MEd Early Years Pedagogue
ApplyKey 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
Why this course?
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.
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.
Its blended approach to learning helps to support professional training and networking across local authorities, alongside practice-based assessments.
The Early Years Pedagogue (replacing the Early Years Teacher Specialism) is recognised by the Scottish Government, and many local authorities, as a qualification that provides the opportunity for the early years workforce to develop/strengthen their specialist knowledge of the early years.
The course develops opportunities for you to view your work in nursery and early primary settings in Scotland, in line with contemporary research and international perspectives of what makes effective early years pedagogy.
Interested in postgraduate study?
At the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, our friendly and knowledgeable team will be available to provide you with all the information you need to kick-start your postgraduate journey at the University of Strathclyde. Register for upcoming events below:
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.
Students who decide to complete their studies after one year will graduate with a Postgraduate Certificate.
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.
Students who decide to complete their studies at the end of year two will graduate with a Postgraduate Diploma.
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. We endeavour to match you with the best fit for your specialist area.
You can complete your final dissertation by distance learning. This provides the flexibility to complete your studies around work commitments.
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. The course will have a password-protected site accessible to tutors and students and our web developer only.
For our distance learning delivery the student group will participate in online seminars.
You’ll require:
- access to a reliable computer with sufficient processing capability
- an excellent broadband connection
- the ability to run applications such as Adobe Connect, Adobe Reader, Flash Player, Java and Windows Media Player
Assessment
The course is assessed through written coursework that draws on academic study and reflection on practical experiences in education.
Programme leader
"Early years is full of awe and wonder, no matter what contribution you make to the field. The passion for shaping a better place for young children to live and learn comes through in the daily interactions and conversations I have with students, colleagues and early years educators. I love the fact that the children are truly at the centre of what we do and how think about changes."
Find out more about Jenny Carey
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.
Please note that the below is an indicative list of classes. These are subject to change.
Taking Action: Child, Family & Community Efficacy
Level 5, 20 credits
Currently, the shaping of childhood is strongly influenced by the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. It has potential tensions between child protection and empowerment or efficacy as exemplified in ‘a risk-averse society’. This class asks you to critically analyse the perceptions around childhood including the changing historical perceptions.
Creating Stimulating Learning Environments: Indoors & Out
Level 5, 20 credits
Children's learning environments need to stimulate and engage them and provide the challenges and opportunities to explore their own learning possibilities. You'll be asked to analyse and reflect on your current practice, the importance of play and the role of adults in supporting a child’s use of play.
Listening to Children & Hearing their Voices
Level 5, 20 credits
This class will provide opportunities for you to explore and discuss current international examples of practice. This includes Reggio Emilia and Te Whariki and will consider the ways in which children communicate their interests and thinking through gestures, expressions, actions, interactions and play activities.
It will promote your understanding of the importance of listening to children and the concept of children as active agents in their own learning and development.
The Connected Child: Early Child Development
You'll consider ways to promote children's social and emotional well-being and the strategies they must develop to implement evidence based interventions which provide universal and targeted support.
In addition, you'll be required to relate theory to practice and critically evaluate and assess current approaches which address the social context of children’s development.
Leading in a Time of Change
Child-Centred & Child-Focused Approaches to Practitioner Research
This class offers you the opportunity to pursue relevant and specific interests through a detailed proposal for a small-scale independent research project, and to work with child-centred and child focused methodologies.
The Early Years practitioner must be able to apply these skills and consider, evaluate and weigh various pieces of data and information to make informed judgement about changes in their practice. It aims to develop your inquiring mind in order to support effective child-centred and child-focused practitioner research.
Dissertation
This class represents the application of the skills and knowledge you've gained throughout your study. You'll carry out and report on a research project in an area relevant to your MEd study up to this point. This class will provide support for the planning, implementation and writing up of a research project in a professionally and academically relevant area.
Entry requirements
| Academic 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. |
|---|
Chat to a student ambassador
If you want to know more about what it’s like to be a Humanities & Social Sciences student at the University of Strathclyde, a selection of our current students are here to help!
Our Unibuddy ambassadors can answer all the questions you might have about courses and studying at Strathclyde, along with offering insight into their experiences of life in Glasgow and Scotland.
Chat to a student ambassadorFees & 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.
All fees are in £ sterling, unless otherwise stated, and may be subject to revision.
Annual revision of fees
Students on programmes of study of more than one year (or studying standalone modules) should be aware that tuition fees are revised annually and may increase in subsequent years of study. Annual increases will generally reflect UK inflation rates and increases to programme delivery costs.
| Scotland | £861 |
|---|---|
| England, Wales & Northern Ireland | £861 |
| International | £1,861 |
| Additional costs | PVG scheme (Protection of Vulnerable Groups)£59 membership fee. International studentsInternational students may have associated visa and immigration costs. Please see student visa guidance for more information. |
| Available scholarships | Take a look at our scholarships search for funding opportunities. |
Please note: the fees shown are annual and may be subject to an increase each year. Find out more about fees.
How can I fund my course?
Scottish postgraduate students
Scottish postgraduate students may be able to apply for support from the Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS). The support is in the form of a tuition fee loan and for eligible students, a living cost loan. Find out more about the support and how to apply.
Don’t forget to check our scholarship search for more help with fees and funding.
Students coming from England
Students ordinarily resident in England may be to apply for postgraduate support from Student Finance England. The support is a loan of up to £10,280 which can be used for both tuition fees and living costs. Find out more about the support and how to apply.
Don’t forget to check our scholarship search for more help with fees and funding.
Students coming from Wales
Students ordinarily resident in Wales may be to apply for postgraduate support from Student Finance Wales. The support is a loan of up to £10,280 which can be used for both tuition fees and living costs. Find out more about the support and how to apply.
Don’t forget to check our scholarship search for more help with fees and funding.
Students coming from Northern Ireland
Postgraduate students who are ordinarily resident in Northern Ireland may be able to apply for support from Student Finance Northern Ireland. The support is a tuition fee loan of up to £5,500. Find out more about the support and how to apply.
Don’t forget to check our scholarship search for more help with fees and funding.
Glasgow is Scotland's biggest & most cosmopolitan city
Our campus is based right in the very heart of Glasgow. We're in the city centre, next to the Merchant City, both of which are great locations for sightseeing, shopping and socialising alongside your studies.
Life in Glasgow
Apply
Start date: Sep 2024
Early Years Pedagogue
Contact us
Prospective student enquiries
Contact a member of our team on LiveChat between 10am and 4pm (GMT)
Telephone: +44 (0) 141 444 8600
Have you considered?
We've a range of postgraduate taught and Masters courses similar to this one which may also be of interest.