Postgraduate Certificate in Early Years

Students who undertake this Postgraduate Certificate in Early Years course will need to read widely to inform class and group discussions, prepare presentations and demonstrate their growing ability to reflect critically on their practice with children.

Postgraduate Certificate in Early Years at University of Winchester

Early Years Professional Status (EYPS) is part of a government initiative to have trained Early Years Professionals at graduate level in every children’s centre and in every daycare setting by 2015. Those who successfully complete the programme will take responsibility for leading the new Early Years Foundation Stage Statutory Framework for children.

Fact File

Entry requirements: A full degree and GCSEs in Maths and English Language at Grade C or above (or equivalent qualification) are also required. All applicants need to complete a Criminal ecords Bureau (CRB) check and Health Declaration and undergo an interview

Full-time: 1 year

Programme Leader: Jane Joyce
Telephone +44 (0) 1962 827471
Email Jane.Joyce@winchester.ac.uk

If English is not your first language: IELTS 6.5 (including 6.5 in academic writing) or a TOEFL score of 575 (paper-based) or 232 (computer-based) or equivalent

Start dates: September

Application process: Direct Entry Application Form

Programme Content

The Full Pathway is delivered full-time for Bachelor graduate students who are new to working with children, and it is a one year course. Students study for EYPS and either the Professional Graduate Certificate in Early Years Practice (Level 6) or the Postgraduate Certificate in Early Years Practice (Level 7-60 credits). The pathway is supported by government funding for fees. Students on the Full Pathway receive a £5,000 bursary (2009, see website for further details).

Modules

Modules and activities include:
• Play, Learning and Development
• Professional Practice
• Educare
• Leadership and Management
• Placement experience required with babies, toddlers and pre-school children

Learning and Teaching

Full-time students have 18 weeks in placements gaining experience with babies, toddlers and children and a further 18 weeks studying at the University.

Students attend lectures, but they are also expected to read widely to inform class and group discussions, prepare presentations and demonstrate their growing ability to reflect critically on their practice with children. Tasks relating to their practical work with children, other staff and parents/carers also need to be completed.

Assessment

This is by a variety of methods including presentations, observations, activity plans and evaluations, assignments and projects. Ultimately all students progress to the Validation Pathway. This includes a national assessment process where students must be able to demonstrate that they can meet all 39 EYP Standards.

Careers

It is envisaged that EYPS will gain graduate employment opportunities to lead practice in a range of settings for children aged 0-5 within the private, voluntary and independent sectors or within children’s centres.