If you are currently working in an Education and Early Years setting with children between ages 0-8 years and want to gain a qualification that will help your professional progression, the Sector-Endorsed Foundation Degree in Early Years enables you to combine academic study with learning at your place of work. This course is accredited by Kingston University.
If you do not already hold Early Years Educator Status from your Level 3 qualification, we offer the Early Years (with Early Years Educator) pathway which is classified as a 'full and relevant' qualification by the Department for Education (UCAS code: X120).
Once you complete this course, you can top-up your qualification to a full BA (Hons) degree, through one year's study at Kingston University.
-
About the Course
You will attend taught sessions and complete directed tasks as specified in the programme. Teaching and learning will consist of workshops, lectures, seminars, discussion groups, self-assessment and independent study. This will be both college and work-based. You will also have tutorials with a personal tutor, who will meet with you in your group and also for individual sessions.
You will study:
Year 1 modules (four 8-week modules at Level 4):
- Personal and professional development through reflective practice
- Child protection and ethical practices of working with children
- Child development, observation and assessment
- Reflective Professional Practice Record
- Inclusive education and interprofessional perspectives.
Year 2 modules (four 8-week modules at Level 5):
- Historical and international perspectives of early years education
- Early years pedagogy and practice
- Effective Communication skills
- Reflective Professional Practice Record
- Special project.
Please note: The Foundation Degree programme is subject to change following the Kingston University Revised Academic Framework.
Course Fee: Home (UK students) £6,300* International Year 1 (2022/23): £15,400 Year 2 (2023/24): £15,800
Eligible UK students can apply to student finance for a tuition loan, which is paid direct to the University. This has a low interest rate which is charged from the time the first part of the loan is paid to the University until you have repaid it.
For more information about the course, including fees, please visit the Kingston University website.
-
Additional Costs
Additional Fees
Trips:
- The renowned Froebel Archive for Childhood Studies, containing rare books, toys and photographs.
- Freud Museum London -
Entry Requirements
A Level 3 qualification that is full and relevant to Early Years Education, e.g. Diploma in Childcare and Education, NNEB, CACHE Level 3 Diploma, NVQ Level 3, Supporting teaching and learning in Schools or equivalent.
*If you have a Level 3 qualification in other areas such as an A-levels, Health and Social Care diplomas, relevant Access to Education courses, Care, Early Years or Psychology courses, T-levels, BTEC Extended Diplomas and other full Level 3 courses in relevant and related fields of study, you can be enrolled on the Foundation degree with Early years Educator, subject to pre-experience in the field of Early Years.
If you have not obtained 'early years educator' as part of the level 3 course, you can gain this with your FdA Degree in Early Years (with Early Years Educator) pathway. We offer the Early Years (with Early Years Educator) pathway which is classified as a "full and relevant" qualification by the Department for Education (UCAS code: X120).
You will need to be employed in an appropriate setting for a minimum of 16 hours. Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning is offered for those who are unsure of the current value of their qualifications.
-
Progression
When you complete this course you can go on to a 'top-up' year of study at Kingston University to gain an Honours degree and progress towards Qualified Teacher Status (subject to TTA entry requirements) or Early Years Teacher Status.
-
Assessment Method
Your progress will be assessed by means of:
- Written assignments, presentations and professional discussions
- Demonstration of professional competence in work based situations
- Portfolio of evidence, complied by using the Reflective Professional Practice Record (RPPR)s
- Workplace assessment at least twice per year, if you are completing the Early Years (with Early Years Educator) pathway
- Practical demonstrations that apply knowledge you have gained.
