Early Childhood Development and Learning HNC/HND/BA (Hons) 2020/21 entry

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Course code:

X300 - Degree
X306 - Degree (Condensed first year)
X301 - HND
X302 - HNC

Study options:

3 year - Degree
2 year - HND
1 year - HNC

How to Apply

Full time
Part time

Location:

CU Coventry

Starting:

February 2021
April 2021
June 2021

Fees:

£7,700

Find out more

Get in touch

For questions regarding study and admissions please contact us:

+44 (0) 24 7765 8787


Enquire online

Course code:

X300 - Degree
X306 - Degree (Condensed first year)
X301 - HND
X302 - HNC

Study options:

3 year - Degree
2 year - HND
1 year - HNC

How to Apply

Full time
Part time

Location:

CU Coventry

Starting:

February 2021
April 2021
June 2021

Fees:

£7,700

Find out more

Get in touch

For questions regarding study and admissions please contact us:

+44 (0) 24 7765 8787


Enquire online

Course code:

CUCU018
CUCU018J (Condensed first year)

Study options:

3 year - Degree
2 year - HND
1 year - HNC

Location:

CU Coventry

Starting:

February 2021
April 2021
June 2021

Fees:

£15,100

Find out more

Get in touch

For questions regarding study and admissions please contact us:

+44 (0) 24 7765 8787


Enquire online

Overview

Working with children on educational and personal development can be an extremely rewarding career. Focusing on ages 0 to 8, this course aims to produce graduates who can contribute to the early years provision.

Success in this field demands creativity, empathy, logic and a great deal of knowledge alongside the ability to draw upon life experiences. As no two days are the same in this industry, this course focuses on policies, processes, best practices and practical learning to help you understand the key fundamentals of child development.

Alongside international opportunities, you will also get the chance to conduct critical research with our highly-experienced staff, learn from guest visitors and take part in invaluable practical placements.

Why CU Coventry

We offer a style of education which is flexible and designed to fit around your life, allowing you to benefit from a modern, forward-thinking higher education institution, reinforced by the quality and reputation of Coventry University. We aim to provide career-focused courses, wherever possible, coupled with placement opportunities to help prepare you for the world of work. We are dedicated to making higher education accessible and enjoyable to everyone, so we keep our fees low and made it a policy to cover one module at a time, allowing you to become a specialist in each topic before moving onto the next.

COVID-19

The University may deliver certain contact hours and assessments via emerging online technologies and methods across all courses. In response to the Covid-19 pandemic, we are prepared for courses due to start in or after the 2020/2021 academic year to be delivered in a variety of forms. The form of delivery will be determined in accordance with Government and Public Health guidance. Whether on campus or online, our key priority is staff and student safety.

Due to the ongoing restrictions relating to Covid-19, some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) and some non-academic offerings (particularly in relation to international experiences), may vary from those advertised and may have reduced availability or restrictions on their use.

Employability

Dedicated Careers & Employability department who will assist you in finding employment

Top Quality Courses

Taught by industry professionals, awarded by Coventry University

No End of Year Exams

Our modern teaching techniques mean no last-minute cramming and less stress

Professional Recognition

Specific courses contain additional industry recognised qualifications from awarding bodies

Your course in pictures

What our students say

I can’t believe how much individual attention we receive from the lecturers – the smaller groups mean we get as much help and support as we could ever need. The interpersonal time with the lecturers has helped my development.

Aleksandra Foja - Early Childhood Development & Learning

Course information

The Early Childhood Development & Learning degree has been designed to provide you with the knowledge and skills required by the industry to develop a career in the early years sector, or undertake postgraduate specialist study.

The course focuses on modern teaching practices with you receiving multi-disciplinary learning to develop key skills such as empathy, interpersonal skills and authoritative expertise. 

As you progress through the course, you will become confident and competent practitioners supporting learning and development of children aged 0 to 8. Establishing creativity, resilience and strategic thinking, you will be equipped with the skills and support necessary for successful entry into the early years sector.

Course Specification
Download PDF (384kb)

Modules

Overview

With a child-centred approach, this year is designed to introduce the key concepts and principles within childhood development and learning. Setting the framework for both academic and professional skills, you will gain an understanding of factors that impact upon learning and development from both individual needs to environmental influences for children between the ages of 0 to 8 years. Within the first year you will be introduced to the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), alongside a number of other international curricula. If you leave after completing year one you will be eligible for a Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Early Childhood Development & Learning.

