Program Overview

MEd Early Years Pedagogue

The Early Years Pedagogue offers teachers and high achieving BA Childhood Practice graduates the opportunity to specialise further in their field and best meet the needs of children in nursery and early primary school.

Why this course?

The course incorporates the need for teachers and practitioners to critically reflect on the adult’s role in developing and understanding young children’s learning journeys and narratives alongside recognising the vital role that the environment has to play in developing health, well-being and achievement.

Key facts

• Start date: September
• Study mode and duration: 36 months part-time distance learning

Study with us

• Recognised by the Scottish Government
• Blended approach of professional training and networking with practice-based assessments
• Informed by contemporary research and international perspectives
• Suitable for students looking to pursue part-time study in this area
• Ideal for those seeking a qualification while working that will enhance professional practice

What you’ll study

Our MEd programmes are part-time over three years. Students are expected to attain 60 credits per year resulting in 180 credits.

• You’ll attend a two-day induction course on campus, followed by an introductory week which will be online.
• The course is delivered via the University’s virtual learning environment, Myplace,

Year 1

The first year explores contemporary and historical perspectives in relation to what matters in early education and how these relate to early years practice.

• You'll undertake three compulsory classes each worth 20 credits – one class per semester.
• It will involve participating in weekly online seminars delivered via My Place.
• The seminars are scheduled in the evening to accommodate working professionals.
• In total each class should take 200 hours including self-study.

Year 2

The second year looks in depth at how children learn from pre-birth and ways that teachers can use their knowledge of children as learners, the wider life of families and communities to lead pedagogy and work alongside stakeholders to develop learning.

• You'll undertake three classes each worth 20 credits – one class per semester.
• These normally include two optional classes and the compulsory Research Methods & Reasoning class.
• The compulsory class, delivered online via Myplace in Semester 1, provides the basis for undertaking the Masters-level dissertation.

Year 3

• You’ll carry out a research dissertation in a subject area of your choice worth 60 credits.
• We'll allocate a supervisor for one-to-one support while you carry out and report your dissertation.

Learning & teaching

• You'll attend a two-day induction course on campus, followed by a trial week before the first class.
• The rest of the course is delivered through via the University’s online learning platform.
• You’ll have a weekly student-tutor chat session.
• You’ll also have the opportunity to work collaboratively on weekly tasks within a virtual learning environment.

Assessment

• The course is assessed through written coursework that draws on academic study and reflection on practical experiences in education.

Programme leader

The Early Years Pedagogue is led by a team passionate about shaping a better place for young children to live and learn.

Course content

This course offers teachers and high achieving BACP graduates the chance to specialise further in their field and best meet the needs of children in nursery and early primary school.

• The first year explores contemporary and historical perspectives in relation to what matters in early education and how these relate to early years practice.
• The second year looks in depth at how children learn from pre-birth and ways that teachers can use their knowledge of children as learners, the wider life of families and communities to lead pedagogy and work alongside stakeholders to develop learning.

Classes

• Taking Action: Child, Family & Community Efficacy
• Creating Stimulating Learning Environments: Indoors & Out
• Listening to Children & Hearing their Voices
• The Connected Child: Early Child Development
• Leading in a Time of Change
• Child-Centred & Child-Focused Approaches to Practitioner Research
• Dissertation

Entry requirements

• The Early Years Pedagogue is a specialist postgraduate route for General Teaching Council for Scotland registered teachers and SSSC registered educators with a Bachelor of Arts in Childhood Practice.
• Equivalent qualifications, professional registration and experience will be considered for applicants outside of Scotland.
• Applicants should hold a post with an appropriate age group (3-8), or have sufficient guaranteed access to such a position in order to fulfil the assessment requirements of each module.

Fees & funding

• All fees quoted are per 20 credit module unless stated otherwise.
• Fees may be subject to updates to maintain accuracy.
• Tuition fees will be notified in your offer letter.
• Annual revision of fees: Students on programmes of study of more than one year (or studying standalone modules) should be aware that the majority of fees will increase annually.

Fees for 2025/26

• Scotland: £861
• England, Wales & Northern Ireland: £861
• Republic of Ireland: If you are an Irish citizen and have been ordinary resident in the Republic of Ireland for the three years prior to the relevant date, and will be coming to Scotland for Educational purposes only, you will meet the criteria of England, Wales & Northern Ireland fee status.
• International: £2,394

Additional costs

• PVG scheme (Protection of Vulnerable Groups): £59 membership fee.
• International students: International students may have associated visa and immigration costs.