What will I learn on this module?
Building on research understanding and skills developed at level 4, this module will introduce you to key ideas, perspectives and activities in social research relevant to childhood and early years. You will develop knowledge and understanding about what and how things can be ‘known’ (epistemology), ways of seeing the world (paradigms), approaches and traditions in research (methodology), collecting or generating data (methods) and analysing or interpreting findings (analysis). You will learn about the key research methodological approaches and the methods used within them, going on to evaluate others research work before developing your own questions, methodology and methods. Finally you will appreciate how to relate each of these elements into a coherent proposal for research and you will consider relevant ethical issues that apply to your research. This module feeds directly into the level 6 module ‘Childhood and Early Years Studies Project’.
How will I learn on this module?
Your learning on this module will be developed around, and will result from, a research proposal which will involve you in designing a project on a topic of our choice which you will negotiate with tutors. Your learning will develop as you make informed connections between lectures, seminars, directed activities, reading, planning, and in discussions with peers and tutors
How will I be supported academically on this module?
You will be supported through directed learning workbooks, electronic and interactive content via the Electronic learning Portal (eLP), lectures, an electronic interactive reading list and 1-1 support from a project supervisor. You will be supported to be proactive in identifying and raising issues for discussion with module leaders and your supervisor in particular. These discussions will be prompted by reading, journaling and planning related to your proposal. In addition, you will be able to take advantage of the University Library’s Skills Plus programme as you develop your skills as an undergraduate researcher.
What will I be expected to read on this module?
All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.
What will I be expected to achieve?
Knowledge & Understanding:
1. You will be able to compare and contrast relevant research traditions, theories and activities associated with the study of childhood and early years studies.
2. You will develop detailed knowledge of your chosen project topic within childhood and early years studies.
Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
3. You will be able to evaluate and discriminate between various research design options available to you as you develop a proposal for research.
.
Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
4. You will apply a range of interpersonal, ethical and organisational skills associated with designing a small scale academic research project.
5. You will demonstrate ability to articulate enquiry around a topic of personal and academic interest to you.
How will I be assessed?
You will be assessed by the production of a 3000 word proposal for your research project (100%)
You will receive feedback on summative assessments via:
Written comments on assessed work, highlighting strengths and weaknesses and indicating pathways to the further development of knowledge and skills. Areas of concern will be linked to positive advice on how to address issues.
Additionally, you will receive informal feedback from module tutors and from your project supervisor as appropriate throughout the module.
Pre-requisite(s)
None
Co-requisite(s)
None
Module abstract
N/A
Course info
UCAS Code W3P9
Credits 20
Level of Study Undergraduate
Mode of Study 3 years Full Time
Department Social Work, Education and Community Wellbeing
Location Coach Lane Campus, Northumbria University
City Newcastle
Start September 2025
All information is accurate at the time of sharing.
Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.
Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.
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