Julia Johnson
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:
- developing advanced knowledge and understanding of educational issues and theories in Early Years Education (0 – 8)
- developing the capacity to analyse critically evidence and arguments to support professional judgements in complex and ambiguous situations relating to Early Years Education
- making an informed contribution to current educational debates and discussions concerning Early Years Education
- 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
- developing the capacity to shape and lead change in a variety of policy and practice settings
- 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 MonthMEd 36 months Online Learning Part Time September MoreProgramme 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. - PgDip
-
Early Years
Qualification Duration Learning Mode Study Mode Start MonthPgDip 24 months Online Learning Part Time September MoreProgramme Fees
Fee information Fee category Cost UK £790 Tuition Fees for 2023/24 Academic Year Charged on a modular basis. Fee quoted is per 30 credits. EU / International students £2,300 Tuition Fees for 2023/24 Academic Year Charged on a modular basis. Fee quoted is per 30 credits. Year 1
Compulsory Courses
Getting Started at the University of Aberdeen (PD5006)
- Enhanced Practice in Early Years Education (Own Setting) (ED50P7)
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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.
Year 2
Compulsory Courses
Research Methods (ED553R)
- Language Development from Pre - Birth to 8 (ED50P9)
-
30 Credit Points
The course provides students with the opportunity to explore contemporary theories of language development and engage with the role of the practitioner in supporting the development of language and literacy across the age ranges 0-3, 3-5 and 5-8, but with a particular focus on the age range of the setting in which they are employed. The course will further build on core aspects of early years education previously studied in units ED50P7 and ED50P8.
- Research Methods for Professional Learning (ED555S)
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30 Credit Points
This course aims to provide participants with a critical working knowledge of the key aspects of research and enquiry, in the context of professional learning and the enhancement of professional practice. Participants will source and critically engage with relevant literature and other evidence to provide a backdrop to the design of a small-scale enquiry in professional context. Decisions taken during all aspects of enquiry design will be justified using evidence. Enquiry processes implemented will be critically evaluated, and implications for future practice uncovered.
Programme Fees
Fee information Fee category Cost UK £790 Tuition Fees for 2023/24 Academic Year Charged on a modular basis. Fee quoted is per 30 credits. EU / International students £2,300 Tuition Fees for 2023/24 Academic Year Charged on a modular basis. Fee quoted is per 30 credits. - PgCert
-
Early Years
Qualification Duration Learning Mode Study Mode Start MonthPgCert 12 months Online Learning Part Time September MoreProgramme 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.
We will endeavour to make all course options available. However, these may be subject to change - see our Amendments to Programmes and Courses document.
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 Tuition Fees page.
Scholarships
All eligible self-funded international Postgraduate Masters students starting in September 2025 will receive an £8,000 scholarship. Learn more about this Aberdeen Global Scholarship here.
To see our full range of scholarships, visit our Funding Database.
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
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 or territory to view relevant 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.
- More information on employability at the University of Aberdeen
- More information on the Careers and Employability Service
Our Experts
- Programme Leader
- Mrs Amy McFarlane
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