Overview
The ECS part of the degree is designed for anyone wanting to work with or for children and/or their families and explores children, early childhood and children’s services in some depth. The primary focus is children from birth to eight years but it also covers conception through to when a child is approximately eleven years of age (the natural completion of the primary educational stage). It takes a multi/ inter-disciplinary approach. This means it includes educational, health, welfare, developmental and social psychology, sociology, legal, philosophical, political and economic perspectives designed to develop knowledge, understanding and relevant skills. To that end there are a series of mandatory and option modules to support this.
The Psychology part of the degree deals with human cognition across the life span, behaviour, action and interaction at different levels. The psychology discipline was developed to examine and explain increased human awareness and the social differentiation that accompanied the social, economic, political and cultural transitions that have taken place to the present day.
Students studying joint routes undertake 50% of their modules in each one of the routes. As there are mandatory modules on both routes there is less choice in undertaking option modules at each level.
In the first year or Level 4 emphasis is placed on ensuring underpinning subject knowledge across the two routes.
In the second year or Level 5 students begin to apply their developing knowledge, understanding and skills to the work environment, specific issues, situations and/or themes. We encourage students to develop an enquiring mind and attitude to their studies so they can begin to challenge and critique what is already known in the field.
In the final year or Level 6 you will be expected to exhibit autonomy and take much more responsibility for your own learning- lots of reading will develop your ability to critically analyse and evaluate information from a wide range of sources.
Further Information
Student testimonials
“When I began the degree I was unsure what I wanted to do career-wise except that I wanted to work with children. The modules that I had to study in the first year were fascinating and really opened my eyes to the breadth of ideas out there about children and childhood. In the second and third years I really enjoyed the mandatory modules we covered and being able to choose options based on what was of interest to me was really great. I’ve now been accepted for Primary Teacher Training and at interview was able to confidently discuss some challenging issues. I think I surprised myself, but that’s what the degree does to you and I would recommend it to anyone!”
“I always knew I wanted to work with children and my interest in children with additional needs grew during the course. I’m now part of a team working for a local charity who support children with additional needs so I’ve got my dream job”
“I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do with my degree, initially it was teacher training but now I’m studying at post-graduate level and see my future in children’s advocacy”
What is included in your tuition fees
At UCS your tuition fees provide access to all the usual teaching and learning facilities that you would expect. However, there may be additional costs associated with your course that you will need to budget for. Read full details of the included and additional costs for BA (Hons) Early Childhood and Youth Studies,| Please note, UCS reserves the right to change this information as and when required.
At UCS your tuition fees provide access to all the usual teaching and learning facilities that you would expect. However, there may be additional costs associated with your course that you will need to budget for.
At UCS your tuition fees provide access to all the usual teaching and learning facilities that you would expect. However, there may be additional costs associated with your course that you will need to budget for.