Early childhood has become a massive, rapidly changing field over the past 20 years, with many new avenues opening up for those with enhanced qualifications in the subject. At UEL, we recognise that the study of early childhood needs a holistic perspective. All sorts of influences impact on children’s lives: education, health, sociology, psychology, politics and policy. They are rarely distinct from each other, which is why the modules on this course are a fusion of contemporary issues. We have an academic team with experience of everything from teaching in east London to working with non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in South America, while Professor Eva Lloyd has co-constructed UK government policy in early childhood. Whichever direction you choose we can guide you, drawing on our direct national and international experience and expertise. Like you, we are passionate about early childhood. Our goal is to stimulate, motivate and inspire you. The course takes a holistic approach to the study of children’s early years. It draws on, and is informed by, education, sociology, psychology, history and politics and it encourages you to think critically about current issues in the field. You will look at early childhood, care and curriculum models from an international perspective to see how things are done differently around the world – for example, in Scotland and South-east Asia as well as the Reggio Emilia approach in Italy and the Te Whariki framework in New Zealand. The Policy Issues in Early Childhood module places a strong emphasis on how policy in relation to early years education and childcare is impacting on children, parents and practitioners. The Contemporary Issues in Early Childhood module could cover children’s rights, inclusion issues such as special needs and race, or why there are so few male professionals in early childhood teaching. You will examine early childhood from a historical perspective – how early 20th Century models are still influencing current policy. You will also learn how to conduct a piece of independent research related to early childhood.