CHILDHOOD AND EDUCATION STUDIES

This module will explore the nature of creativity and critical thinking across childhood and adolescence. It will look at the role of creativity in supporting flexible thinking and imagination in early years and educational settings. Definitions of creativity and the role of critical and divergent thinking in children and young people's development will be determined. You will be able to review the differing psychological factors affecting the development of creativity, including aspects of motivation, personality and intelligence and their relationship to encouraging creative expression. It will look at freedom and control elements in creativity, the role of symbolic representation, the links between creativity and other areas of development, as well as exploring the role of the practitioner and the environment. Curriculum frameworks and documents will also be explored alongside the importance of addressing the creative needs of children with varying abilities and needs.

The term 'social brain' refers to the network of brain regions that are involved in understanding others. From birth human beings are primed to seek and respond to those around them. The learning brain is inherently social in nature and as such cognitive processes and behaviours are deeply influenced by social interactions. Navigating this human endeavour is complex and fraught with competing internal and external factors, therefore this module invites you to explore some of the current debates regarding the development of the social brain and the significant role this has in shaping an individual's learning and educational performance.

This module explores health inequalities; what they are, the various factors that lead to health inequalities and how these affect a child's development, education and outcomes. The Social Determinants of Health will be considered in the influence of the health and well-being of a child and the external influences of mass media, public policy, health rights and public health interventions will be examined to identify how they contribute to the health and well-being of children. It explores the physiological, psychological, and social health needs of various demographic groups in different settings and communities in order to understand the holistic nature of the term 'health' in relation to a child's education.

This online module focuses on a broad range of themes associated with leadership and management in a variety of contexts across the childhood and education sector. You will examine contextual challenges faced by leaders and managers, offering opportunities to link this to theoretical frameworks and practice. During this module, you will consider factors associated with leadership which will include human resource management, key themes in practice, quality, change, collaborative working, emotional intelligence and organisational culture, plus how coaching and mentoring can support your leadership potential. At the end of this module, you will have knowledge of theories associated with leadership and management, responsibilities and skills, the nature of leadership and the identification and reflection on current issues in support of career enhancement and graduate practice.

This module invites you to consider the core principles underpinning curriculum design. As part of your study, you will reflect on the purpose, content, delivery, and monitoring of an inclusive curriculum that meets the needs of all children. Furthermore, you will examine and evaluate competing curriculum development models and pedagogical and philosophical debates to justify your vision for a 21 st -century curriculum.

The module introduces the student to the management and application of research. The primary aim of the module is to develop students' skills and expertise in the evaluation and use of essential research tools. The application of these tools will be done through online activities and directed reading. The module develops inquisitiveness and challenge through developing an awareness of multiple perspectives for studying, analysing and understanding phenomena. Students will be encouraged to challenge research, both national and international and data through systematic analysis. This enquiring approach will engender in students the ability to view research as tentative, to be revised and reconsidered.

Throughout this module, you will explore and discuss contemporary issues in education from many contrasting perspectives. By engaging in debates and exploring different assumptions and arguments, you will consider social, cultural and political factors that affect the education of children, the profession of educational practitioners, as well as the influence of parents and other key stakeholders. Through varying theoretical and philosophical frameworks, you will make connections between theory and practice in your own professional context. The topics studied will be relevant to your year of study in relation to contemporary issues within childhood education at that time.

Engaging in individually selected and directed research is one of the highlights of an undergraduate degree and in this module you will be introduced to the skills and competences needed to explore your selected topic in depth to ensure you gain the most from this opportunity. Research at this level can be a daunting process but you will be appointed a dissertation tutor who will help guide you through this important and rewarding process.

An online module focussing on virtually simulated placement that allows you to experience realistic industry-inspired scenarios and experiences that develop the knowledge, skills and behaviours needed for a graduate career in childhood and education. This bespoke virtual placement module provides an experiential learning approach to developing the ability to manage industry situations involving personal reflection to support professional development. The advantage of our simulated placement is that it allows you the unique experience to be exposed to challenging situations and experiences within a safe learning environment with the support of your peers and industry expert lecturer/s. Scenarios will include a variety of challenging situations, some of which you would not be guaranteed to experience through a standard live placement such as safeguarding disclosures, accidents in the classroom, managing conflict resulting in difficult discussions. You will experience a range of scenarios that will equip you with the competencies required to work in the education sector across a variety of age ranges and settings.

This module invites you to critically reflect on issues in education that can be experienced as barriers to children's inclusion. As a key part of your study, you will acquire knowledge of different theoretical perspectives relevant to supporting the learning of children with Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) and appraise these within an educational context. Furthermore, you will develop an appreciation of your own position as educators and increased awareness of your strengths and areas for development when implementing an inclusive curriculum.

This module invites you to critically reflect on contemporary issues that have a significant impact on the development of learners' digital literacies and future employability roles. As a major part of the study, you will be developing knowledge about learner's digital cultures and the implications for pedagogical practice and the curriculum. You will understand how digital literacies can enrich learning experiences, the tools and learning techniques to empower learners to collaborate and solve problems, and the implications for policy and assessment reform. Furthermore, you will contemplate about the association between the commitment to social justice and access to digital literacy learning for learners and those who support their learning.

This module will allow you to consider yourself as an entrepreneur within the Childhood and Education sector. As part of your study, you will reflect on and develop your own entrepreneurship skills as a practitioner and consider how these could implement your career choices and impact your practice. During your study, you will be given an introduction to entrepreneurship and critically analyse theoretical perspectives on entrepreneurship skills. You will also consider entrepreneurship Education as a pedagogical approach and how this may impact teaching and learning. You will be invited to explore the foundations of business and underpinning elements such as design and marketing skills, collaborative relationships, leadership, meeting necessary requirement etc. Overall, this module will provide essential transferable skills, applicable to your course and future career within Education.

You will critically examine the historical and current roles played by professionals working with families, young people, and communities in relation to human rights, social justice and oppression. This will include the current and historical development of the legislative framework for anti- discriminatory practice. You will learn about key aspects of empowerment and development in practice. Ethical issues faced by workers in undertaking anti-oppressive/anti-discriminatory practice especially when working with marginalised individuals and groups with be reflected on. You will also explore the role of identity and culture in relation to development work and to working with diversity