The MA Early Childhood Education program at the University of Hertfordshire equips students with advanced knowledge and skills in early childhood education through inquiry and research. The flexible program offers a range of modules, allowing students to tailor their studies to their interests. Graduates become change agents in their practice, enhancing service provision and pursuing careers in early childhood education, research, and academia.

Graduates become change agents in their own practice and early childhood practice in general.

The program equips students to:

• Develop and deepen their knowledge and understanding of current issues relating to education practice through critical reflection, analysis, and inquiry.
• Develop the ability to critically analyze educational theory and its link to practice.
• Become a member of a supportive learning community and learn from professionals from various educational settings.
• Become a successful practitioner-researcher.

This ensures an exceptional learning experience for students.

• Full-time: 1 year
• Part-time: 3 years

The program consists of 5 modules:

• Early Childhood Education Dissertation (60 credits): This module requires conducting research to impact practice or enhance knowledge in a chosen field.
Students investigate the purposes and principles of research into practice and various qualitative and quantitative research skills and strategies.
• Early Childhood Pedagogy and Practice (30 credits): This module helps students develop their pedagogical awareness in relation to early childhood practice.
It provides a critical understanding of how pedagogy develops and links to practice through the analysis of philosophical positions, pedagogical approaches, and current literature.
• Preparing for Success in your Studies (30 credits): This module builds confidence and agency as a master's student.
It helps students identify their personal academic and professional interests and enables them to meet their personal goals. Through reflection on their own experiences and exploration of local, national, and global factors influencing personal and professional practice, students develop an understanding of the relationship between structure and agency, their own positioning, values, and identity. The module lays the theoretical foundation for navigating the program successfully and building expertise as a practitioner and leader of practice. Students learn how to build and maintain effective relationships and develop personal leadership in early childhood education. Through analysis of culture, identity, and pedagogical values, students gain a greater understanding of developing their own professional leadership qualities and critically reflect on how to apply their new leadership knowledge to their future practice.
• Introduction to Educational Research (30 credits): This module explores the development of research into educational practice and its influence on policy and developing practice in various contexts.
Students critically examine examples of research approaches and their appropriateness for different purposes. A key aspect is critically evaluating the different perspectives of quantitative and qualitative approaches to research and the issues surrounding these perspectives.

Each module involves:

• For 30 credit modules:
• Attendance at up to 10 twilight sessions per module (or equivalent)
• A significant amount of private study and reading
• Independent research
• An assignment of 4,500 words or equivalent
• For the final 60 credit module:
• A year-long commitment
• A 12,000-word assignment

Assessment:

Assessment methods vary depending on the module, but typically include:

• Written assignments: These may involve essays, reports, or research projects.
• Presentations: Students may be required to deliver presentations to their peers and tutors.
• Examinations: In some modules, there may be a written or oral examination.
• Portfolio: Students may be required to compile a portfolio of their work throughout the program.

Assessment criteria are based on the learning outcomes of each module and typically focus on:

• Knowledge and understanding: Demonstrating a sound grasp of the relevant subject matter.
• Critical analysis: Applying critical thinking skills to analyze and evaluate information.
• Effective communication: Presenting ideas clearly and concisely in written and oral form.
• Problem-solving: Applying theoretical knowledge to solve practical problems.
• Professionalism: Demonstrating the skills and attributes expected of a postgraduate student in early childhood education.

Teaching:

Teaching methods vary depending on the module but typically include:

• Lectures: Providing students with an overview of key concepts and theories.
• Seminars: Encouraging discussion and debate among students and tutors.
• Workshops: Providing students with opportunities to develop practical skills and knowledge.
• One-to-one tutorials: Offering individual support and guidance to students.
• Independent study: Encouraging students to take responsibility for their own learning.

Careers:

Graduates of the MA Early Childhood Education program are well-prepared for a range of careers in early childhood education, including:

• Early Childhood Teacher
• Nursery Manager
• Early Years Specialist
• Early Years Consultant
• Researcher
• Lecturer

• Student experience: The University is committed to providing students with a positive and enriching learning experience.
• International opportunities: The University offers a range of opportunities for students to study or work abroad.
• Employability: The University is committed to helping students develop the skills and knowledge they need to be successful in their chosen careers.

UK Students Full time £9450 for the 2024/2025 academic year Part time £790 per 15 credits for the 2024/2025 academic year EU Students Full time £16450 for the 2024/2025 academic year Part time £1370 per 15 credits for the 2024/2025 academic year International Students Full time £16450 for the 2024/2025 academic year Part time £1370 per 15 credits for the 2024/2025 academic year

Hertfordshire International College

Overview:

Hertfordshire International College (HIC) is a pathway college dedicated to helping students achieve their career goals. It offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate pathway programs designed to prepare students for prestigious degrees at the University of Hertfordshire. HIC emphasizes a supportive and engaging student experience.

Services Offered:

HIC offers a variety of services to support students, including:

Pre-Sessional English:

A course to improve English language skills for international students.

Undergraduate Pathway Programs:

Foundation and first-year level programs in various disciplines.

Postgraduate Pathway Programs:

Pre-Master's programs to prepare students for postgraduate studies.

Student Life and Campus Experience:

HIC provides a vibrant and diverse campus environment with modern facilities. Students can expect:

Campus Location:

Just 25 minutes from London.

Modern Facilities:

Continuously invested in and updated.

Supportive Environment:

A welcoming and supportive atmosphere for international students.

Student Life Activities:

Opportunities to enhance the international student experience.

Key Reasons to Study There:

University of Hertfordshire Affiliation:

Provides access to a reputable university with strong research capabilities.

Research Excellence:

Ranked in the top 25% of UK universities for research impact.

World-Leading Research:

78% of research considered 'world-leading'.

Enterprise Zone Status:

One of only 20 universities with this designation.

Top Rankings:

Ranked 1st in the UK for Paramedic Science.

Academic Programs:

HIC offers a wide range of academic programs across various disciplines, including:

Undergraduate:

Accounting and Finance, Animation, Film, Games and Creative Media, Architecture, Art, Design and Fashion, Biological Sciences, Psychology and Sport, Business and Economics, Computer Science, Cyber Security and Data Science, Education and Teaching, Engineering, AI and Robotics, English and Linguistics, Geography and Environment, Health, Nursing and Midwifery, Law and Criminology, Media, Journalism and Politics, Music Composition, Technology and Production, Physics, Astrophysics and Mathematics, Tourism and Event Management.

Postgraduate:

Animation, Film and Creative Media, Art and Design, Business and Management, Education and Teaching, Finance and Investment Banking, Master of Business Administration, Music Composition, Technology and Production, Tourism and Event Management.