
Opleiding: PGCE Early Years Professional Studies
Target audience
This programme is offered to students who are enrolled on the Early Years Professional Status (EYPS) Full Training Pathway. EYPS is awarded by the Children's Workforce Development Council (CWDC) to graduates who can demonstrate that they meet a set of national professional Standards when working with children from birth to five years. As an EYP you will have the vision, expertise and commitment to lead practice across the Early Years Foundation Stage and work in partnership with families, carers and other professionals to promote good outcomes for young children.
Programme
You will learn about the care, development and learning of young children from birth to five years and explore some wider issues concerning your role as an EYP through a combination of university-based modules and placement experience in early years settings. You will be encouraged to reflect on your experience of professional practice and undertake preparation for the EYPS assessment process.
You will undertake four university-based modules, which are interspersed with placement experience
- Professional Practice & Contemporary Issues for EYPS
- An Introduction to Early Childhood Studies and Child Development
- Curriculum Studies for the EYPS The Early Years Foundation Stage
- EYPS Placement Preparation and Experience
This is a full-time 12 month programme; you will be required to attend university-based modules and spend at least eighteen weeks in placement to gain experience of professional practice and leadership. In addition to module assignments, you will have directed tasks to undertake throughout the year.
- An introduction to Early Childhood Studies and Child Development (40 Credits) - Compulsory
- The module aims to present an holistic approach to childhood and child development through examination of the shifting conceptual notions of childhood both historically and socio-culturally, through analysis of the interaction of factors which influence children s growth and development and allowing students to gain a broad knowledge of the key theoretical perspectives in child development. The module will further explore the methods, techniques and ethical issues involved in using child observation as a research tool.
- Curriculum Studies for the EYPS: The Early Years Foundation Stage (30 Credits) - Compulsory
- This module aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of current legislation and research with reference to improving the outcomes for children aged 0 5 years and their families. The role of the Early Years Professional will be examined and critically evaluated to enable students to make informed professional judgements about early years practice across the maintained, private, voluntary and independent sectors.
- Professional Practice and contemporary issues for EYPS (30 Credits) - Compulsory
Entry Requirements
We welcome applications from graduates with a good honours degree, or equivalent qualification, in an appropriate subject. We also consider candidates with other relevant qualifications and individuals with a minimum of three years' work experience. Those without formal qualifications need to demonstrate relevant work experience and the ability to study at postgraduate level.
English language requirements
You must have competence in English language and we normally require Grade C GCSE or an equivalent qualification. The most common English Language requirements for international students are IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL (paper based) 575 or TOEFL (internet based) 90 with specified minimum scores for each component.
Professional perspective and employment market
EYPs are central to raising the quality of early years provision; they will be part of the team of skilled and committed people working with children in early years settings or wider children s services. It is the government's aim to have EYPs in all Children's Centres by 2010 and in every full day care setting by 2015.
Our Careers Service offers you a range of support both while you're studying with us - and after you've graduated.
Placements
Placement experience is a compulsory part of this course.

