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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.
  • Entry requirements and key information
    • an honours degree (2:2 or higher) in a relevant subject such as Education, SEND, Childhood Studies, Social Sciences, Coaching, Mentoring or Counselling or other related fields. Other degree qualifications will be considered depending upon relevant professional experience in an educational context such as schools and colleges.Overseas awards need to be recognised as equivalent by NARIC
    • English language GCSE Grade 4 (iGCSE Grade C) or above or equivalent
    • a short personal statement (no more than 500 words) explaining why you are interested in education and any relevant experience (professional or voluntary) that might support your application
    • a work or academic reference. 

    Applicants from non-majority English speaking countries must provide evidence of English language proficiency, equivalent to overall IELTS score 6.5 with a minimum of 6.5 minimum in Writing and 5.5 in all other bands.  

    For country specific qualifications, please visit our Your Country page. 

    If you do not have the required IELTS or equivalent for direct entry on to your degree programme, our Pre-Sessional English 
    may help you to achieve this level. 

    More information about English Language qualifications is available on our International pages. 

    Many of our students join our Programme having already gained 'M-Level' or 'Level 7' credit from previous master’s level study – for example from a PGCE or accredited short course. Such credit in relevant subjects may be considered for accreditation through the APCL process and thereby exempt students from specific modules on our MA Programme.

    Non-accredited masters level study in relevant subjects may be accredited through the APEL process. This must be completed prior to beginning study on the programme. 

    Institution code

    		 H36

    School of study

    		 School of Education

    Course length
  • Full Time, 1 Years
  • Part Time, 3 Years

    • Location
  • University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield
  • Employability

    What job can I get?

    Through the choice of modules and their dissertation topic students can focus on specific aspects of their own professional development or prepare for a future role in research or for doctoral studies.

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, Advance HE, 2023). 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
  • Level 7
    Module Credits Compulsory/optional
    Early Childhood Education Dissertation 60 Credits Compulsory
    Early Childhood Pedagogy and Practice 30 Credits Compulsory
    Preparing for Success in your Studies 30 Credits Compulsory
    Leadership in Early Childhood Education 30 Credits Compulsory
    Introduction to Educational Research 30 Credits Compulsory

    • Further course information

    Course fact sheets
    MA Early Childhood Education Download
    Programme specifications
    MA Early Childhood Education Download
    Additional information

    Sandwich placement or study abroad year

    n/a

    Applications open to international and EU students

    		 Yes

    Student experience

    At the University of Hertfordshire, we want to make sure your time studying with us is as stress-free and rewarding as possible. We offer a range of support services including; student wellbeing, academic support, accommodation and childcare to ensure that you make the most of your time at Herts and can focus on studying and having fun.

    Find out about how we support our students

    You can also read our student blogs to find out about life at Herts.