MA Early Childhood Education
Why choose Herts?
- Excellent reputation: Ranked 1st as best university provider for Teacher Training in the UK (NSS, 2020-21).
- Local industry connections: Benefit from our strong partnerships with over 300 schools and training providers across Hertfordshire, London, Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, and Cambridgeshire.
- Employment prospects: Graduates have become successful practitioners within early years settings, as well as progressing onto further study and research.
About the course
The programme supports you in developing your knowledge and understanding of issues and practice through enquiry and research. The programme provides a range of module choices, but you are encouraged to bring your own ideas and focus on your own particular professional interests. This award is gained through taking an early childhood education focus for 50% of the study, including the Dissertation.
Applicants must have substantial experience of practice in early childhood educational settings, or must have a bachelor degree in early childhood education.
The MA Early Childhood Education is offered as part of a suite of awards available through the MA Education Framework.
Why choose this course?
This MA Early Childhood Education award aims to equip students to enhance service provision at nursery, local and national level becoming or preparing to become a change agent in their own practice and in early childhood practice in general. Students will build on and deepen their knowledge and understanding of practice and theory in relation to child development, curriculum design and pedagogical leadership
Through this programme you will:
- develop and deepen your knowledge and understanding of issues relating to education practice through critical reflection, analysis and enquiry
- develop your ability to critically analyse educational theory and how it links to practice
- become a member of a supportive learning community and learn from professionals from a range of educational settings
- become a successful practitioner researcher.
We are proud to have ranked 10th for education in the Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey (PTES, 2024). You can be confident in knowing you're receiving an exceptional learning experience when you study this course.
What will I study?
Taught sessions are built around discussion, discovery, shared learning and peer review with tutor support and expertise immediately at hand. All modules are constructed so that the focus of the work should be upon your individual interests and professional requirements.
- For each 30 credit module, attendance at up to 10 twilight sessions per module (or equivalent)
- A significant amount of private study and reading
- Independent research
- An assignment of 4,500 words or equivalent for 30 credit modules
- A final 60 credit module over a year with a 12,000 word assignment
- Full access to the University’s Learning Resource Centre (LRC) and virtual learning environment
Key staff
Lewis Stockwell
Admissions Tutor
Michael Young
Early Childhood Specialist
Richard Davies
Programme Leader
Susan Nimmo
Early Childhood Specialist
Further course information
| Course fact sheets | |
|---|---|
| MA Education | Download |
| Programme specifications | |
|---|---|
| MA Education | Download |
| Additional information | |
|---|---|
Sandwich placement or study abroad year |
n/a |
Applications open to international and EU students |
Yes |