A core and highly valuable component of the programme is the strong emphasis on supervised professional practice placement across a variety of Early Childhood settings. Students are required to complete placements that span the full early childhood age range—from birth to five years—and engage with children from diverse backgrounds, including those with Early Learning and Care (ELC) needs.
To ensure a broad and meaningful experience, placements must take place in a range of settings, including infant, toddler, and preschool environments. In the final year, students are also encouraged to consider placements in non-practice contexts such as policy development agencies, research centres, City and County Childcare Committees, and regulatory bodies.
A strong emphasis is placed on supervised placement activities. These include curriculum planning, observation, ethical practice, and the application of pedagogical strategies in real-world learning environments. Field visits are an essential component in Year 1, while supervised placements are central to Years 2 and 3. Year 4 culminates in a practice-based or practice-led capstone project, allowing students to synthesise and apply their accumulated knowledge and skills.
Evening students who are currently employed in early childhood settings must submit a placement proposal outlining how they intend to meet the programme’s placement requirements. Specifically, they must demonstrate how they will gain supervised experience across both key age groups:
- Birth to 2 years and 8 months
- 2 years and 8 months to 6 years
This can be achieved through block placements during term times or summer months in alternative settings that differ from their usual place of employment, ensuring exposure to a broader range of age groups and learning environments.
Download the Placement Booklet for further information.