Course description
Early Years Foundation Degree
The Early Years Foundation Degree is a programme designed for those practitioners who work with or intend to work with, young children in public, private, voluntary and independent childcare and education settings.
It provides access to a higher level of qualification and career development for people working as childminders or in group settings such as reception classes, nurseries, kindergarten, preschool, community crèche environments or children’s centres.
This programme is for any practitioner, working with young children in a public, private, third or independent sector setting who has a commitment to the aims of the course. It has been designed for those with relevant experience or working in the sector, as well as for those seeking progression routes into management positions in early years settings.
Upcoming start dates
Suitability - Who should attend?
- Any practitioner, working with young children in a public, private, third, or independent sector setting who has a commitment to the aims of the course
- People with experience in reception, as a childminder, or in a nursery, pre-school setting, community crèche, or children’s centre
- People seeking progression routes into management positions in early years settings
For specific admissions requirements please contact the institute.
Outcome / Qualification etc.
Typical UCAS Tariff: 48
Training Course Content
Year One
- The Independent Learner
- Child Development: Theory and Practice
- Constructs of Childhood
- Professional Practice (Placement)
- Play and Early Learning
- The Early Childhood Context
Year Two
- Safeguarding Children and Families
- Inclusive Practice
- Human Rights and Social Justice
- Families and the multi-agency context
- An introduction to research
- Professional Practice in Early Years 2
Course delivery details
This course is offered as full-time over 3 years or part-time over 2 years.
Module content has been informed by major research projects undertaken by Newman with funding support from the European Social Fund. There are opportunities to interact with other students, share experiences and enhance communication skills.
Full-time course modules
As a full-time student, you will study a total of 120 credits each year. Credits are made up of mandatory modules and you may have a list of optional modules to choose from. Not every programme offers optional modules and when an optional module is available it will be clearly marked. All modules are listed below and you may not be required to complete all of these modules. Most modules are 20 credits and dissertations are 40 credits. Please note that not all optional modules run every year.
Part-time course modules
As a part-time student, the amount of credits you complete each year may vary. Credits are made up of mandatory modules and you may have a list of optional modules to choose from. Not every programme offers optional modules and when an optional module is available it will be clearly marked. All modules are listed below and you may not be required to complete all of these modules. Most modules are 20 credits and dissertations are 40 credits. Please note that not all optional modules run every year.
As a part-time undergraduate student, you choose how many modules to study each year (up to a maximum of 6). To qualify for a student tuition fee loan you will need to choose at least 4 modules. A normal 3-year degree will take 4.5 years to complete if you take 6 modules per year. You will be taught alongside full-time undergraduate students.
Expenses
Full-time Fee: £9,250
Part-time Fee: £4,850
Continuing Studies
Even though you may have the skills and experience to progress in your career, you may find that the lack of a formal academic qualification holds you back at some stage. Studying for a foundation degree situates you in higher education and will prepare you for increased responsibilities within your current setting, therefore expanding your employment opportunities in the early years.
There is also the opportunity to progress onto the top-up award, converting your Foundation degree to a full BA (Hons) degree, such as the BA (Hons) Early Childhood Education and Care(ECEC) or BA (Hons) Professional Practice. Completion of an Honours degree will support those wishing to pursue a career in teaching, although further study and qualifications are needed.
Request info
Birmingham Newman University
Founded in 1968, Birmingham Newman University is a community-focused institution based in Bartley Green, Birmingham. It has built strong partnerships with many local businesses, charities and schools, making it an ideal choice for students wishing to gain practical experience during...