This module aims to explore social constructions of childhood in a global context alongside the implications these have for professional practice and research. It considers national and international policies and practices to enable you to explore how these contribute to children and childhoods to be constructed in particular ways. You will explore international perspectives on early childhood, education, care and socialisation and the role different organisations play in promoting early years practice.

This module offers you the opportunity to observe learning and teaching in an educational setting.  You will be required to undertake a placement in an educational setting for at least the equivalent of 10 days (e.g. 10 x 4hrs).  You will begin by considering your expectations about what you are about to observe and then make detailed recordings (as a journal) of what you see. Following this, you will analyse your recordings and then present your findings to your peers, followed by the production of a written report.  The module content will include ethical issues relating to research and enquiry, participant and non-participant observation, writing a learning journal, reflective writing, theories of learning, models of teaching and schooling and education.

This module offers you the opportunity to observe learning and teaching in an educational setting.  You will be required to undertake a placement in an educational setting for at least the equivalent of 10 days (e.g. 10 x 4hrs).  You will begin by considering your expectations about what you are about to observe and then make detailed recordings (as a journal) of what you see. Following this, you will analyse your recordings and then present your findings to your peers, followed by the production of a written report.  The module content will include ethical issues relating to research and enquiry, participant and non-participant observation, writing a learning journal, reflective writing, theories of learning, models of teaching and schooling and education.

This double module provides you with the opportunity to further your professional and academic development by pursuing a line of enquiry and its implications in depth. The dissertation allows you to extend your experiences of research by undertaking an extended academic study within an area of negotiated choice. You will be required to demonstrate that you are cognisant with the ethical issues of research and that you have sound knowledge of your area of concern. Undertaking the dissertation also places demands on you in terms of organisational and time management and, in doing so, offers you the opportunity to develop and demonstrate these important personal and professional skills. Environmental sustainability is integrated into the module through use of online learning resources, e-books and Moodle.

The dissertation represents the pinnacle of your undergraduate studies and is the strongest indicator that you are able to work as an independent researcher. To be at the stage of beginning to work on your dissertation indicates that you are successfully studying at a high academic level and have already achieved considerable success.

This double module provides you with the opportunity to further your professional and academic development by pursuing a line of enquiry and its implications in depth. The dissertation allows you to extend your experiences of research by undertaking an extended academic study within an area of negotiated choice. You will be required to demonstrate that you are cognisant with the ethical issues of research and that you have sound knowledge of your area of concern. Undertaking the dissertation also places demands on you in terms of organisational and time management and, in doing so, offers you the opportunity to develop and demonstrate these important personal and professional skills. Environmental sustainability is integrated into the module through use of online learning resources, e-books and Moodle.

The dissertation represents the pinnacle of your undergraduate studies and is the strongest indicator that you are able to work as an independent researcher. To be at the stage of beginning to work on your dissertation indicates that you are successfully studying at a high academic level and have already achieved considerable success.