In the last ten years, Kingston University has won plaudits for its range of flexible degree programmes designed to provide routes into early years leadership and management, as well as specialisms such as special educational needs. Its courses aim to keep one step ahead of developments in the sector, and students benefit from the university's strong links with local authorities, schools and employers.
Take-up for its PgCert/PgDip/MA Early Years Education pathway is growing, particularly from those who have already studied to achieve Kingston's early years foundation degree and BA.
This higher level study equips individuals for leadership roles in both the private and maintained sectors. It covers a broad spectrum of early years-related topics such as EYFS and KS1 tensions, inclusion, equality and diversity, supporting children's personal, social and emotional development, English as an additional language, and child-chosen, child-initiated and child-negotiated learning.
Study usually takes place over two years, but can be extended for those who wish to take a short break between phases. Students who are unable to commit to the full MA programme of 180 masters credits can study for a shorter period of time to take interim awards of Postgraduate Certificate (six months' study) and Postgraduate Diploma (12 months' study). Most students sign up in September, but there are also opportunities to join the course in February.
Kingston's Child Centred Interprofessional Practice BA top-up is work-based and delivered in ten long weekend sessions. The course gives students insights into the roles and responsibilities of their own and associated professions. It strikes a balance between the theoretical and practical elements that are shaping the emerging inter-professional children and young people's workforce.
For those who wish to develop their expertise in working with children with additional needs in the EYFS, KS1 or KS2, the Children's Special Educational Needs Foundation Degree comprises two years of full-time, work-based study. The programme includes theories of child development, current legislative frameworks, governing practice, multi-professional perspectives and working with families and carers.
Kingston University is hoping to win its bid to enable it to offer Early Years Professional Status from 2012 to 2014. It also works with local networks to open doors to continuing professional development after graduation.
