Early Childhood Studies - Foundation Degree

Course Detail

This two-year Foundation Degree in Early Childhood Studies will develop your knowledge of the advanced theoretical principles and contemporary issues that underpin early years practice. It provides you with the opportunity to develop an understanding of the wider social, political and economic issues related to the care and development of young children and develop the skills and attributes needed to enter a leadership and management position.

Naturally, you will learn all the key aspects of safeguarding as well as an understanding of how children learn, how they develop relationships and what impact their environment has on their development

The programme has a mandatory work placement which can either be assessed as part of your ongoing employment or arranged with one of our employer partners. The placement is designed to ensure that you have the opportunity to trial theory and concepts learned in the classroom environment in practice.

Entry Requirements

A minimum of 48 UCAS points in an appropriate discipline:

• PPP from Extended Diploma or MP from Diploma in Early Years 
• Pass from Early Years Educator Level 3
• English Language grade C/4 or Functional Skills Level 2. If not achieved must work towards and achieve in first year of study
• Applicants for whom English is not their first language are expected to achieve a minimum 6.0 overall with at least 5.5 in each component

Additional Requirements:

• All applicants must provide a letter of support from their employer confirming proposed work experience 
• 12 months hands on experience in the workplace with service users (does not include administration)
• You must hold a current DBS 

A professional discussion may be required prior to offer if you do not meet the exact entry criteria

Qualification Obtained

FdA Early Childhood Studies

Industry Placement and Field Trips

The programme has a mandatory work based element that can be done through employment or by finding a placement in an appropriate setting. This enables you to take on appropriate role(s) within the workplace, giving you the opportunity to learn and apply the skills and knowledge that you have acquired as an integrated element of the programme.

It involves the development of higher-level learning within both the institution and the workplace. It facilitates a two-way process, where the learning in one environment is applied in the other. Work-based learning can be achieved through many forms, including full-time or part-time work, integrated work placements, and real work environments. Payment is not a defining characteristic of the work, and 'working' is in itself not sufficient. Work-based learning requires the identification and achievement of defined and related learning outcomes.

Part of this programme includes an industry placement in a health or care related setting with a local employer. It is highly likely that employers will request any students who attend their setting for an industry placement are vaccinated for COVID:19

Learning and Teaching Methods

Scheduled Learning

Scheduled time relates to the time you spend in directed study with the guidance and support of our academic tutors. Scheduled learning can take a variety of forms and will vary from one course to the next, but may include lectures, seminars, tutorials, project supervision, demonstrations, studio or workshop time, fieldwork and external visits.

Independent Study

Higher education courses rely on students undertaking work outside of formal, scheduled sessions and this is generally categorised as independent study. Independent study might include preparation for scheduled sessions, follow-up work, wider reading or practice, completion of assessment tasks and revision.

Placement

Many of the degree programmes at B&FC incorporate opportunities for work placements to provide you with the opportunity to link your studies to relevant professional practice in a real work environment. Our programme teams are able to offer support in securing an appropriate work placement where it forms part of your programme, and will work closely with you during the placement to ensure that the opportunity allows you to develop personally, professionally and academically.

Expert Tutors

All staff involved in the delivery of higher education courses within the College are approved to teach the subjects and modules they deliver. The approval process ensures that staff delivering a given programme are appropriately qualified and, where appropriate, possess relevant technical and industrial experience and professional practice.

Assessment Methods

Coursework

Most courses are assessed via a combination of coursework and exams – the percentage weighting of each of these is outlined below. Coursework might range from written tasks and assignments to the collation of a portfolio of evidence based around a work placement. Coursework differs from exams in that it is usually non-timed and carried out independently.

Exam

Exams are formal, timed written assessments, carried out in a controlled environment and overseen by one or more invigilators. They assess your grasp of the theory and underpinning knowledge related to your chosen career area. The opposite of practicals, they require you to set out your practical understanding within an academic context. Some courses have no exams – the exam/coursework ratio is outlined below.

Practical

Practical assessments identify your technical ability to apply theory to hands-on tasks in your chosen career area. They can be timed or non-timed and involve observation of your practical skills and competencies, either in a work-based environment or a dedicated College setting that closely resembles the workplace. Practical work-based assessments are supported and carried out by a trained assessor.

Tuition Fees

Please click here to find out more about tuition fees for this course.

Other Costs and Equipment

The current cost of obtaining an enhanced DBS check is £44. This is required to secure a placement in an early years setting.

Regulation and Accreditation

Accrediting Institution: N/A

Awarding Body: Lancaster University

Regulatory Body: Office for Students (OfS)

Terms and Conditions

Read our full terms and conditions for more information.

Career Options and Progression

If you successfully complete the foundation degree, you have the option to progress onto our Early Childhood Studies - BA Hons Topup.

Alternatively, you can progress directly into employment with several career pathways available, many in supervisory or senior roles. These include:

• Senior Early Years Practitioner
• Room Leader
• Deputy Nursery Manager
• Children's Centre Lead Practitioner
• Health Visitor Support Assistant
• Teaching Assistant (Up to Key Stage 2)
• Foundation Stage Teaching Assistant
• Childminder
• Council Development Worker