Early Childhood Studies

Overview

The MA in Early Childhood Studies is aimed at professionals working in the area of early childhood - teachers, early years practitioners, social workers and family support workers in both statutory and non-statutory agencies - who are already qualified to undergraduate level in an educational or social science subject. Within Northern Ireland and beyond, services directed at the education and care of young children up to age 8 have seen unprecedented growth and development in recent years. Initiatives such as Sure Start, the implementation of the Learning to Learn Strategy and the Infant Mental Health Framework have brought early years issues to the fore.



Entitlement

A Master of Arts is awarded to students who have completed 180 CAT points at M-level. Students who have accumulated 60 points on may graduate with a Postgraduate Certificate and those who have accumulated 120 points may graduate with a Postgraduate Diploma.

To be awarded the Master of Arts in Early Childhood Studies, you need to complete 180 CATs, which normally comprises of four 30 CAT point taught modules plus a 60 CAT point final dissertation. In addition to Research Methods, which is normally a compulsory module, the other three taught modules must include at least two of the specific Early Childhood Studies modules below.



SEC7012 – WELLBEING IN THE EARLY YEARS OCTOBER 2024

SEC7011 – CRITICAL PERSPECTIVES ON WORKING WITH PARENTS OCTOBER 2024

SEC7007 – EARLY YEARS LEADERSHIP JANUARY 2025

SEC7006 – QUALITY PEDAGOGY MARCH 2025

SEC7013 – EARLY INTERVENTION SEPTEMBER 2025

SEC7003 – CONTEMPORY ISSUES IN EARLY CHILDHOOD SEPTEMBER 2025

SEC7010 – OUTDOOR LEARNING MARCH 2026

EDC7024 – RESEARCH METHODS SEPTEMBER 2024 & JANUARY 2025

SEC7005 – DISSERTATION SEPTEMBER 2024 & JANUARY 2025



Students will normally have completed the required number of taught modules (120 CAT’s) before commencing their dissertation.



All modules are 30 CATs unless otherwise started.



Modules are taught via a hybrid method of teaching, with some online classes and some in person.

Applicants will normally hold a relevant 2:1 Honours degree or above in a related discipline. Applicants who do not meet the requirements may be considered on an individual basis, where there is evidence of relevant experience. Applicants may be required to attend an interview to determine their suitability for entry.



Prior Accreditation

The degree recognises and supports existing professional development activities, whether these are part of induction, early professional development, threshold assessments or programmes of staff development and performance management. All students who have successfully completed a PGCE at Master’s level will be eligible to apply for 30 M-level credit points towards a Master’s qualification. Candidates may also seek accreditation for completed school-based professional development activities. Application for credit transfer and exemption from module requirements must be made upon enrolment.

How To Apply

The next intake for this programme is for January 2025. Applications will close on Wednesday 8th January 2025.



Application for admission to all Masters Programmes should be made by downloading the application form and reference form and returning the completed forms by email only to masters@stran.ac.uk

How will I be assessed?


There are no written examinations. Modules are assessed by coursework.

Flexible: Normally 3 years.



How Will I Study?

Depending on the modules selected, teaching and learning is delivered through a blended approach of lectures, virtual learning activities, field visits and reflective, self-directed study. For your dissertation, you will be allocated a personal tutor who will guide and support your throughout your dissertation



Contact Time

The majority of module sessions are in the evenings, although attendance at weekend workshops may occasionally be required. All modules are taught online, with each module lasting approximately 10 weeks, with the equivalent of 30 hours of contact time per module.

The course fee for 2018-2019 will be £917 per taught module and £1834 for dissertation (UK/ Republic of Ireland and EU students only) International fees apply for international students.