Why study this course
The programme provides dedicated focus on the unique needs of Early Years education.
Study your way with our three flexible study modes that fit your lifestyle.
Develop confidence to advocate for positive change for young children.
Course summary
Our MA Early Years Education is designed for practitioners who wish to build expertise in early childhood education and support the development of research informed and evidence-based practice. Available in three study modes—full-time (1 year), part-time blended (2 years), and part-time online (2 years)—this programme allows you to examine current practice and policy while developing your knowledge of early years settings. You'll gain a systematic understanding of key national and global issues relating to Early Years Education, build critical awareness of theory and practice, and strengthen your research skills. The course suits professionals across various contexts including education, social care, and health, helping you enhance both your professional practice and career prospects in this important field.
Whether you are currently in a professional setting or preparing for future roles across various contexts including education, social care, and health, the programme supports both practical application and the development of insights that can inform and shape your future practice
Key facts
Award |
MA |
---|---|
Duration |
1 or 2 years |
Mode of study |
Full time, Part time |
Start date |
September 2025 |
Award |
Bishop Grosseteste University |
Institution code |
B38 |
Apply for this course
When you're ready to apply, the route you take will depend on your personal circumstances and preferred method of study. Click the relevant button below to start your application journey.
About this course
This master's programme develops your in-depth knowledge and skills related to current and evolving Early Years practice. You'll investigate different social and educational contexts while building advanced understanding of key issues in the sector.
Full-time students will complete five modules over one year: two modules in your first trimester focusing on vision, practice, policy, and global childhood perspectives; two modules in your second trimester covering leadership in Early Years practice and research skills; and a final research project in your third trimester.
Part-time blended students study over two years, combining online learning with three on-campus MA Weekends each year (held in October, February, and June, typically on a Friday evening and Saturday).
In your first year you will take one module per trimester starting with a core module on vision, practice and policy, followed by two optional modules tailored to your interests. In Year 2, you will begin with a core module on research skills, then carry out your own research project across Trimesters 2 and 3.
Part-time online students study over two years, with 100% online delivery designed to offer maximum flexibility. The learning is largely asynchronous, allowing you to study at times that suit your schedule. This study mode is ideal for practitioners in full-time employment, including those who are working outside of the UK.
In your first year you will take one module per trimester starting with a core module on vision, practice and policy, followed by two optional modules tailored to your interests. In Year 2, you will begin with a core module on research skills, then carry out your own research project across Trimesters 2 and 3.
What you will study
Students on this course currently study some or all of the following modules:
This module explores key elements of effective practice, guiding learners to engage with contemporary and potential future challenges related to professional contexts.
You will reflect upon competing ideologies which shape and influence policy visions. By linking theory and practice, learners will develop strategies to address real-world challenges within a range of settings. The reflective nature of the module makes it highly relevant for professionals across various disciplines.
In the last 40 years, Early Childhood Education and Care has become a priority for governments and international organisations around the world, as research has demonstrated the importance of the years from 0–8 for later life. Yet your conceptions of what childhood is and the lived experiences of young children may vary depending on cultural, social, and historical influences. This module invites you to explore the connections between global and local perceptions and expectations of childhood, and to consider the impact of international influences on the lives and outcomes of young children around the globe.
You will evaluate measures to improve wellbeing and reduce inequalities in the lives of children, such as the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. You will also investigate key themes relating to the current provision of Early Childhood Education and Care, including globalisation, schoolification, advocacy, and children’s rights. The module will draw upon recent research and case studies to enable you to consider and critically evaluate the implications of these themes for young children, early years professionals, and policy makers around the world.
This module will focus on the study of leadership and management in early years across a range of local, national, and international contexts. You will develop the knowledge and skills required to become an agent of change within your own setting and beyond. You will enhance your personal and professional career development as an early years leader, with a focus on leading and managing provision in contexts such as PVIs, Baby Rooms, and School-Based Nurseries.
You will be introduced to some of the key theories of leadership and management as they apply to early years settings and will develop a conceptual understanding of different leadership styles. You will examine various functional approaches to leadership analysis and critically apply different leadership styles in the context of working with a range of professionals within a teamworking environment.
The application of leadership styles will be explored in contemporary contexts such as leadership for learning, multi-professional leadership through working with families and communities, and self-evaluation leading to improvement in provision and practice when working with children in the 0–8-years age range. These themes will be explored through a critical examination of the skills and attributes you need as a leader or manager in early years contexts. You will also consider a range of development and improvement mechanisms, including staff development, practical problem-solving, and quality assurance tools and processes.
This module explores a range of methodologies and methods frequently used in social science research, examining their potential strengths, limitations and the associated ethical considerations.
During the module, you will develop your understanding of research concepts such as reliability, validity, trustworthiness, credibility and generalisability You will also consider how to plan research using a suitable methodological approach, whilst taking into account the ethical issues you may encounter.
The module will facilitate learning and teaching in research skills. The module will lead to competence and confidence in what determines personal and professional standards for postgraduate research requirements.
