Education, Society and Childhood looks at the way young people learn and develop within the education system and society. This course has been designed with employability in mind and has been written to enable you to engage with issues and developments affecting education and relevant sectors.  You will have the opportunity to work closely with professionals, employers/placement providers which will allow you the opportunity to develop the skills and knowledge needed for your chosen career path.

Full-time year 1:

• Philosophy of Education (20 credits)
• Supporting Healthy Development (20 credits)
• Childhood Development and Beyond (20 credits)
• Working together to Safeguard Young People (40 credits)
• The Reflective Practitioner (20 credits)

Full-time year 2:

• Approaches to Curriculum and Pedagogy (40 credits)
• Engaging with Research (40 credits)
• Listening to Young People (20 credits)
• Professional Practice (20 credits)

Full-time year 3:

• Professional Development (20 credits)
• Contemporary Issues in Education (40 credits)
• Constructions of Childhood (20 credits)
• Dissertation (40 credits)

This course has 10 hours scheduled teaching which takes place over 1 full day and an additional half day. Within the half day there is flexibility with physical attendance depending on individual circumstances which can be negotiated with the team.

This course is taught via a combination of lectures, seminars, workplace practice, presentations, case studies and group workshops. UCW’s Higher Education Academic Development team also deliver a series of sessions on degree-level research and academic writing to all first-year students. When not in scheduled lecturers and seminars, students are expected to continue learning through independent self-study. This involves reading relevant literature, working on individual and group projects, and undertaking research in preparation for coursework and exams.

There is a requirement to be employed within the sector or to undertake relevant placement experience.  

• Students who pass this course are eligible to apply for postgraduate courses such as the MA in Education at Bath Spa University.
• Many graduates from the course have also sought to enter the education profession on other pathways including a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) leading to either Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS) or Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
• Graduates of this course are also qualified to work in various settings such as school, colleges, family hubs, and other areas including community and family project work, child protection and social services. 

Industry insight

Qualified early years teachers are paid starting salaries of between £16,000 and £18,000 and may be able achieve salaries of up to £30,000 with experience and expertise and management responsibilities (Prospectus).

• UCAS Tariff - 80 points
• A level - CDD
• Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - MMP
• Access to HE Diploma - M: 15 credits
• T Level - P
• Applicants who have qualifications that are not listed, but have considerable experience in the sector, may be considered on an individual basis.
• A criminal records declaration (DBS/Disclosure Scotland)
• An interview is required.

We try to ensure that all as many costs for the programme you will study will be included within your tuition fees. We will endeavour to keep any additional costs you may have to pay to a minimum and some of the extra costs may be considered optional where it is deemed extra to your programme. 

To be clear, your tuition fees pay for the following: 

• All teaching and lectures  
• Use of specialist facilities at UCW 
• Specialist Guest Lectures at UCW 
• Annual photocopying budget of £10 
• Use of computer equipment at any UCW campus  
• Access to Microsoft 365 whilst enrolled at UCW. 
• Access to careers advice during and after completion of your programme of study. 
• Use of Libraries and access to Journal databases, e-books and physical books. 

Additional Costs that will need to be incurred to study your programme: 

• All students are required to obtain an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check at an additional cost of £55. Click here for details.

Additional costs that you may incur should you wish to: 

• In 2023-24 the students went on an optional educational residential to Berlin costing them £450.

• Extra photocopying and printing above the initial £10 

• The cost of books you may wish to purchase. 

Programme Specification