Modules

  • Collaborative and Supportive Relationships in Early Years Setting

    This module examines fundamental core values and principles when working in early years settings, so that collaborative and supportive relationships are formed and sustained. You will develop an understanding of the importance of communication methods and how to develop effective and resilient relationships with parents, practitioners and professionals.

    You will explore the complexity of relationships by recognising respect, integrity, patience, honesty and reliability as well as develop an understanding of how to promote the same values across all working relationships.

  • Promoting Children’s Health and Wellbeing

    The aim of this module is to enhance the health and wellbeing of children as well as reducing any risk-taking behaviours. You will analyse the use of the assessment process in order to identify vulnerability, and utilise the knowledge and skills of the multi-professional team to ensure the safeguarding and protection of all children. 

    You will also be able to develop your professional practice within an external placement.

  • The Child and the Family

    This module examines changes that have taken place over the last two centuries within the family structure and the rationale for these differences. You will then use this learning to analyse how the strength of a family can affect the development of healthy, happy and well-adjusted children. These original perceptions of ‘the family’ will be compared against contemporary approaches.

  • Learning and Development Through Play

    This module focuses on advocacy for play and how adults can encourage children to become independent thinkers and problem solvers. You will gain an understanding about why and how children play and the sensitivities needed by practitioners to interact in play and playful experiences.

    Your professional practice will be developed in an external placement.

Thought about a different campus?

CU Coventry, CU London and CU Scarborough come together to form CU, part of the Coventry University Group. Students who study at CU will graduate with a degree awarded and accredited by Coventry University.

All CU students have the opportunity to move between each campus after completing an academic year, subject to course and availability. This means you can study in the vibrant city of Coventry, the UK’s capital, or on the stunning Yorkshire coast. 

CU London
CU Scarborough

Overview

As the course progresses, you will continue to build on knowledge gained in year one to solidify core principles. Critical appraisal of childhood perception is introduced, alongside evaluations of diversity in development methods. You will analyse the role of statutory guidance for early years practice and legislation. Finally, you delve into the global sphere, interacting with students from international universities (options include Copenhagen University) to understand global methods. This research is then used to compare international country’s early years policies with the UK educational system. If you choose to leave the course after completing year two you are eligible for a Higher National Diploma (HND) in Early Childhood Development & Learning.

Modules

  • Early Years Curriculum and Practice

    This module features a placement which enables you to gain invaluable functional experience of the national curriculum and EYFS in practice. You will assess its value in promoting children’s learning and development and establish pedagogical knowledge such as classroom organisation, curriculum management and communication through relevant stages.

  • Theoretical Perspectives on Child Development

    From Jean Piaget to Lev Vygotsky, theorists over time have developed different perceptions of childhood development. You will explore the evolution of teaching and learning methods in line with postmodern theorists and contemporary practices. By the end of this module, you should be an autonomous learner prepared for industry application.

  • Principles and Practices across Literacy and Numeracy Learning

    As part of the Online International Learning (OIL) project you will communicate with an international university to discuss and compare principle learning in both countries. You will also complete a placement within an early years setting to observe and reflect on the teaching of literacy and numeracy skills to make a comparison with international and UK policies.

  • Researching and Assessing Children and Families

    This module is a desk-based research project that focuses on developing the analytical and personal skills required to research and assess children and families. You will learn a range of research methods such as qualitative and quantitative data, structured interviews, ethical research and observations.

Thought about a different campus?

CU Coventry, CU London and CU Scarborough come together to form CU, part of the Coventry University Group. Students who study at CU will graduate with a degree awarded and accredited by Coventry University.

All CU students have the opportunity to move between each campus after completing an academic year, subject to course and availability. This means you can study in the vibrant city of Coventry, the UK’s capital, or on the stunning Yorkshire coast.

CU London
CU Scarborough

Overview

An optional placement or sandwich year gives you the chance to gain further insight into the industry or career you are seeking to follow, enabling you to apply your theoretical knowledge to the workplace. You can also choose to take an optional year abroad between years two and three. If you decide to take advantage of a placement year this version of the degree will help you acquire valuable work experience and gain an understanding of what employers seek in graduates. It is your responsibility to find a placement with an employer within your chosen sector. The careers and employability department, alongside the course team, will support you throughout your placement year.

