CREC MA Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply?
If you are a new student, please complete your application via the Birmingham City University website.
If you are a continuing student, please contact the programme lead or your tutor to discuss your Year 2/3 options.
What is the enrolment deadline?
Applications close 12pm Friday 4th October. Whether you are a new or continuing student, we encourage you to enrol early to secure your place.
When is the next MA open day?
If there are any scheduled events, they will be listed here. To be notified of any future open days, please sign-up to our newsletter. If you would like to schedule a call, please email enquiries@crec.co.uk.
What are the entry requirements for the course?
Ordinarily we ask for a relevant undergraduate degree and experience in the wider field of education and/or early childhood. However, we are very aware of the diverse nature of the sector and would encourage those without a degree to get in touch as in some cases experience can be evidenced for this requirement. A graduate skills test would also be required to ascertain the capacity to write at level 7.
Are your courses only part-time?
Our MA Education (Early Years) is built around practice and we rely upon our students being able to reflect upon their studies whilst in practice and vice versa. We only offer part-time options aimed at those working in the sector.
What if I only want to do one of the MA pathways for CPD?
No problem, the pathways are designed as standalone courses and we have the option to exit you from studies after each pathway. If you wish to reflect on your own practice and specialism or would like to specialise in areas such as Leadership, Music, Creativity and the Arts, Mentoring, and Nurturing Childhoods, please refer to Year 1 section here. Please note student finance is available to only those students enrolling on the full MA.
Reflective year = 1st year = Post Graduate certificate (60 credits)
Research year = 2nd year = Post Graduate Diploma (+60 credits totalling 120)
Dissertation = 3rd Year = MA Education (+60 credits totalling 180)
If you are considering completing one year or two years rather than the full MA then please complete the expression of interest form here.
How much does the MA cost?
Our 2024-25 fees are £2460 per 60 credits. Please check the CREC MA formal BCU application pages here for updates.
Can I apply for student finance?
We are pleased to say that arrangements are now in place for new students to be able to access Student Finance. This is available to students enrolling on full MA only (180 PG credits). Visit Birmingham City University portal for more information.
Who will certify the programme?
Our MA Education (Early Years) is currently validated by Birmingham City University (BCU). We follow BCU academic regulations and you are invited to graduate officially from BCU at the end of the programme. If you are a current student and you have a query regarding the graduation, please email BCU directly: award.ceremonies@bcu.ac.uk.
Can I transfer postgraduate credits from another university?
YES - at the point of application with our validating partner, BCU, you can apply to have the credits transferred to our programme. You must do this at the application stage and it is an agreement between yourself and BCU. They will ascertain whether the credits you have are applicable to our programme but, ordinarily, if you have a PCGE within the last 5 years, this is an acceptable transfer. Those planning to carry forward credits from any prior learning at level 7 are not eligible for student finance.
Please see the attached for more information.
Do you offer distance learning?
Our modules are based on the development of a community of practice (Wenger, 2002) and we value the social aspects of learning. The MA includes five face-to-face days in Birmingham, England.
The MA will be delivered in-person and we will provide opportunities for formal and informal group learning on site. All session materials will be available via our online learning platform.
Do you take EU and/or international students?
Due to the part-time nature of this course, we are only able to accept applications from EU citizens with Settled or Pre-Settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme and Irish Nationals under the Common Travel Area (CTA) agreement.
We are currently unable to enrol international students because of how the programme is set up and regulated; we do not hold the relevant Tier 4 Home Office Licence. We are however exploring possibilities to be able to offer our Master’s to a wider international audience so please join our mailing list for updates.
Why should I choose a CREC MA?
The CREC MA has been designed by Prof. Chris Pascal and Prof. Tony Bertram.
Graduates of our programme go on to become confident practitioners, charismatic trainers and consultants, passionate researchers and early childhood experts in their own right. But don’t take our word for it, see what our students have said.
What else can CREC offer?
CREC specialises in early childhood research which has relevant and meaningful outcomes for practice and policy. Some of its research is transformed into training and development programmes designed for the specific needs of the early years sector. CREC also offers undergraduate and postgraduate research degrees, teacher training, CPD days and more. We have a strong reputation for undertaking reviews, reports, evaluations and consultancy work with many UK local authorities, NGOs and countries.
Accredited Courses and CPD include:
MA in Education (Early Years); School Centred Initial Teacher Training; Certificate for Music Educators; EEL 10 Dimensions of Quality; BECERA Conference.
As a current /former student, can I ask CREC to write a reference for me?
We can only provide an academic reference for our students, which includes details about a student's attendance, work quality, and academic achievements, within two years of their MA completion.
What is the Certificate for Music Educators (CME)?
The CME:EC level 4 course is practical in nature. Techniques, repertoire and musical activities for working with children under five and their caregivers will be introduced and you will have lots of practical hands-on experience. There is some theoretical background provided but the emphasis is on skills and techniques required to work as a freelance early childhood music educator.
We have peer learning at their heart and you will meet like-minded peers with whom to deepen your thinking and reflection about why you do what you do.
You have not answered my question, what do I do?
Please get in touch! We're open Monday - Friday, 8am - 4pm.