Early Childhood Studies

Foundation Degree (FdEd), Level 4 / 5

Early Childhood Studies

This programme is intended for students wishing to work professionally with children aged 0-8 years, or for those already working with children in this age group who are seeking a higher level qualification. It equips you with the concepts, knowledge and skills required for a professional role in the Early Years sector.

You will develop an understanding of the subject and field which will enable you to participate in planning, evaluating and implementing the education and care of young children aged 0-8 years. You will be able to use this knowledge and understanding to support your practical work with children in the workplace. It is fundamental to the approach of the course that theory and practical work are inter-related.

This programme is currently open to applicants from the UK and EU applicants only.

The course explores the needs and experiences of children and investigates how education shapes their development. It aims to develop professional and practical skills such as planning, assessment and teamwork, enhancing your employability and building a solid foundation for further study. There is clear evidence that a graduate qualification in this sector is helping to professionalise and raise the standards of childcare and education, as well as strengthen opportunities for individual promotion.

Students complete the Certificate Stage in Year 1 and the Diploma Stage in Year 2.

Certificate stage modules currently include*:

Study and Research Skills
Human Growth and Development
Personal and Practice Development (1)
Promoting Child Health and Wellbeing
Early Years Observation and Assessment
Early Years Learning Approaches and Play

Diploma Stage modules currently include*:

Research in the Early Years Sector
Reflective Practitioner
Partnerships with Parents and Families
Personal and Practice Development (2)
Safeguarding Babies and Young Children in the Early Years
Leadership and Empowerment

*May be subject to change from year to year, due to curriculum updating/sector changes. Assessments for the course may take a variety of forms, from practical tasks, group work and presentations to formal, written assignments and reports.

After successful completion of the Foundation Degree in Early Childhood Studies, you may progress, subject to a selection process, to the final stage of the degree in Education at the University of Hull:

BA (Hons) Early Childhood Education and Care
BA (Hons) Learning and Teaching – Primary Education with QTS (for applicants with substantial primary school (5-11) experience)
BA (Hons) Education and Learning

A range of job roles are possible after successful completion of the Foundation Degree/Top Up Degree including:

Nursery Manager or Supervisor
Early Years Teacher
Learning Mentor
Primary School Teacher
Teaching Assistant
Nanny
Childminder
Youth Worker
Social Worker

With further specialist study, other job opportunities may include:

Community Development Worker
Counsellor
Educational Psychologist
Paediatric Nurse
Speech and Language Therapist

Past learners have progressed on to the following careers:

Management positions in Early Years nurseries/settings
Higher Level Teaching assistant roles
Primary School Teachers
Early Years Practitioners in nursery settings
Social Work
Running their own businesses in the Early Years sector

The Foundation Degree in Early Childhood Studies is for people who are employed or who are volunteering in the Early Years sector. It is suitable for those in both full-time and part-time employment.

It is designed to meet the specific professional development needs of the Early Years sector, with particular relevance to pre-school and Early Years Foundation Stage practitioners and learning leaders, and those working in children's centres, nursery settings and schools. It is also relevant for childminders and classroom/teaching assistants.

This programme will appeal to those who wish to complete their studies in an inclusive setting which is accessible, has well established employer links, and can provide a highly supportive teaching and learning environment.

48 UCAS Tariff points from either:

BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (QCF) in Children's Play, Learning and Development
BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma (QCF) in a relevant subject (e.g. Childcare, Health and Social Care)
A Levels

You must be over 18 years of age and should be employed within the sector, either paid or unpaid, for a minimum of 240 hours over the three year period.

The following are also required:

An Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check
Two satisfactory references
A work-based mentor (You will also receive workplace visits from your tutors)
Grade C/4 or above in GCSE English
Grade C/4 and above in GCSE Maths and Science (desirable)

Applications from mature students with relevant professional/life experience are welcome. You might be required to provide further evidence to decide on your suitability for the course and an admissions test may be used in certain circumstances.

Selby College has a dedicated HE area, extensive IT facilities and a well-stocked Learning Resource Centre with relevant texts, journals and e-resources which can be accessed on site and remotely.

Where can it lead?

Related careers