Early Years, MEd, PgCert or PgDip

Early Years, MEd, PgCert or PgDip

Introduction

The programme aims to provide a response to the continuing professional development needs of fully qualified educationalists wishing to advance their skills and knowledge, enhance their professional practice, and extend their capacity to lead and shape change in a range of educational settings through part-time study by e-learning.

Study Information

Study Options

Learning Mode
Online Learning
Degree Qualification
MEd, PgCert or PgDip
Duration
12 months, 24 months or 36 months
Study Mode
Part Time
Start Month
September

The programme has a strong focus on Early Years Education through transformative professionalism – an enhanced and extended professionalism which has at its core the need for practitioners to take evidence-based action to generate professional knowledge and move practice forward.

This form of professionalism, in contrast with older formulations, is characterised not by self interest and external regulation, but rather by the motivation to contribute to the collaborative development of practice and make informed contributions to professional debate.

The aims of the programme are to enhance and extend the skills, knowledge and understanding of the participants in the following ways:

  1. developing advanced knowledge and understanding of educational issues and theories in Early Years Education (0 – 8)
  2. developing the capacity to analyse critically evidence and arguments to support professional judgements in complex and ambiguous situations relating to Early Years Education
  3. making an informed contribution to current educational debates and discussions concerning Early Years Education
  4. applying advanced knowledge and understanding of a range of theoretical perspectives and approaches to enhance personal professional practice in a variety of Early Years settings
  5. developing the capacity to shape and lead change in a variety of policy and practice settings
  6. exploiting opportunities to use research to generate professional knowledge and enhance policy and practice.

Available Programmes of Study

MEd

Early Years

Qualification Duration Learning Mode Study Mode Start Month  
MEd 36 months Online Learning Part Time September More
PgDip

Early Years

Qualification Duration Learning Mode Study Mode Start Month  
PgDip 24 months Online Learning Part Time September More
PgCert

Early Years

Qualification Duration Learning Mode Study Mode Start Month  
PgCert 12 months Online Learning Part Time September More

Programme Fees

Fee information
Fee category Cost
EU / International students £2,300
Tuition Fees for 2023/24 Academic Year Charged on a modular basis. Fee quoted is per 30 credits.
UK £790
Tuition Fees for 2023/24 Academic Year Charged on a modular basis. Fee quoted is per 30 credits.

Year 1

Compulsory Courses

Enhanced Practice in Early Years Education (Own Setting) (ED50P7)

30 Credit Points

This course will allow students to engage with the theory and practice of working with children in a range of settings, 0-3, 3-5 and 508, but with a particular focus on the role of the teacher in the setting in which they work. Students will explore a number of contemporary educational issues and approaches in Early Years Education. Course content will support the Early Years Framework (2008) through the development of specialist Early Years provision which will help to build the resilience of children, improve the capacity of parents and contribute towards developing supportive communities.

Wider Perspectives for Enhanced Practice in Early Years Education (ED55P8)

30 Credit Points

This course will allow students to engage with the theory and practice of the role of the teacher in the setting in which they work, but with a particular focus on the other two settings in age range (0-3, 3-5, 5-8) in which they are not normally employed. This course is designed to follow on from and compliment ED50P7. Course content will support the Early Years Framework (2008) through the development of specialist Early Years provision which will help to build the resilience of children, improve the capacity of parents and contribute towards developing supportive communities.

Fees for individual programmes can be viewed in the Programme(s) above.

We will endeavour to make all course options available; however, these may be subject to change. Further information about potential changes can be viewed here.

Fee Information

Additional Fee Information

  • Fees for individual programmes can be viewed in the Programmes section above.
  • In exceptional circumstances there may be additional fees associated with specialist courses. Any additional fees for a course can be found in our Catalogue of Courses.
  • For more information about tuition fees for this programme, including our refund policy, please visit our InfoHub Tuition Fees page.

Scholarships

Eligible self-funded international Masters students will receive the Aberdeen Global Scholarship. Visit our Funding Database to find out more and see our full range of scholarships.

How You'll Study

Learning Methods

  • Individual Projects
  • Lectures
  • Tutorials

Assessment Methods

Participants will complete summative assessments for each course, including the work-based project. Summative assessment is marked against agreed course criteria and graded according to the University of Aberdeen Common Grading Scale (CGS). In addition, each course contains elements of formative assessment which serves to support learning and provide evidence of individual achievement.

Why Study Early Years?

  • If you need continued professional development this programme is an ideal method of extending your capacity to change and lead 0-8
  • You learn by part time and e-learning
  • You are able to critically analyse evidence and arguments to support professional judgements in complex situations

What Our Students Say

Julia Johnson

Julia Johnson

Julia Johnson

I opted for online study to apply the theory taught to my professional practice in class with my students. From the start of my master's journey to the last day, all the staff at the University of Aberdeen were always kind and approachable.

Find out more

Entry Requirements

Qualifications

The information below is provided as a guide only and does not guarantee entry to the University of Aberdeen.

Applicants will be graduates who have achieved the Standard for full registration with The General Teaching Council for Scotland, or equivalent or graduate of BA Childhood Practice Degrees. They must have previous relevant experience and be able to undertake studies and related developments in their workplace setting or other appropriate agency for a minimum of 12.5 hours per week.

Please enter your country to view country-specific entry requirements.

English Language Requirements

To study for a Postgraduate Taught degree at the University of Aberdeen it is essential that you can speak, understand, read, and write English fluently. The minimum requirements for this degree are as follows:

IELTS Academic:

OVERALL - 6.5 with: Listening - 5.5; Reading - 6.0; Speaking - 5.5; Writing - 6.0

TOEFL iBT:

OVERALL - 90 with: Listening - 17; Reading - 21; Speaking - 20; Writing - 21

PTE Academic:

OVERALL - 62 with: Listening - 59; Reading - 59; Speaking - 59; Writing - 59

Cambridge English B2 First, C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency:

OVERALL - 176 with: Listening - 162; Reading - 169; Speaking - 162; Writing - 169

Read more about specific English Language requirements here.

Document Requirements

You will be required to supply the following documentation with your application as proof you meet the entry requirements of this degree programme. If you have not yet completed your current programme of study, then you can still apply and you can provide your Degree Certificate at a later date.

Degree Certificate
a degree certificate showing your qualifications
Degree Transcript
a full transcript showing all the subjects you studied and the marks you have achieved in your degree(s) (original & official English translation)
Personal Statement
a detailed personal statement explaining your motivation for this particular programme
Reference
a reference letter from your university discussing your academic ability. If you have been out of education for a long time you may wish to use your current or most recent employer, or another professional person

International Applicants

Should your programme necessitate a visit to the University you may find the following information helpful.

Careers

There are many opportunities at the University of Aberdeen to develop your knowledge, gain experience and build a competitive set of skills to enhance your employability. This is essential for your future career success. The Careers and Employability Service can help you to plan your career and support your choices throughout your time with us, from first to final year – and beyond.

Our Experts

Programme Coordinator
Catriona Isobel McDonald

Information About Staff Changes

You will be taught by a range of experts including professors, lecturers, teaching fellows and postgraduate tutors. Staff changes will occur from time to time.

Get in Touch

Contact Details

Address
School of Education
University of Aberdeen
MacRobert Building
King's College
Aberdeen
AB24 5UA