Course Overview

This work-based Foundation Degree program combines practice-based learning and campus-based teaching sessions once a week, allowing you to continue working or volunteering throughout the course. Throughout the two-year program, you will integrate your previous experience working with young children into your studies.

In your first year, you will study learning principles as an introduction to higher education and analyze the complex link between practice and meeting the needs of children. You will investigate your role in the early years sector to support your professional development and study modules on child development and social interactions to supplement your practical knowledge. As you go through the second year, you will study modules on inclusion, equality, and diversity, developing and supporting children, and expanding young children's thinking and learning via pedagogy, practice, and reflection. You can collaborate with students from other related courses who work in various contexts, such as schools and youth services, to increase your employability by broadening your perspectives on working with children and young people.

Throughout all stages of the program, the Foundation Degree Early Childhood Education in Practice combines the complete and relevant criteria of the Department for Education and the Graduate Competency (GC) requirements of the Early Childhood Studies Degree Network and includes elements of assessed practice. This means that after completing the BA (Hons) in Early Childhood Education in Practice, Early Childhood Education students can obtain this sector-recognized accreditation. Alternatively, students may consider a route to teaching through the top-up course of Primary Teaching Studies with Qualified Teacher Status.

General Eligibility

Typically, a minimum of one year’s experience in practice with a minimum of two days a week (minimum of 12 hours per week accumulating to 360 hours per year of study in a relevant role, either as an employee or a volunteer). In exceptional cases, it might be appropriate to recruit students directly from a Level 3 apprenticeship or another course in which it can be demonstrated that there is a significant element of professional practice. In such a case, this decision will be based on the suitability of the applicant:

• Typically, a Level 3 Diploma, NVQs, access to HE programs, and subject/vocational qualifications.

• Written support from the head teacher/workplace manager in which the applicant works or volunteers.

• Minimum Level 2 Functional skills or equivalent in Maths and English.

Part Time Work Details

20 hours of work permit weekly for international students.

Language Requirement

• N/A