cultural context (30 credits)

This module provides an opportunity for adults working with children 3-7 year old to gain in-depth knowledge of the factors involved in children learning about and understanding this world. The findings of socio-cultural research are critically examined to indicate the contextual, linguistic and cognitive components of allocating meaning to, and making sense of, people, places and events.

Theme B: Critical reflection for participation in the early years (30 credits)

This module will enable professionals to develop their knowledge and understanding of participation in the context of working with children. The module involves student engagement in dialogic reflective conversations as part of a series of structured workshops.

Theme C (30 credits)

At the Postgraduate Diploma stage, students have a free choice from a range of specialist modules from theme C or they may select again from the themes Critical analysis of professional practice and Contemporary issues and innovation in education and society.

Theme D: Research methods in Education and Social Science (30 credits)

This is a core compulsory research methods module. We recommend students select this as their final module at the Postgraduate Diploma stage.

Dissertation (60 credits)

At the dissertation stage, students complete a 60 credit, 18,000 - 20,000 word research study. Students can choose to focus their dissertation on a specialist area or theme of their choice in the field of Early Childhood. Staff with relevant knowledge and research expertise will supervise dissertations on students chosen research themes.

Requirements

* A good honours degree in a relevant discipline or equivalent.
* Adequate experience within the childrens workforce It is expected that applicants can demonstrate engagement in CPD and provide a reference confirming their suitability to work at M level
* Please note that a satisfactory Enhanced Disclosure from the Criminal Records Bureau is required for students where they are required to visit settings other than their own workplace and involves access to children.

In addition, overseas students will normally be required to have an IELTS score of 6.5 or equivalent qualification that meets the UK Border Agency requirements.

English Language Requirements

Funding

Liverpool Hope University's fees are amongst the most competitive within the UK university sector.
MA Education (Early Childhood) 2012/13

The international tuition fee is £5,900
The international tuition fee with an Overseas Scholarship is £4,900
The international tuition fee with Overseas Scholarship and Early Payment Discount is £3,900
The UK/EU tuition fee is £4,800
The UK/EU tuition fee with First Class Scholarship is £3,800