Program Overview

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Early Years, MEd, PgCert or PgDip

Introduction

The programme aims to provide a response to the continuing professional development needs of fully qualified educationalists wishing to advance their skills and knowledge, enhance their professional practice, and extend their capacity to lead and shape change in a range of educational settings through part-time study by e-learning.

Study Information

Study Options

• Learning Mode: Online Learning
• Degree Qualification: MEd, PgCert or PgDip
• Duration: 12 months, 24 months or 36 months
• Study Mode: Part Time
• Start Month: September

The programme has a strong focus on Early Years Education through transformative professionalism – an enhanced and extended professionalism which has at its core the need for practitioners to take evidence-based action to generate professional knowledge and move practice forward.

This form of professionalism, in contrast with older formulations, is characterised not by self interest and external regulation, but rather by the motivation to contribute to the collaborative development of practice and make informed contributions to professional debate.

The aims of the programme are to enhance and extend the skills, knowledge and understanding of the participants in the following ways:

1. developing advanced knowledge and understanding of educational issues and theories in Early Years Education (0 – 8)
2. developing the capacity to analyse critically evidence and arguments to support professional judgements in complex and ambiguous situations relating to Early Years Education
3. making an informed contribution to current educational debates and discussions concerning Early Years Education
4. applying advanced knowledge and understanding of a range of theoretical perspectives and approaches to enhance personal professional practice in a variety of Early Years settings
5. developing the capacity to shape and lead change in a variety of policy and practice settings
6. exploiting opportunities to use research to generate professional knowledge and enhance policy and practice.

Programme Fees

Fee Information

Fee Category	Cost
UK	£870
EU / International students	£2,535
Self-funded international students commencing eligible postgraduate programmes in 2025/26 will receive a £8,000 tuition waiver - See full terms and conditions

Year 1

Compulsory Courses

• Getting Started at the University of Aberdeen (PD5006)
• Enhanced Practice in Early Years Education (Own Setting) (ED50P7)
• Wider Perspectives for Enhanced Practice in Early Years Education (ED55P8)

Year 2

Compulsory Courses

• Research Methods (ED553R)
• Language Development from Pre - Birth to 8 (ED50P9)
• Research Methods for Professional Learning (ED555S)

Year 3

Compulsory Courses

• ED506A - Masters Dissertation / Project

Available Programmes of Study

• MEd
• PgDip
• PgCert

Entry Requirements

Qualifications

Applicants will be graduates who have achieved the Standard for full registration with The General Teaching Council for Scotland, or equivalent or graduate of BA Childhood Practice Degrees. They must have previous relevant experience and be able to undertake studies and related developments in their workplace setting or other appropriate agency for a minimum of 12.5 hours per week.

English Language Requirements

To study for a Postgraduate Taught degree at the University of Aberdeen it is essential that you can speak, understand, read, and write English fluently. The minimum requirements for this degree are as follows:

• IELTS Academic: OVERALL - 6.5 with: Listening - 5.5; Reading - 6.0; Speaking - 5.5; Writing - 6.0
• TOEFL iBT: OVERALL - 90 with: Listening - 17; Reading - 21; Speaking - 20; Writing - 21
• PTE Academic: OVERALL - 62 with: Listening - 59; Reading - 59; Speaking - 59; Writing - 59
• Cambridge English B2 First, C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency: OVERALL - 176 with: Listening - 162; Reading - 169; Speaking - 162; Writing - 169

Document Requirements

You will be required to supply the following documentation with your application as proof you meet the entry requirements of this degree programme. If you have not yet completed your current programme of study, then you can still apply and you can provide your Degree Certificate at a later date.

• Degree Certificate
• Degree Transcript
• Personal Statement
• Reference

Careers

There are many opportunities at the University of Aberdeen to develop your knowledge, gain experience and build a competitive set of skills to enhance your employability. This is essential for your future career success. The Careers and Employability Service can help you to plan your career and support your choices throughout your time with us, from first to final year – and beyond.

Our Experts

Programme Leader: Mrs Amy McFarlane

Scholarships

All eligible self-funded international Postgraduate Masters students starting in September 2025 will receive an £8,000 scholarship. Learn more about this Aberdeen Global Scholarship here.

Related Programmes

You may also be interested in the following related postgraduate degree programmes.

• Primary Education

How You'll Study

Learning Methods

• Individual Projects
• Lectures
• Tutorials

Assessment Methods

Participants will complete summative assessments for each course, including the work-based project. Summative assessment is marked against agreed course criteria and graded according to the University of Aberdeen Common Grading Scale (CGS). In addition, each course contains elements of formative assessment which serves to support learning and provide evidence of individual achievement.

Why Study Early Years?

• If you need continued professional development this programme is an ideal method of extending your capacity to change and lead 0-8
• You learn by part time and e-learning
• You are able to critically analyse evidence and arguments to support professional judgements in complex situations

What Our Students Say

"I opted for online study to apply the theory taught to my professional practice in class with my students. From the start of my master's journey to the last day, all the staff at the University of Aberdeen were always kind and approachable." - Julia Johnson