School of Early Childhood

BA Early Childhood

For further information, contact: Glenda Tinney 01267 676605 g.tinney@tsd.ac.uk

EARLY CHILDHOOD

“

Life at the University is full of fun with happy and friendly people. Classes are small and you get to know your lecturers really well. You’re encouraged to take every possible opportunity. I find that the facilities on the campus are really great – from the Union, to the Gym and the Library. There are plenty of clubs and societies here so there’s something for everyone.

”

Llinos Haf

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BA Early Childhood

EARLY CHILDHOOD

About the course How children learn is a fascinating area of study. Current policy and initiatives such as the Foundation Phase curriculum for young children and Flying Start demonstrate a commitment to the principle that educational and childcare services for young children should be of the highest quality. A rigorously trained, well-informed, knowledgeable, skilled and confident early years’ workforce is crucial to provide such high quality services for young children.

The BA Early Childhood is the University of Wales Trinity Saint David’s response to the need for a highly skilled graduate level workforce in all areas of early years’ services.

The course takes a holistic approach to young children’s learning processes. As students, you will take an in-depth look at child development, both theory and practice, both historic and modern. You will also study the cultural concept of childhood, early literacy, outdoor learning, and gender and childhood, and will have the opportunities to visit a range of settings. In the third year, you will have the opportunity to examine in depth key issues such as sustainability, social justice and inclusion, leadership: there is also an opportunity to undertake a specialist literature study as well as volunteering opportunities which will enhance your employability skills.

The BA Early Childhood graduate, with the knowledge, values and understanding essential for informed good practice, will make a significant contribution to professional excellence in the field of early years both in Wales and beyond.

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EARLY CHILDHOOD Typical modules

KEY FACTS UCAS code BA Early Childhood - L521

Location Carmarthen Campus

Course length • 3 years full-time • Or 2 years with credit transfer option • Part-time study available

Entry requirements You will be invited to visit the University to discuss the course.

Entry is based on individual merit.

• Human Development: The Early Years • Young Children- Creative Thinkers • Working with young children and families: principles • Working with young children and families: practice • Come rain or shine: young children learning outdoors • Keeping children safe: well-being and safeguarding • Talking Together: adults, children and language • The Reflective Adult • A Green Childhood: Sustainability in Early Childhood • Children and the media • Leadership in Early Years Provision • Early Childhood: International Perspectives

Key features • Specialist academic study (e.g. safeguarding children, children’s well-being, childcare, psychology, child language development, sustainability, children’s creativity) • Opportunities to visit various places in Wales and beyond including: London, Sweden, Canada and Lesotho • Opportunities for volunteering (e.g. voluntary sector, within the Foundation Phase in schools and nurseries, family centres, day-care provision and nurseries) • Practical workshops (e.g. Young Children’s Creativity, Music in Early Years, Babies and Books)

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• Visits to specialist provision (e.g.

Steiner school, Montessori Centre, minority language early years’ setting) • Flexible learning route is available for those with appropriate experience • The University has 150 years of experience in the field of Education • An Early Childhood team of staff with early years’ expertise: wellbeing, creativity, early literacy, bilingualism, inclusive practice, sustainability and Forest Schools • The University’s long-established experience and expertise in Welsh language and bilingual provision • Close links with a range of provision in south west Wales • Purpose-built Nursery on campus

Career opportunities • Specialist voluntary sector • Voluntary sector and community work • Teaching • Postgraduate study/research • Community and family work, e.g.

Flying Start • Social Work • Specialist library work, e.g. Toy Libraries • Senior management in day care provision • Education research • Progression to MA programme