Foundation Degree in Early Years Full Time

The part-time course is aimed at people who are already employed or working voluntarily in an early years setting for at least seven hours per week. The full-time course is aimed at people who are progressing from Level 3 study or those who may not have relevant qualifications or previous experience in an early years context, who are looking to develop their practice and achieve a relevant qualification. Full-time students are assisted in finding appropriate settings within which they can complete course practice experience requirements.

The course seeks to recruit students from a range of educational backgrounds, including those with significant experience of working in early years settings and those who are progressing from vocational or academic courses at college or school. A lack of formal qualifications is not necessarily a barrier to joining the course if you have relevant experience and commitment to learning. The course is committed to widening participation, and welcomes applications from males, black and ethnic minority groups and those with disabilities, who are currently under-represented. University and college equal opportunity policies apply in relation to course admissions processes and selection criteria.
We welcome applicants with alternative qualifications/experience different to those shown in the next section, who can demonstrate the ability to benefit from the course and show their potential to complete the course successfully. Although recent preparatory study at an appropriate level (e.g. An Access to HE Diploma) is recommended, students may be considered on the basis of prior evidenced professional/work experience and/or other assessment procedures, and the assessment of personal suitability. University Admissions office staff will be able to offer information, advice and guidance on this process.

Course content

foundation Degree in Early Years What does the course cover and when do I have to attend? The course adopts a child-centred approach to early years. It provides a framework for academic and professional skills development and learning is embedded within students’ developing knowledge, understanding and experience in practice. The programme, which sits within a culture of inter-agency working, requires students to maintain high standards of care and education. Students are empowered to develop their personal and professional qualities within a framework that supports inclusion and diversity. The course starts by gradually introducing students to the study skills necessary to succeed at university and to develop as reflective practitioners. It moves on to consider child development, children as learners, the early years curriculum, child protection and other relevant areas of study. It requires self-directed study and the ability to link theory to practice. In the final year students are required to engage in a small-scale enquiry to enhance the quality of children’s learning in the workplace. Practice learning can be supported within a range of early years settings including children’s centres and child-minders. The programme is taught over two years full-time and three years part-time. Each academic year consists of two semesters. These run from the end of September until mid-December and from the end of January until May. For part-time students attendance is required for a full day, or for an afternoon and evening each week. Full time students attend for two days each week. There are taught lectures, seminars and workshops as well as set tasks and activities that are to be carried out in the workplace. In each semester attendance at a Saturday conference held at the University in Worcester is also required. Students are encouraged to use all of the extensive facilities of the university as well as those in their partner institutions.

Entry Requirements

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Progression

Those graduating from the degree programme may apply to study for an Honours degree in Integrated Early Childhood Studies or other related subjects from which it is possible to apply for a PGCE (Qualified Teacher Status) course (providing you also have Mathematics, science and English at GCSE). The Foundation degree is also a route to Early Years Professional Status (EYPS) (providing you also have mathematics and English at GCSE). In areas other than education it is a suitable basis for a range of careers in social work, children’s charities, nurseries, day-care, schools and the health service.