With the Government determined to fulfil its ambition of having a graduate with EYP status in every full daycare setting by 2015, many practitioners will be considering a degree in Early Childhood Studies.
Where flexibility of study is an absolute priority, a distance learning course, such as that offered by the London Metropolitan University in north London, can be a good option. Its Early Childhood Studies modular degree scheme allows students to study part-time, either by attending taught courses in the evening or day release, by distance learning, or elements of both. It is designed to meet the needs of experienced practitioners, who have completed at least three years full-time (or the part-time equivalent) working with groups of children in an early years setting.
The entire scheme leading to the award of the BA (Hons) consists of 24 modules, although students can choose to complete their studies earlier and accept a Certificate or Diploma in Higher Education.
Online support
The first module students will study is Introduction to Early Childhood Education. In the first year other subjects include child development and observation, play and learning, a broad and balanced curriculum and health promotion.
In the second year there are choices of modules, including Child Protection and Learning in Multicultural Contexts. In the third year students have even more choice in following their own interests, as they will complete a project around a relevant topic.
Each module is structured around a module handbook, designed to deliver learning in small manageable units based on students' practice and experience. Because all assignments are practice-based, students not currently employed in the sector are required to attend an early childhood setting as an observer for one and a half hours a week, for each module.
Each week students are asked to complete a task in their workplace to help them reflect on practice. Suggested reading is given, some of it available in the form of on-line resources such as E-books and electronic journals. All distance learners are expected to have access to a computer with a broadband connection. At the end of each module there is a work-based assignment.
Once enrolled, distance learners are allocated an academic tutor who is at the end of a telephone or e-mail to give support and guidance. Students who live near to the university are offered Saturday study days and face-to-face tutorial sessions. They are encouraged to support each other and tutors can help them find a 'study buddy' who lives near them and is studying similar modules.
At the end of their degree, successful students can progress on to the Early Years Professional status, the Graduate Teaching Scheme and the Post-Graduate Certificate in Education.
Each module costs £195 for UK students and they can choose to study up to six modules a year. Most students who work in early years settings are eligible for some sort of financial support. For those in the voluntary or private sector this may either be through the Transformation Fund or student loans. Some local authorities have funds to help students working in the maintained sector.
Further information
A prospectus can be downloaded from www.londonmet.ac.uk. Candidates will need two references and copies of academic qualifications to support an application. All candidates are interviewed.
Penny Mukherji is course leader and Jane Mardin is a tutor on the distance learning Early Childhood Studies modular degree.
WHAT STUDENTS SAY
Tammy Leka is a first year student and already feels she has learned a lot from the course. 'Just writing an essay was hard for me and now it is easy - I've got a lot more confidence. I have been very careful to follow the module handbooks and have found having a "study buddy" really helpful. I enjoy working with friends and this has boosted my confidence.'
Tammy believes that students should try to use the tutorials provided. 'These can either be online, on the telephone or, where possible, at the university. For me it works, because I have the flexibility to choose when I want to study.'
Lynette Marshall, who achieved her BA Hons last year, would advise others to use all the help that is available. She says, 'The tutors are there to support you. Students should not feel cut off from the university or be scared of asking for help. They are as much part of the university as anyone else and there will be students in the same position to talk to.'
She adds, 'Distance learning is great for gaining a degree while working and keeping up with life's other commitments, but you have to keep pushing yourself along the way, remind yourself why you are doing it and plan your free time so that you have enough time to study and go out and have fun.'