Overview

In year three, you explore cultural diversification and management as well as delving into international perspectives of children. You’ll examine family structures and different environments, analysing and understanding diverse ethnic backgrounds and educational differences. You will be trained at an executive level, learning the skills required to manage a nursery, including key components such as the recruitment of staff and the Management of Special Needs and Disabilities (SEND) requirements. By completing year three you will be awarded a BA (Hons) degree in Early Childhood Development & Learning.

Modules

  • International Perspectives of Childhood

    With a critical mindset, this module will address issues regarding the effectiveness of policy and practice for the child and family around the world. Delving into wealth and poverty, child exploitation and the impact of conflict and migration on families, you will discuss how socio-economic and environmental incidents can affect the development of children.

  • Effective Leadership and Management of an Early Years Environment

    In this module, you get the chance to personalise your learning by evolving and mastering your own individual type of leadership, such as charismatic, authoritarian and autocratic styles. You will develop management and leadership skills that operate within policy, professional, organisational and cultural contexts such as hiring of appropriate staff.

  • Special Educational Needs

    During this module, you will learn about a range of diverse needs such as autism, dyslexia, development delay and physical disabilities, critically analysing the impact of special needs on the child’s development. Furthermore, you will understand safeguarding issues for children with special educational needs.

  • Research Project

    This module is an accumulation of the theories, holistic knowledge and practices learned over the duration of the course compacted into a research project of your choice. Choosing any subject covered over the course, you are able to work autonomously, conducting individual research.

Thought about a different campus?

CU Coventry, CU London and CU Scarborough come together to form CU, part of the Coventry University Group. Students who study at CU will graduate with a degree awarded and accredited by Coventry University.

All CU students have the opportunity to move between each campus after completing an academic year, subject to course and availability. This means you can study in the vibrant city of Coventry, the UK’s capital, or on the stunning Yorkshire coast.

CU London
CU Scarborough
15th

Coventry has been ranked top 15 in the UK for 5 years running in the The Guardian University Guide 2016-2020. CU Coventry is part of the Coventry University Group.

In more detail...

  • Upon completion of this course, you will receive a qualification awarded by Coventry University.
  • You will receive support with applying for short and long-term placements, to gain the experience employers desire, with our in-house Careers & Employability department.
  • You will have the opportunity for multi-campus learning in Coventry, London and Scarborough.
  • In order to make higher education accessible to as many people as possible, we keep our tuition fees competitively priced.
  • Small tutorial group sessions ensure that you receive the mentoring help and support you need.
  • We deliver one module at a time during each block. This means you can dedicate your time to specialise in each subject without the distraction of numerous modules and multiple deadlines.
  • Hands-on experience of organising and working with young children ages 0-8.
Study themes

Your main study themes are:

Working in early years settings
You will examine the legislation, safeguarding, health and safety, team working and management involved in childhood development. You will also develop an understanding of managing and leading in an early years setting.

Collaborative working and positive relationships with children
You will look at the role of multi-agency working and positive supportive relationships with children. You will also develop a critical appreciation of the range of education, health and welfare provision to promote children’s health and wellbeing and continue to develop their awareness of the role of team and partnership working.

Values and principles working with children and families 
You will develop an understanding of the effective practice with children and families. You will also explore researching children and families and ethical considerations.

The social context of the child
You will cover the historical, national and international context of childhood. You will also develop a critical appreciation and reflect on societal influences on how childhood is constructed and analyse how this impacts on healthy childhood development and wellbeing.

How you'll be taught

There are two main taught options for this course. It is available as a full-time three year programme or an optional four-year sandwich course where you undertake a work placement or study year in a related field. Alternatively, part-time study is also available.

Our teaching methods are varied, offering a number of teaching styles to suit the needs of all our students, so in addition to lectures, we also utilise a blended learning approach, including online aspects, workshops and group work. We also operate an open-door policy, with additional availability via email and our online learning platform, Moodle.

Progression through the modules develops knowledge and skills, including communication (written and oral), study skills, research methods, project management, presentation and career development. We will also encourage you to consider your employability and/or entrepreneurial development.

Unlike traditional institutions, there are no end of year exams. Instead, learning is assessed through coursework and phase tests, which is more reflective of our learning model.

How you'll be assessed

The learning outcomes of modules, assignments and projects will be clearly stated. Your work will be marked according to how well you achieve these learning outcomes and your final feedback will refer to each outcome, as well as providing an overall percentage grade.

Assessment methods vary and include, practical class and project performance, written practical reports, project thesis, oral presentations, tutorial tasks and assessments which take place at the end of each six-week block.

