Early Childhood Care & Education

Early childhood education or early learning and care, is a very rewarding profession that supports the development of young children from infancy and throughout the childhood years. Direct practice involves working with children by tailoring learning experiences to children’s individual needs. Supporting parents in their parenting role is also an essential part of the job. Indirect practice involves managing services, educating students, professional representation, governance and national policy development. Such wide ranging career opportunities ensures early childhood education is a rewarding and diverse profession. Course Structure This course is a four-year programme, which equips graduates with the theoretical, policy, legal and practical knowledge required to work in early years services. Learning is through experiential and self-directed learning activities, as well as through group work and presentations. The final year research project is supervised by an experienced research team. Placement opportunities in each year of study supports learners to become competent early childhood educators.