Early Childhood and Primary Education (including a Foundation Year) BA (Hons)

The education landscape plays a critical role in children’s cognitive and emotional development, and how they progress through later life. This course specialises in the transformative power within both the Primary Education and Early Childhood sectors, and is perfect if you wish to discuss, discover, and analyse in-depth why learning experiences are vital. <br/><br/>You will explore contemporary thinking relating to play, social and emotional development, and the philosophy of childhood and education. Early education creates intense discussion across political and societal landscapes, exposing tensions between care and education. This course supports you to analyse and assess a range of political and societal ideas about family life and teaching and caring for children that have far-reaching impacts on their schooling and wider society. <br/><br/>This course offers you a great deal of flexibility and supports you to follow your professional interests. In your second year, you will be well-poised to choose a pathway to specialise in either Early Childhood or in Primary Education, and we tailor modules so that they deepen and widen your knowledge in these areas. <br/><br/>We’re particularly proud of our third-year offering; in this year you will author a personal (and often inspirational) research project. Examples of dissertations include how gender influences toy choices, perceptions of sign language between parents and practitioners, healthy eating in a school environment, and the ‘Justifiable Lie’: the magic of Santa!<br/><br/>BA Early Childhood and Primary Education Pathways<br/><br/>This course allows you to study a specialist pathway. Our pathways provide you with specific modules and opportunities to enable you to tailor your studies towards areas you are passionate about, whether through Early Childhood Studies or Primary Education Studies specialisms.<br/><br/>Our Early Childhood Studies pathway will provide a critical understanding of social, political, and cultural perspectives on early childhood learning. It will encourage independent thinking as you analyse theory and practice in early years settings. This pathway is ideal if you’re passionate about the foundational stages of childrens development and will prepare you with a Level 3 Early Years Educator licence to practice alongside your degree.<br/><br/>Our pathway in Primary Education Studies is designed for students interested in specialising in the development, learning, and education of children aged 5-11. The pathway emphasises inclusive teaching strategies, equipping you with the skills to support diverse learners and create engaging, responsive learning environments. With a blend of academic study and placement experience, this pathway will prepare you to pursue a career in primary education, with options to further your qualifications through postgraduate study. This pathway is ideal if you are passionate about making a difference in children’s early educational experiences and contributing positively to the primary school setting.

At the University of Chester, they believe in your potential. Chester University offer a future-focused skills-based curriculum designed to prepare you to reach your goals. <br/><br/>Their array of industry-informed courses will provide you with professional development and placement opportunities, empowering you to strive for hands-on experience, connect to a professional network and launch your career. Chester also offer a range of support designed to help you succeed and achieve your individual goals in an environment where you can grow, learn, and connect with a community of like-minded students. <br/><br/>Furthermore, this is all in a vibrant and welcoming city perfectly suited for student life. Benefit from guaranteed accommodation, and explore numerous opportunities both on campus and in the city to earn while you learn, supporting your studies and enriching your experience. Your journey to extraordinary starts now. <br/><br/>Explore your possibilities in Clearing at Chester.