Program Overview

Contemporary Issues in Early Years (LCLL0022)

Key Information

• Faculty: IOE
• Teaching department: Learning and Leadership
• Credit value: 30
• Restrictions:
  • Face-to-Face Learning: Priority will be given to students enrolled on MA Early Years Education. If there are any remaining places, consideration will be given to students completing MA Sociology of Childhood and Children's Rights.
  • Online Learning: This module is restricted to students enrolled on MA Early Years Education (Online).

Alternative Credit Options

There are no alternative credit options available for this module.

Description

This module introduces a range of important contemporary issues related to the provision of services for young children and their families. The module aims to raise questions about the provision of care and education for children, interpret current provision within the context of the values and policies which underpin them. The inclusion of an international perspective enables a critique of western ideas of the early years as a significant phase of provision. Reflective practice provides a framework for critical reflection of policy into practice throughout the module.

Content

The content of the module will be embedded within current policy contexts, professional practice, recent research, and contemporary debates about the changing landscape of the early years sector, the practitioner's role in working with children, families and other professionals within early years settings, schools and children's services.

Teaching Delivery

• Face-to-Face Learning: This module is taught via 10 weekly lectures and seminars.
• MA Early Years Education (Online): This module is taught via online seminars.

Indicative Topics

• Justice in Early Childhood Education: What does it mean and why does it matter?
• Problematising Children's Rights and Political Subjectivities in Early Childhood Education
• Policy Borrowing and Parental Leave Policies

Module Aims

This module aims to:

• Critically explore the issues and debates around a range of key topics relating to early childhood care and education in the early years field.
• Critically address different understandings of the values, services and provision for young children and their families in a UK and international context.
• Critically analyse early years provision for children and families.

Module Deliveries for 2026/27 Academic Year

Intended Teaching Term

Term 2, Postgraduate (FHEQ Level 7)

Teaching and Assessment

• Mode of study: In person, Online
• Methods of assessment: 100% Coursework (2 assessments)
• Mark scheme: Numeric Marks, Letter Grade

Other Information

• Number of students on module in previous year: 77, 0, 0, 1
• Module leader: Dr Lizbeth Bullough