The module develops you as an ethical researcher who will be able to undertake a suitable research project, develop realistic plans for disseminating your research findings to the wider academic and/or professional community. In addition, you will be supported to extend and deepen their understanding of the chosen area of investigation and will be able to design and carry out projects that are useful to your professional development and/or interests, and employability.
Entry requirements
Entry to the MA Early Years Education programmes typically requires a second-class degree (2:2 or above) in a relevant subject.
We assess each application individually, recognising that academic potential can be demonstrated through various professional and educational backgrounds. We value diverse professional backgrounds and recognise that valuable skills can be developed through various pathways.
For international applicants, English language requirements are IELTS 6.5 with a minimum of 6 in each component.
Full-time students are not required to undertake work-related learning.
Part-time blended and part-time online students are expected to hold a professional role (paid or voluntary) within an educational setting for the duration of the course, typically 5 hours a week.
If you have any questions about the entry requirements for this course, please contact our Enquiries team for advice on +44 (0) 1522 583658 or email courseenquiries@bishopg.ac.uk.
Further information
Click here for important information about this course including additional costs, resources and key policies.
In accordance with University conditions, students are entitled to apply for Recognition of Prior Learning, RP(C)L, based on relevant credit at another HE institution or credit Awarded for Experiential Learning, (RP(E)L).
How you will be taught
Teaching methods vary across the three study modes and are designed to accommodate different learning needs. To support this, teaching methods vary across the three study modes, designed to accommodate different learning needs:
Full-time students will be fully engaged in a dynamic learning environment with our campus-based sessions. You will be encouraged to connect theory to real-world situations by reflecting on your own experiences, perspectives, and learning context. This reflective approach will deepen your understanding and ensure your learning remains meaningful and relevant to your professional development.
Learning takes place through a variety of activities, including lectures, seminars, workshops and tutorials. You will take part in discussions with peers and tutors, complete independent tasks relevant to a range of topics, and receive individual supervision for your research project. Each module includes assignment workshops and tutorials where you can ask questions and receive guidance on your work.
Part-time blended students
During MA Weekends, you will take part in taught sessions, peer networking, and academic support activities. Between weekends, you will engage with online learning through the virtual learning environment, accessing pre-recorded materials, visual presentations, recommended readings, and interactive tasks. You will also have online or in-person tutorials to discuss assignments and receive feedback.
Throughout the programme, you will be encouraged to apply theory to practice by reflecting on your own professional experience and context. This reflective approach helps deepen your understanding and ensures your learning remains relevant and impactful.
Part-time online students
Throughout the programme, you will be encouraged to apply theory to practice by reflecting on your own professional experience and context. This reflective approach helps deepen your understanding and ensures your learning remains relevant and impactful.
The interactive design of the course supports meaningful engagement with learning materials and encourages collaboration with peers from a wide range of educational settings and contexts. Learning materials include pre-recorded materials, visual presentations, recommended readings, and interactive tasks. You will also benefit from regular opportunities for personalised support, through Q&A opportunities, assignment webinars, and online tutorials. While most activities are asynchronous, occasional synchronous sessions help build connections and maintain a positive learning community.
Assessment
All delivery modes use similar assessment approaches, offering varied ways to demonstrate your skills, knowledge and understanding. Each assignment typically contains at least two related tasks, allowing you to meet learning outcomes while developing various academic skills. The different types of assessment include:
- Portfolios
- Presentations with Q&A sessions
- Research method evaluations
- Dissertations based on independent research projects
You will receive formative feedback during each module via tutorials, which will guide your development and allow you to refine your work before final submission.
Assessment deadlines are timed to coincide with academic holiday periods (January/May/August), making the workload more manageable for those with personal and professional commitments.
Careers & Further study
The MA is suitable for those working in or interested in starting a career within a wide variety of contexts: education, health and social care across different age ranges within the Early Years Education. Designed for early years practitioners wishing to develop an in-depth and advanced knowledge informed by current practice, scholarship, and research to enhance their career prospects.
Throughout the course, you'll develop transferable skills including critical analysis, research competence, and advanced communication - all valuable across various professional settings. The programme's emphasis on applying research to practice ensures that your learning directly benefits your workplace.
What Our Students Say
Discover what life is like at Bishop Grosseteste University from our students.
Support
Studying at BGU is a student-centred experience. Whether you are on campus or studying online, you will be part of a friendly and supportive community where meaningful connections matter. You will get to know staff personally and feel confident reaching out for help and advice. No matter how you study, you will benefit from regular interaction with staff who recognise and value you as an individual with unique talents and interests.

We will be there to support you, personally and academically, from induction to graduation.
At BGU we have so much support available for our students, the type of support that has won us awards recently in the What Uni Student Choice Awards 2023, such as the Chaplaincy team, the Student Advice team, CELT, BGFutures and representatives at the Students’ Union.
Fees & Funding
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International information - how to apply & entry requirements
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