Childhood Practice

Overview

The BA Childhood Practice from University of Dundee part-time online course will meet your continuing professional development needs if you are currently working in a nursery, out-of-school club, creche, or playgroup.

When you successfully complete the course you are eligible to register for Manager/Lead Practitioner status with the Scottish Social Services Council.

You will work with other professionals throughout the course to improve your leadership skills and ensure better outcomes for children. You will also gain an understanding of pedagogy (the theory and practice of education) and leading learning.

As the focus is on applying theory to practice, you will need to be in relevant employment throughout the course. You will use workplace-based activities, reflecting on your professional practice experience, as the foundation for your academic study.

Throughout the course you will develop, challenge, and reflect upon your own values, beliefs, attitudes, knowledge, and skills. Our students tell us that they welcome the focus on child development and children within today's society, as it increases their confidence as a professional.

Learning online allows you to fit your studies around your other commitments. You will be part of a supportive community where practice, resources, and learning are shared.

Teaching

We use a range of teaching approaches such as:

• interactive online learning
• telephone and face-to-face tutorials
• webinars and blogs
• lectures

For every module there is a face-to-face workshop on campus for those of you who are able to attend. However, we also follow this up with an identical webinar for those who are unable to attend, so that no-one misses out.

There is a large range of online reading materials and targeted reading passages, reducing the need for you to buy or borrow a large number of books.

You will have a personal Adviser of Studies to help you throughout the course.

Careers

When you graduate you will be eligible to register for Manager/Lead Practitioner status with the Scottish Social Services Council.

You will have gained the confidence and understanding to put your professional expertise into practice and gain promotion or a challenging new career.

Examples of recent graduate job titles are:

• Child Development Officer
• Nursery Manager
• Manager of Out-of-School Care
• College Lecturer in Early Years
• Team Leader in Early Years
• Nursery Officer
• Senior Early Years Worker
• Early Years Education Officer

The majority of our graduates become leaders and managers in their own childcare setting. Some people use this course as a way forward into teaching, going on to study for a postgraduate qualification in teaching, or completing a Masters in Education.