Early Years Education Programme

 
210 ECTS credits
förskollärare läser för tre pojkar

Study programme

The programme is designed for students who wish to work with children in pre-school. The programme prepares students for an interesting and important profession, which is also complex and demanding. Students acquire knowledge of children's creativity, development, and learning process, and develop skills in leading educational activities and make contacts with professional practice. The programme is offered on campus or off-campus (distance education) via learning centres. It comprises 210 ECTS credits, which correspond to three-and-a-half-years of full-time study.

Education level: Basic level

While studying

Education

The early years education programme is offered on campus or or off campus (distance education) via learning centres as day-time and full-time study. Students who opt for the distance form are expected to be present at the learning centre in question for group work and video conferences several days a week. In addition, there are 3-4 mandatory on-campus meetings at Karlstad University every semester. In the first semester the focus is on pre-school and on how the conception of children and childhood has changed over time. The second semester comprises courses on children's learning and development. Theoretical studies are given practical form in movement and play. Then subject studies for two semesters follow, in which aspects related to children's linguistic, social and cognitive development are combined with practical/aesthetical forms of expression. Practical placement is also included in semesters three and four. The fifth semester is devoted to the early years educator's role as a leader, cooperation with parents or guardians, and the evaluation and improvement of pre-school practice. The sixth semester has a focus on children's reading and writing development and on their understanding of mathematical concepts. The last term includes research method, practical placement and a degree project.

Form of Instruction

The forms of instruction in the early years education programme vary from course to course and can, for instance, include seminars, lectures, group exercises and laboratory sessions.

Examination

Examination formats in in the early years education programme vary and can, for instance, include written exams, take-home exams, oral presentations and aesthetic forms of representation.

Professional Contact

Theoretical studies alternate with practical placement periods in pre-school, giving the students a chance to practice their future occupation under supervision.

Course of study

Semester 1 ECTS credits
Child and Childhood (Obligatory) 30
Total ECTS credits: 30
Semester 2 ECTS credits
Learning and development (Obligatory) 30
Total ECTS credits: 30
Semester 3 ECTS credits
Young Preschool Children's Linguistic, Mathematical and Aesthetic Learning (Obligatory) 30
Total ECTS credits: 30
Semester 4 ECTS credits
Science, technology, visual arts and drama (Obligatory) 30
Total ECTS credits: 30
Semester 5 ECTS credits
Leadership and organisational development in preschool (Obligatory) 30
Total ECTS credits: 30
Semester 6 ECTS credits
Learning reading, writing and mathematics for preschool (Obligatory) 30
Total ECTS credits: 30
Semester 7 ECTS credits
Preschool and scientific perspectives (Obligatory) 30
Total ECTS credits: 30

Elective course: Students are free to choose among certain alternative courses, often depending on their choice of specialisation.

Optional course: Students are free to choose any course offered at Karlstad University or at other universities. Courses listed are examples of recommended or frequently chosen courses for a specific programme.

Future prospects

Employment Market

Employment prospects for pre-school eduators look bright. Prognoses indicate that there will be a continued demand for qualified pre-school educators for many years to come.

Degree

The programme leads to a Bachelor of Education degree.

Further Studies

On completion of the programme, students can move on to other courses offered to broaden their eduation.

Campus (Säffle), 100% Options
  • Start Spring 2025
  • Mode of study Campus (Säffle)
  • Language Swedish
  • Application code KAU-80332
  • Study pace 100% (Day)
  • Introductory Information Show
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