Foundation Degree in Health and Social Care (Early Years Care/Care)

Higher Education

What does the course include?

The Foundation Degree in Health and Social Care (Early years care/care) was developed by the University of Greenwich in conjunction with its Partner Colleges (Greenwich Community College being one of these). It is designed to enable those working in Early Years or Care settings to enhance their knowledge of practice, and improve their skills in the role. The course covers a range of current, theoretical thinking that can be applied and practised in the work-place, then evaluated and analysed in written assignments.
This course is for students prepared to study at University level; it is not a practical skills-based course. Students will explore topics in the following areas dependent on which pathway you choose:

• Work Based Learning
• Academic Skills for Health and Social Care
• Language and the Child
• Law and the Child
• Social Pedagogy
• Children in Society
• Introduction to the Research Process
• Contemporary Issues in Health and Social Care
• Ethics of Care
• Creativity and the Child
• Managing Business Resources in a Care Setting
• Concepts of Emotional and Social Development
• Health Promotion in an Early Years Setting
• Care Practice in the Community
• Introduction to Care Policy
• Empowering and Supporting Individuals
• Managing Day Care and Residential Settings
• Self and Disability

The Foundation degree in Health and Social Care comprises 240 credits, of which 120 are completed at Level 4 and 120 at Level 5.

The course lasts for three academic years, delivered as a part-time course. Teaching takes place on one day per week. The year is divided into two semesters of 15 weeks each, with 90 credits taught in the first and second year and 60 credits taught in the third year.

For this programme, you are required to apply directly to the University of Greenwich. Please click here for full details.

What do I need to get on this course?

You must be employed or volunteering in an appropriate role in an early years or care setting and must be experienced within this role (minimum of 1 year experience).

You will need an A-Level or equivalent (Grade A-C). You will also need English and Maths GCSE or equivalent grade A-C. You may have already completed an education related NVQ at Level 3.

You will complete an initial assessment and will need to demonstrate Level 2/3 literacy skills (by way of an assessment).
You will also attend an interview with the programme leader.

For this programme, you are required to apply directly to the University of Greenwich. Please click here for full details.

How will I be assessed?

Assessment will be through a variety of methods including: essay writing; presentations; research projects; portfolio compilation. Assessment is completed by your teachers, through peer review and personal self-reflection.
There are no timed examinations.

Where does it lead?

If you successfully complete the Foundation degree in Health and Social Care, you are guaranteed a place at the University of
Greenwich for the final year of the Bachelor of Arts programme in the following named degrees within the University of Greenwich:

• BA (Hons) Social Care
• BSc (Hons) Health
• BA (Hons) Childhood Studies
• Early Years Professional Status
  (long programme – 15 months)
  In the case of the BA Hons Social Care and BSc Hons Health, progression from the Foundation Degree may be conditional upon completion of the Summer University courses in Research Skills and Critical Thinking Skills. Access to other degree programmes will be by negotiation with Head of Schools and the Programme Leader and will be decided at the point of application.