Early Childhood Studies
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.
| Award Name | Postgraduate Diploma at UK Level 7 |
|---|---|
| NFQ Classification | |
| Awarding Body | Queens University Belfast |
| NFQ Level | |
| Award Name | Degree - Masters at UK Level 7 |
| NFQ Classification | |
| Awarding Body | Queens University Belfast |
| NFQ Level | |
| Award Name | Postgraduate Certificate at UK Level 7 |
| NFQ Classification | |
| Awarding Body | Queens University Belfast |
| NFQ Level |
| Award Name | NFQ Classification | Awarding Body | NFQ Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Postgraduate Diploma at UK Level 7 | Queens University Belfast | ||
| Degree - Masters at UK Level 7 | Queens University Belfast | ||
| Postgraduate Certificate at UK Level 7 | Queens University Belfast |
Duration
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.
Entry Requirements
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.
Further information
Entry Year 2024/2025.
The next intake for this programme is for September 2024. Applications will close on Friday 6th September 2024.
HOW TO APPLY
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
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.
There are no written examinations. Modules are assessed by coursework.
For further information please contact:
Marketing Department - Postgraduate Recruitment
Stranmillis University College
Stranmillis Road
Belfast
BT9 5DY
T: +44 (0) 28 9038 4327
E: masters@stran.ac.uk