Course Breakdown (approximate):

  • Coursework 70%
  • Practical Assessments 30%
Teaching contact hours

Full-time

If you choose to study full-time you can expect up to 20 hours of learning activities per week, made up of face-to-face teaching, individual and group tutorials, online classes and independent learning.

Part-time

If you choose to study part-time you'll usually receive up to eleven hours per week of blended learning, including classes, tutorials and online learning. Outside of this, there will also be independent study and online support.

Please note: part-time courses run subject to numbers.

Groups are kept at an average of 25-50 students per class. This way, students can take advantage of small numbers to increase contact time with lecturers.

International experience opportunities

You'll benefit from intrinsic work with the Online International Learning (OIL) Project which is aimed at developing globally successful graduates. You will have the opportunity to take international trips, work with universities from all over the world and develop solid knowledge of global child development practices.

What our students say

Leaving employment to come back to university was a big step – but it’s great to be surrounded with like-minded and supportive people. The staff and students help me with the digital aspects of the course, and now I am confident and proficient in using computers to support my learning.

Shelly Mumford - Early Years Student

Entry Requirements

Early Childhood Development & Learning HNC

64 UCAS tariff points. All courses require 5 GCSEs at A-C including Maths and English.

Early Childhood Development & Learning HND

80 UCAS tariff points. All courses require 5 GCSEs at A-C including Maths and English.

Early Childhood Development & Learning BA (Hons) Degree

104 UCAS tariff points. All courses require 5 GCSEs at A-C including Maths and English.

All HNC/HND/Degree courses require at least two A2 level or a BTEC equivalent qualification.
Students will be subject to a DBS check before enrolment.

What if I don’t meet the entry requirements?

If you don’t meet the entry requirements for this course, we offer a number of programmes to help you secure a place. Successful completion of one of the below programmes guarantees you a place on a degree course with us, subject to meeting specified criteria.

Foundation Year Courses

This degree programme has an integral stage 0 attached to it, so if you do not meet the entry requirements you may enter at the foundation level. Successful completion of our Health, Education & Wellbeing Foundation course will guarantee you progression onto this degree programme.

Access to HE Course

Access to HE courses aim to bring your academic skills and topical knowledge up to optimal standard for higher education study. If you undertake an Access to HE course and then successfully complete a degree programme, the remaining balance of your Advanced Learner Loan will be written off. Successful completion of our Health & Human Sciences Access to HE course will guarantee you progression onto this degree programme.

Early Childhood Development & Learning HNC

64 UCAS tariff points. All courses require 5 GCSEs at A-C including Maths and English.

Early Childhood Development & Learning HND

80 UCAS tariff points. All courses require 5 GCSEs at A-C including Maths and English.

Early Childhood Development & Learning BA (Hons) Degree

104 UCAS tariff points. All courses require 5 GCSEs at A-C including Maths and English.

All HNC/HND/Degree courses require at least two A2 level or a BTEC equivalent qualification.
Students will be subject to a DBS check before enrolment.

What if I don’t meet the entry requirements?

If you don’t meet the entry requirements for this course, we offer a number of programmes to help you secure a place. Successful completion of one of the below programmes guarantees you a place on a degree course with us, subject to meeting specified criteria.

Foundation Year Courses

This degree programme has an integral stage 0 attached to it, so if you do not meet the entry requirements you may enter at the foundation level. Successful completion of our Health, Education & Wellbeing Foundation course will guarantee you progression onto this degree programme.

Access to HE Course

Access to HE courses aim to bring your academic skills and topical knowledge up to optimal standard for higher education study. If you undertake an Access to HE course and then successfully complete a degree programme, the remaining balance of your Advanced Learner Loan will be written off. Successful completion of our Health & Human Sciences Access to HE course will guarantee you progression onto this degree programme.

Early Childhood Development & Learning HNC

64 UCAS tariff points. All courses require 5 GCSEs at A-C including Maths and English.

Early Childhood Development & Learning HND

80 UCAS tariff points. All courses require 5 GCSEs at A-C including Maths and English.

Early Childhood Development & Learning BA (Hons) Degree

104 UCAS tariff points. All courses require 5 GCSEs at A-C including Maths and English.

All HNC/HND/Degree courses require at least two A2 level or a BTEC equivalent qualification.
Students will be subject to a DBS check before enrolment.

CU Coventry welcomes international students from all around the globe. If you are an international student and are interested in applying for a, HNC, HND or Degree course you can do so by completing our online application form.

