The Early Childhood block is designed for practising early years educators, teachers, early years professionals and others with a personal or professional interest in the field. The block aims to provide opportunities for engagement with the key theories, concepts and ideas related to young children, with a specific focus on children’s rights and children’s learning in socio-cultural contexts.
This block is part of the ‘Interdisciplinary Studies in Education’ suite of research-informed Masters provision. It offers each student a choice of awards that means they can tailor the available provision to their own research interests.
By studying at Liverpool Hope University, you will be joining an academic community with a strong record in educational research. You will study in a supportive learning environment and be encouraged to develop your own research profile.
Our Early Childhood blocks must be combined with one of the following blocks:
The full Masters award requires you to gain 180 credits, including a 60 credit dissertation. The following modules are studied as part of the Early Childhood curriculum. The remaining credits should be made up from your other subject specialism.
The Development of Young Children’s Thinking and Learning in Socio-Cultural Context (30 credits)
This module studies a range of theories relating to young children’s learning. It briefly visits traditional learning theories of Vygotsky, Bruner, and modern theorists. The majority of the module expands on the traditional aspects by examining attitudes and practices which provide for optimal learning. This examination includes social, cultural, historical and political influences on learning in national and international contexts. There are opportunities for students to engage with international literature and to benefit from the breadth of experiences brought to the debate by students from a variety of backgrounds.
Children’s Rights and Participation (30 credits)
This module will develop an understanding of children’s rights, starting with the UNCRC. It will examine the implications of the convention in national and international contexts, both politically and practically. This course will examine the contemporary meanings of children’s rights and participation. It will analyse the concept of participation in relation to listening and consultation. Through Shier’s (2001) model of participation, it will consider how participation is facilitated in practice. It will enable to students to examine their own ability to facilitate participation through critical reflection. It will also examine the wider implications of facilitation in the context of the children, welfare and the state.
Normally a First Class or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a relevant discipline.
Please note that a satisfactory Enhanced Disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service (formally the Criminal Records Bureau – CRB) is required for students where they are required to visit settings other than their own.
Applications from students who do not hold a 1st or 2:1 Honours Degree (or equivalent) may be asked to demonstrate potential to achieve a Masters award via a sample of academic writing and interview before an offer is made.
For students whose first language is not English there is a language requirement of IELTS 6.5 overall (reading 6, writing 6), TOEFL ibt 87, or other equivalent recognised English language qualification.
For additional information about country specific entry requirements visit the your country pages.
Research in the Faculty of Education is organised around two Research centres and forums:
Tuition fees for Home/EU students for 2018/19 are:
£5,200
We offer a number of scholarships and loans to help fund your postgraduate studies. Visit our scholarships pages for more details.
£11,400
If you are an international student, visit our international scholarships pages.
You will be able to structure your award to enhance your personal interests, career specific opportunities and potential for promotion to senior management and leadership. It will enable you to evaluate adult's and children's learning through research and postgraduate study. For teachers, this course will enhance opportunities to move beyond the threshold and become an 'excellent teacher'.
Students completing the MA will also be well placed to go on to a doctorate (EdD or PhD) at Liverpool Hope.