Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Early Childhood Education

1. Address issues related to the preschool curriculum - subject knowledge and understanding; planning, teaching, and class management; monitoring, assessment, recording, reporting, and accountability;
2. Develop awareness of the needs of children in a multicultural environment;
3. Become reflective practitioners who are able to analyse, synthesis, apply and manage and evaluate; and
4. Develop the standards required of principals of preschool centres in the areas of curriculum development; centre management, leadership and administration, and current curriculum issues and research.

The degree programme is open to Teachers, Principals and Administrators who have a strong commitment towards their professional development and possess the relevant entry qualifications.

It is a 20-month programme on a part-time basis for graduates of Diploma in Preschool - Teaching. Graduates with Diploma in Preschool Education - Leadership will obtain credit exemptions and complete six core modules of the programme within 12 months. All applicants will require a minimum C5 grade in EL1 or obtain a minimum band of 6.0 in IELTS.

The course comprises six core modules and two specialisations of five modules each. It is delivered through a variety of engaging, interactive and hands-on modes, which include face-to-face sessions, small group discussions, projects and role-play.

Students will have the strong support of a well-qualified and experienced full time and adjunct faculty. There will also be opportunities to benefit from interactions with early childhood industry experts who will contribute to the degree programme as guest speakers.

To qualify for certification of the programme and/or progression to the next level of the programme, students must pass all prescribed modules and practicum (where applicable).

o   Students will be notified on the collection of transcripts within 3 months from the last assessment.
o   The certificates will be presented to the student upon graduation annually.

Students who successfully complete all modules will be awarded the prestigious Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Early Childhood Education by the University of Wales, United Kingdom. The degree is fully accredited by the British Government by means of a Royal Charter and carries the same status and recognition as other Bachelor degrees granted by the University to its on-campus students. Graduates will be entitled to use the title BA (Hons) ECE after their names.

Students will gain an in-depth comprehension of the integrated nature of child development in its theoretical and methodical context. The degree seeks to combine the breadth of coverage required by preschool educators and Principals, and develop their critical acumen and soundness of judgment characteristic of studies at Honours level. 

On completion of the Core Modules, students will be able to address issues related to preschool curriculum with focus on the requirements of relevant preschool agencies and accreditation committees. They will develop the standards required of educators in the areas such as planning, teaching, monitoring and assessment as well as extend and deepen their own subject specialisation knowledge. In addition, students will develop the standards required of Principals of preschool centres in areas such as curriculum development and leadership, current curriculum issues and research.

Students will be able to critically analyse the different perspectives on globalisation, global industry trends and changes, and their implications for education. They will learn to critique the impact globalisation has on the early childhood education industry. Students will acquire knowledge of the functions, characteristics, strengths and limitations of various advocacy bodies and critically analyse them. 

A study of some national legislation governing the well-being of children and families will be critically discussed. Students will learn to describe and discuss the importance of public policy-making process and its frameworks specifically on the impact of how public policies affect the lives of people, in particular, the public policy-making in Singapore. Discussion of public policy, its development and implementation process will be included as well. 

Students will also learn what advocacy means and how advocates can become participants in the policy process that promote the well-being of children. Components of the national policy and the national instruments used for assessing quality early childhood care and education will be examined.

Students will be able to think critically and compare the global and local special education legislations, systems and practices concerning children with special needs. They will examine and evaluate the provisions of special education and the legislations in other countries and discuss critically the impact of educational reforms and the challenges on the education of children with special needs in Singapore. 

Students will explore issues, understandings and knowledge to include children with special needs in mainstream classrooms. They will partake in critical discourse with regard to pertinent issues of the educational inclusive practice agenda. Students will learn about individual differences on various exceptionalities or special needs within the context of the normal development. The definitions, trends, issues and current research related to individuals with intellectual disabilities, learning disabilities, physical disabilities, giftedness etc. would be included in this module. Students will also engage in critical discussion on the importance of identification of special needs and the implications for early childhood professionals. They will discuss the theories related to family involvement and their importance. They will also acquire key ideas of the major theories of behaviour management, ranging from teacher-dominated methods to approaches that are more democratic. The roles of early childhood education professionals and families in managing challenging behaviours will be examined. 

We offer interest-free instalment plans for programme fees to all students requiring assistance in managing their educational expenses.  Recognising that higher education is a long-term investment, our interest-free instalment plans will allow you to pay for the course fees over a period of time, rather than as one lump sum payment.  The quantum of payment scheme differs for each programme.

Alternatively, we will also assist students in applying for study loan with financial institutions.