Explore the psychological meaning and consequences of the word 'normal' when applied to children and adolescents. Using the theoretical lens of labelling theory, you'll learn about the historical context of current diagnostic criteria. You'll examine key historical case studies and use knowledge of the existence of individual variation in common disorders in order to question the traditional medical model of treatment. This module will enable you to analyse the meaning of the word ‘normal’ and investigate the real-world impact of this label on the individual and their subsequent access to resources.

Further develop the knowledge and skills you gained in your first year as you increase your employability after graduation. You'll secure a three-week placement in a setting of your choosing to gain experience of working with or for the needs of children, young people, or their families. You'll draw upon learning from your other modules to critically reflect on this experience and demonstrate knowledge of the main policies and ethical principles that underpin the profession. Drawing upon research and theory, you'll reflect on your own personal and professional development, and how this relates to your graduate employability portfolio.

This module introduces a range research methodologies and explores the ethical considerations involved in conducting research. It provides a solid foundation for developing your major independent study project in your final year. You'll learn to identify key debates in social and educational research, and develop a critical awareness of the values and assumptions that underpin different methodological approaches. Throughout, academic literature will inform your understanding. Upon completion, you'll have a well-rounded understanding of common data collection methods used in education and social research.

Consider the role of the school as a setting for a child’s identity development. You'll reflect on traditional psychological models of identity formation. This module will build on your learning from the Global Education module to consider the interrelation between race, religion, gender, and sexuality on personal, social, and school-related identity dimensions. You'll use contemporary policy and research to enhance your knowledge of the power dynamic between teachers and pupils, and pupils and their peers, and how this relates to identity development. We'll use key case studies to consider models of best practice to build secure identities which empower pupils. This module will encourage you to explore the wider implications for pupils and teachers when children and adolescents experience difficulties in identity formation.

Draw on the theory of resilience within an educational context. This module will enable you to explore the psychological, behavioural and biological effects of neglect and abuse. You'll be encouraged to question how adverse childhood experiences are used as a method for predicting child developmental outcomes. You'll also discuss school-level policy and safeguarding techniques as a means of building resilience within schools. You'll look at different strategies that are used to encourage parents and educators to support children in building resilience. This module will also consider the utility of a whole systems approach, including the importance of a multidisciplinary team, for the purpose of enhancing child health and wellbeing.

Develop your knowledge and understanding of how play based pedagogical approaches support and promote learning in early childhood. You'll apply a range of perspectives on the holistic development of children in the 0-5 age range and consider the characteristics of play. This module will explore the importance of social and cultural contexts, including the home, school and wider community, for the development of playful pedagogies. You'll identify and evaluate the many ways in which children’s interests and priorities are expressed through their playful engagements, as they arise from their own life experiences. You'll learn about the multiple ways in which children make meaning of these through their play.

Gain an in-depth understanding of the concept of neurodiversity and its implications for education. Through a critical lens, this module will examine the social and cultural factors that shape our understanding of neurodiversity and the impact of traditional educational practices and policies on neurodivergent learners. You'll also explore alternative approaches to education that are more inclusive and responsive to the needs of diverse learners. You'll develop knowledge and skills for working with neurodivergent learners, including strategies for creating supportive and accessible learning environments, fostering positive relationships with learners and their families. This will include how to advocate for the rights and needs of neurodivergent individuals within educational contexts. By the end of the module, you'll have a deep understanding of the importance of embracing neurodiversity in educational settings and the role you could play in creating more inclusive learning environments.

Examine broader aspects of education, beyond statutory schooling. This module will explore the diverse forms of education available in a range of settings. For example, alternative and related off site provision, further education, higher education, libraries, museums, Youth Offending Institutions, prisons, and community provision. You'll examine both the theoretical and practical issues involved in delivering education in these settings and the value of these broader forms of education. We'll also focus on the potential of these broader education experiences in terms of your future career options.

This module is a highly interactive, current affairs programme, and you'll engage with a range of data sources such as news outlets, social media and cutting edge research. You'll discuss, debate, and critically analyse the presentation of educational and psychological research through various mediums. Your tutors will encourage you to showcase your ability to be a wise consumer of educational and psychological research by taking an evidence-based, informed perspective. The topics covered as part of this module will vary depending on what is current in the media at the time, but could include topics such as global affairs, mental health, and education.

Complete a research-based inquiry into an area of education/educational concern. This module will cover all aspects of the research process, from design through to presenting a written dissertation. You'll choose your own research focus, linked with your individual career aspirations. You'll need to put together a research proposal and a mandatory university ethics approval. Your dissertation will demonstrate engagement with the research process, analytical skills, and the ability to mobilise theory and evidence in synthesising new arguments.

You'll build your knowledge and skills to increase your employability after graduation. You'll secure a four-week placement in a setting of your choosing to gain experience of working with or for the needs of children, young people or their families. You'll draw upon learning from your other modules to critically reflect on this experience and demonstrate knowledge of the main policies and ethical principles that underpin the profession. Drawing upon research and theory, you'll reflect on your own personal and professional development, and how this relates to your graduate employability portfolio.

Develop insight into the varied nature of the transitions that young children experience; both inside and outside the early years setting. This module will locate those transitions within a wider theoretical context.

Engage with diverse approaches to working with vulnerable families in the UK to deepen your understanding. This module will use literature, research, and practice to build your knowledge in this area of work. You'll be equipped to critically analyse the factors which impact upon vulnerable families in contemporary society and the role of the state in terms of a spectrum of interventions.

This module explores childhood, youth, and the criminal justice system, drawing on theory and research from criminology and childhood studies. You’ll consider different explanations for offending; the impact of inequalities related to social class, gender, and ethnicity; and different forms of social and state intervention in the lives of children and young people.

Build upon your experiences within the arts and your knowledge of pedagogy and representation. This module will focus on how your knowledge of arts and pedagogy can support daily teaching and specific interventions through an inclusive lens. You'll explore the role of creative practitioners, cultural organisations, specialist therapy providers, and inclusive storytellers within Inclusive Education. You'll study how the creative arts can lead to innovative learning and have a positive effect on children’s development and wellbeing. You'll understand best practice in relation to promoting creativity and learning within inclusive education. This module will address creative practice within inclusion, such as through specific interventions, and will consider how the creative arts can support the learning, wellbeing, and development of different learners.

This module will develop your knowledge and understanding of the forest school pedagogy and approach. You'll focus on children learning in the outdoors, in an outdoor area defined as a forest school space, where experiences are about play and are child-led as far as possible. Teaching and learning will combine fundamental principles of forest school with both class based and practical learning experiences.

Explore the dynamics of race in education and how it affects the life chances of global majority students. You'll pay particular attention to debates around participation, attainment, and labour market characteristics. The module will also touch on issues of student decision making, engagement with curricula which includes teaching, learning and assessment. You'll develop a general understanding of race and ethnicity and how racial dynamics can be analysed within educational settings, as well as the broader outcomes of discrimination on global majority students.

Explore the influences on the health of children and families. You'll evaluate the key principles and approaches to health promotion such as community development and healthy public policy. The module will enable you to understand the key health issues when working with children and families.

Combine practical study of Makaton and Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) with theoretical understanding. You'll study the role of inclusive practice in meeting language and communication needs within wider educational settings. This module will combine a theoretical understanding of language and communication needs in UK education settings with a focus on cutting-edge research. You'll analyse contemporary issues, pedagogies, and research focused upon inclusive practice. You'll also study enabling pedagogies relating to language and communication within mainstream, SEN, and alternative education settings.