Programme Title: Graduate University Study Programme in Early Childhood and Preschool Education: English Language Specialisation
Qualification Awarded: University Master of Early Childhood and Preschool Education: English Language Specialisation (univ. mag. praesc. educ.)
Programme Duration: 2 years (4 semesters)
Credits Awarded: 120 ECTS credits
Mode of Delivery: Part-time study
Admission Requirements:
- Completion of the Undergraduate University Study Programme in Early Childhood and Preschool Education;
- a grade point average (GPA) of 3.50 or above; and
- a minimum GPA of 4.00 in English language courses or a certificate indicating a passing score on one of the following examinations: B2 First (Cambridge English First – FCE); C1 Advanced (Cambridge English: Advanced – CAE); C2 Proficiency (Cambridge English: Proficiency – CPE); IELTS (International English Language Testing System) with a minimum overall band score of 5.5; TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) with a minimum score of 72.
Core Competencies Acquired upon Graduation:
GENERAL COMPETENCIES:
- Capacity to advise on diverse matters relating to the teaching, learning, and acquisition of the English language in early childhood and preschool education;
- professional knowledge baseline: decision-making, alongside critical and self-critical problem-solving capacities regarding English language instruction;
- comprehension of quality assurance, development, and control frameworks in early childhood and preschool settings;
- assimilation of foundational scientific research competencies required to conduct empirical studies and publicly present findings;
- acquisition of new learning skills as a prerequisite for lifelong learning;
- receptivity to diverse modes of creative expression.
SPECIFIC COMPETENCIES in the Field of the English Language:
- Language proficiency at C1 level (speaking, listening, and reading) and B2 level (writing) pursuant to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), 2005;
- command of linguistic rules, vocabulary, structures, and connected speech patterns to achieve fluent and accurate communication in English;
- mastery of English as a foreign language (EFL) required for English-medium instruction, specifically regarding pronunciation, stress, intonation, and orthography;
- knowledge and awareness of the inseparability of language and culture, of socio-cultural similarities and differences between native, target, and other cultures, and a commitment to respecting them, particularly regarding the deconstruction of stereotypes and prejudices;
- understanding of foundational psycholinguistic theories concerning cognitive and linguistic development in children with respect to early bilingualism and multilingualism, the capacity for their critical analysis, and their practical application in early childhood and preschool settings;
- knowledge of the structural components of communicative language competence and the capacity to systematically develop linguistic skills in children according to contemporary principles of early childhood and preschool English teaching;
- capacity to design curricula for early childhood and preschool English language programmes;
- conceptualisation, production, and implementation of activities, materials, and learning resources that facilitate target-language immersion, thereby fostering linguistic development in English;
- knowledge of the theoretical principles of assessment and self-assessment, alongside the delivery of constructive feedback to cultivate children’s awareness of their English language acquisition progress;
- familiarity with traditional and literary children’s literature and picture books in English, alongside the capacity to apply and adapt authentic materials to convey the target culture, foster language competencies, and encourage active participation in oral communication;
- capacity to actively participate in scientific research within early childhood and preschool education;
- comprehension of the structure and purpose of educational systems and current trends in early childhood and preschool education;
- development and implementation of diverse strategies to monitor language learning and acquisition outcomes;
- capacity to participate in and develop self-evaluation strategies for early childhood education institutions, as well as to design and execute institutional development plans.
The Curriculum Comprises:
- advanced knowledge within the core disciplines constituting the field of early childhood and preschool education;
- supplementary expertise in quantitative and qualitative scientific research methodologies;
- supplementary knowledge encompassing the English language and English language teaching.
Graduation Requirements:
Completion of the programme requires a minimum of 120 ECTS credits, fulfilled through:
- the successful completion of all examinations within the curriculum,
- the fulfilment of all other academic obligations,
- the compilation and public defence of a graduate thesis.
Progression Routes:
Upon graduation, qualification holders are eligible to pursue postgraduate (doctoral) or specialist university study programmes in Early Childhood and Preschool Education or related fields, with admission contingent on passing bridging examinations.
Essential Links and Documentation:
Central Admissions Office
Agency for Science and Higher Education
Syllabi