Early Childhood Studies, 2018
“I will take lots of valuable life skills away from my time at Brookes. I have learnt how to conduct academic research, write in an appropriately academic style, and function well in groups”
After completing my A-levels in Psychology, Geography and Art, I worked as a retail manager for three years. Throughout this time I didn’t know whether I should stay in employment or continue with my education. I started to research courses that were focused on child development, but were not entirely based in psychology. This was how I discovered the Early Childhood Studies course at Oxford Brookes.
The course has a wide range of modules to choose from, which enabled me to explore the psychology of child development and other key aspects of childhood. The lecturers are passionate and their enthusiasm is often infectious. I particularly enjoyed Nick Swarbrick’s module on young children’s risky play outdoors.
Life in Oxford is never dull, there are always things to explore and experience. A favourite of mine is the Pitt Rivers Museum. Oxford has lots to offer in terms of shopping and clubbing too, it’s the perfect student city. There are also many child care settings which welcome students for work experience and placements, which is beneficial for your development and employability.
I will take lots of valuable life skills away from my time at Brookes. I have learnt how to conduct academic research, write in an appropriately academic style, and function well in groups. Personally the most valuable skill I feel I have gained is confidence. In the first semester I could barely contribute in lectures because I was so nervous and shy, this is no longer the case! I used to shy away from presenting work or talks, and have now gained a new love for leading sessions and expressing my views. In the future I hope to continue studying at Brookes, possibly on the Masters in Psychology (conversion course) or the two-year course in Occupational Therapy.
This is a wonderful campus and university, where you meet new people and start an exciting chapter in your life. I have made friends who I know will be in my life long after we graduate.