Early Years (MEd, PgCert or PgDip)
Introduction
The programme aims to meet the continuing professional development needs of fully qualified educators who wish to deepen their knowledge and expertise in early childhood education. Through part-time, fully online study, participants will enhance their professional practice, develop their leadership capacity, and strengthen their ability to drive positive change for young children, families, and communities across a range of educational settings.
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
This programme is designed for degree-qualified educators who want to deepen their understanding of early childhood education, enhance their professional practice, and develop their leadership skills. Delivered through flexible part-time online study, it provides opportunities to engage with contemporary research and practice while supporting positive outcomes for children, families, and communities. Through the programme, you will:
- Develop a deeper understanding of child development, learning, and early years pedagogy.
- Enhance your ability to reflect critically on and improve your professional practice.
- Explore leadership approaches that support innovation and positive change within early years settings.
- Engage with inclusive play pedagogies that recognise and value the diverse strengths, identities, and learning needs of every child, ensuring all learners can participate, thrive, and reach their potential.
- Critically examine the environments and communities in which children live and grow, exploring how social, cultural, economic, and environmental factors shape children's learning, development, wellbeing, and life opportunities.
- Apply research and evidence-informed approaches to support high-quality early years education and care.
This flexible Masters programme enables educators to build specialist expertise while developing the confidence and skills to influence practice and lead improvement across a range of early years contexts.
Available Programmes of Study
- MEd
-
Early Years
- Qualification
- MEd
- Duration
- 36 months
- Learning Mode
- Online Learning
- Study Mode
- Part Time
- Start Month
- September
Programme Fees
- UK
-
- Tuition Fees for 2025/26 Academic Year
- £870
-
Charged on a modular basis. Fee quoted is per 30 credits.
- EU / International students
-
- Tuition Fees for 2025/26 Academic Year
- £2,535
-
Charged on a modular basis. Fee quoted is per 30 credits.
- PgDip
-
Early Years
- Qualification
- PgDip
- Duration
- 24 months
- Learning Mode
- Online Learning
- Study Mode
- Part Time
- Start Month
- September
Programme Fees
- UK
-
- Tuition Fees for 2025/26 Academic Year
- £870
-
Charged on a modular basis. Fee quoted is per 30 credits.
- EU / International students
-
- Tuition Fees for 2025/26 Academic Year
- £2,535
-
Charged on a modular basis. Fee quoted is per 30 credits.
- PgCert
-
Early Years
- Qualification
- PgCert
- Duration
- 12 months
- Learning Mode
- Online Learning
- Study Mode
- Part Time
- Start Month
- September
Programme Fees
- UK
-
- Tuition Fees for 2025/26 Academic Year
- £870
-
Charged on a modular basis. Fee quoted is per 30 credits.
- EU / International students
-
- Tuition Fees for 2025/26 Academic Year
- £2,535
-
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. In exceptional circumstances there may be additional fees associated with specialist courses, for example field trips.
Fee Information
Scholarships
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 51cg 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?
- We are ranked 2nd in Scotland for Education in the Complete University Guide 2027.
- 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
Interested in this programme?
What Our Students Say
Entry Requirements
Qualifications
The information below is provided as a guide only and does not guarantee entry to the 51cg.
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.
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
Careers
There are many opportunities at the 51cg 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 51cg
- More information on the Careers and Employability Service
Our Experts
- Programme Leader
- Amy Jane MacArthur
Information 51cg 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
51cg
MacRobert Building
King's College
Aberdeen
AB24 5UA