Bachelor's Programme in Pre-school Education

Study programme code BACFLU

ECTS credits 180

Admission requirements General qualifications.

General description and profile of the programme Through the pre-school education the students shall develop professional competence, educational competence, social competence, professional ethical competence and change and development competence. The education will be based on scientific knowledge and at the same time be work oriented and closely connected to practice, based on the pre-school teacher's work field and the current laws and guidelines for the work The education shall support the students so that they can participate actively in the debate concerning the development of good kindergartens for all children, both in today's society and in the society of tomorrow.

Specific arrangements for recognition of prior learning (formal, non-formal and informal) Arrangements for the recognition of prior learning are described in the information on the institution under "General arrangements for the recognition of prior learning (formal, informal and non-formal)".

Examination regulations and grading For a description of the examination regulations, see the Examination Regulations of the University of Agder.

For information about the Norwegian grading system, see ECTS credits and grades. Specific information on grading for each course is found in the individual course descriptions.

Graduation requirements The Examination Regulations of the University of Agder regulate the graduation requirements for each programme of study.

Learning outcomes

Through the programme he students will achieve competence within the following five areas:

1. Professional competence

The student has knowledge about children, childhood, educational work with small children and has knowledge of theories and work methods within and across subjects.

2. Didactic competence

The student can arrange for play and learning and can assess, plan and carry through adapted education for children with or without special needs, and also carry out preventive measures.

3. Social competence

The student has basic knowledge and abilities in management, cooperation and in educational supervision.

The students understands the meaning of a caring- and learning environment characterized by interplay, warmth, creativity, joy and humour and an experience of mastering for all. The student shows ability for close cooperation between pre-school, home and other cooperating partners.

4. Professional-ethical competence

The student shows a reflected relationship to the foundational values of the pre-school and school, to his/her own values, attitudes, manners and to ethical challenges in the profession.

5. Change and development competence

The student can contribute to professional and educational development. The student can assess the organization development and social changes that play an important role for the pre-school.

Teaching methods

The programme consists of lectures, group work cross-curricular activities, independent work and practice in kindergarten and primary school The students shall experience cooperation with fellow students and evaluate private work and the work of others. Compulsory attendance will be evident in the different course descriptions.

Assignments and documentation will be integrated in subjects, didactics and practice in order to achieve a wholeness and continuity in the programme.

Assessment methods

Regulations concerning exam is given through laws of universities, university college, and in regulations of study programmes and exam at the University of Agder, and through directions for carrying out exams.

There is an exam for each course element, written and/or oral. In order to enter the exam the students must have carried out and passed all compulsory assignments in the programme, as it is stated for each course.

Each practice period is graded pass/fail.

Practice must be passed in order to enter exam for subjects that belong to the Pre-School Education

Precautionary evaluation:

The university is responsible fro evaluating whether or not students are fit to become teachers. This is an evaluation that goes on throughout the programme, and will take place according to criteria and procedures given by the ministry (regulations regarding precautionary evaluation in higher education set by Ministry of Education and Research 30. June 2006.)

Student exchange In the optional part of the programme the university will organize and make it possible for students who wishes, to take a part of the programme abroad.

Occupational profiles of graduates and access to further studies

Pre-School Education qualifies for pedagogical work in pre-schools. Completed pre-school education is granted with a bachelor degree. With one year of relevant higher education pre-school teacher may be employed from first to fourth level of primary school. A specialization of 80 ECTS-credits in one subject may grant acceptance to a master programme.

Other information

Requirements for participation in practice:

A declaration of secrecy must be signed before the first practice period.

A clean, less than 3 months old, Police record that shows that the student is not accused or convicted of any sexual assaults towards children, must be presented at the start of the programme.

Students who come from or have been more than 3 months in countries outside Western Europe, the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Japan are required to have a tuberculosis examination.

Contact person Programme coordinator Anne Karin V. Olsen