Once your application form has been processed you will receive the outcome of your application via your given email address.
Please be aware you will need the following information in order to make your application:

  • All academic transcripts
  • Copies of degree/diploma certificates or work reference if employed
  • One academic reference
  • Be trained to English language proficiency level IELTS 6.0 (HNC - year 1/HND - year 2) or IELTS 6.5 (Degree/Top Up - year 3)
  • Your personal statement
  • Copy of your current passport
Why do I have to choose you as 'firm' choice?

CU Coventry has assessed that you can achieve the required grades and we have demonstrated this belief by making you an offer. This is our commitment to you so then we ask that you reciprocate this commitment by selecting us as your ‘firm’ choice and activating your offer.

What if I'm not taking A-levels?

We will consider other qualifications for a pre-result unconditional offer if you have an appropriate proven performance at GCSE (or equivalent) level and predicted grades in line with grades that we expect to see at A-level. Other qualifications that we may consider for a pre-result unconditional offer include: The International Baccalaureate Diploma, BTEC Level 3 qualifications, Cambridge Pre-U and combinations of qualifications (e.g. BTECS plus A-levels).

What if I don't get the predicted grades?

An unconditional offer is what it says it is. So, if you don’t meet your predictions then your place is still guaranteed. However, we would hope and expect that you continue to work hard to make the most of your potential and be best prepared to study at university level.

Am I able to defer my unconditional offer?

No, the unconditional offer is only available to those who will take up their place in the year for which they applied.

What if I don’t meet the entry requirements?

If you don’t meet the entry requirements for this course, we have a number of programmes which upon successful completion and meeting any additional entry criteria, qualifies you onto a place on this degree course, such as Foundation Years or Access to Higher Education Diplomas.

What our students say

Leaving employment to come back to university was a big step – but it’s great to be surrounded with like-minded and supportive people. The staff and students help me with the digital aspects of the course, and now I am confident and proficient in using computers to support my learning.

Shelly Mumford - Early Years Student

Tuition Fees

We pride ourselves on offering competitive tuition fees which we review on an annual basis. Course fees are calculated on the basis of what it costs to teach each course and we aim for total financial transparency.

Starts

Fee

February 2021

£7,700 (per year)

April 2021

£7,700 (per year)

June 2021

£7,700 (per year)

Starts

Fee

February 2021

£7,700 (per year)

April 2021

£7,700 (per year)

June 2021

£7,700 (per year)

Starts

Fee

February 2021

£15,100 (per year)

April 2021

£15,100 (per year)

June 2021

£15,100 (per year)

Fees & Funding

We price our courses competitively in an attempt to make higher education accessible for a wide range of people. Your tuition fees will cover all of your classes, online tutorials, some of the learning materials and access to our Library & Learning Services. 

Funding

As a full-time or part-time student resident in the UK or EU, you can apply for a loan to cover the cost of your tuition fees at CU Coventry from Student Finance England.

What our students say

Leaving employment to come back to university was a big step – but it’s great to be surrounded with like-minded and supportive people. The staff and students help me with the digital aspects of the course, and now I am confident and proficient in using computers to support my learning.

Shelly Mumford - Early Years Student

Career prospects

With an ever-growing demand in the early years sector, graduates from this course have a wide variety of career paths to explore.

Successfully completing our degree means your chances of employment are improved and the level at which you enter the job market could mean a higher salary. Graduates can go on to work in nurseries, the public sector, governing bodies, schools and more.

Where our graduates work

Previous graduates have progressed into successful careers within industry, for a number of organisations such as Busy Bees Nursery and Angels Childcare Recruitment.

What our students say

Leaving employment to come back to university was a big step – but it’s great to be surrounded with like-minded and supportive people. The staff and students help me with the digital aspects of the course, and now I am confident and proficient in using computers to support my learning.

Shelly Mumford - Early Years Student
Disclaimer

The tuition fee for the course that is stated on the course webpage and in the prospectus for the first year of study will apply. We will review tuition fees each year. For UK and EU students, if Parliament permit an increase in tuition fees, we may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase is expected to be in line with inflation. Following the UK’s planned exit from the European Union, EU students should be aware that there may be a change to UK laws following the UK’s exit, this may change their student status, their eligibility to study part time, and/or their eligibility for student finance. We will act in accordance with the UK’s laws in force in relation to student tuition fees and finance at that time. For international students, we may increase fees for each subsequent year of study but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation.