Course summary

Have you ever thought about working towards a degree, but decided against it as you are already in employment or volunteering and don’t want to give that up? Our FdA Early Childhood Education in Practice course is designed for those working or volunteering with children 0-8 years in the voluntary, private and independent early years sector or a foundation unit in a school. This course is also for nannies, child minders and those working in Children’s Centres with families of young children.

Please note that this course is taught at Grantham College.

Key facts

Award

FdA

UCAS code

GX52

Duration

2 Years

Mode of study

Full-time

Awarding institution

Bishop Grosseteste University

Institution code

B38

Apply for this course

When you're ready to apply, the route you take will depend on your personal circumstances and preferred method of study. Click the relevant button below to start your application journey.

About this course

This work-based Foundation Degree programme is a combination of practice-based learning and campus-based teaching sessions that take place once a week, allowing you to continue working or volunteering throughout the course. Throughout the two-year programme, you will integrate your previous experience working with young children into your studies.

In your first year, you will study learning principles as an introduction to higher education and analyse the complex link between practice and meeting the needs of children. You will investigate your role in the early years sector to support your professional development, as well as study modules on child development and social interactions to supplement your practical knowledge.

As you go through the second year, you will study modules on inclusion, equality, and diversity, developing and supporting children, and expanding young children's thinking and learning via pedagogy and practice and reflection. You will be able to collaborate with students from other related courses who work in a variety of contexts such as schools and youth services to increase your employability by broadening your perspectives on working with children and young people.

Entry requirements

Typically, a minimum of one year’s experience in practice with a minimum of two days a week (minimum of 12 hours per week accumulating to 360 hours per year of study in a relevant role, either as an employee or a volunteer). In exceptional cases, it might be appropriate to recruit students directly from a Level 3 apprenticeship or another course in which it can be demonstrated that there is a significant element of professional practice. In such a case, this decision will be based on and the suitability of the applicant:

  • Typically a Level 3 Diploma, NVQs, access to HE programmes, subject/vocational qualifications;
  • Written support from the head teacher/workplace manager in which the applicant works or volunteers.
  • Minimum Level 2 Functional skills or equivalent in Maths and English

Further information

Click here for important information about this course including additional costs, resources and key policies.

In accordance with University conditions, students are entitled to apply for Recognition of Prior Learning, RP(C)L, based on relevant credit at another HE institution or credit Awarded for Experiential Learning, (RP(E)L).

How you will be taught

This work-focused degree is a combination of practice-based learning and campus-based sessions which run once a week, so that you are able to continue in employment throughout the course. The degree is designed to improve and develop your personal and professional communication skills, allows you to professionalise your approach and further your personal growth.

You will work with a range of experienced academic staff and be supported through peer-led groups, directed tasks and interactive web-based resources.

Assessment

A variety of assessment methods are used including presentations, discussions, debates, poster presentations, essays, portfolios of work, case studies and reflections. All assessments allow you to reflect on your practice and theory as you evidence your learning, building on your personal strengths to develop clear communication skills to share your knowledge and understanding.

Careers & Further study

Many of our Foundation degree graduates take on higher level roles specialising in areas such as family liaison, special education needs, managing settings youth work, mentoring or roles in the wider community and with local authorities. The degree has evolved to respond to the demand for graduate professionals set by the government through the professionalisation of the children’s and youth workforce.

The majority of students advance onto our Top Up Degrees to take their qualifications to honours degree level. Like the Foundation degree, these Top Up Degrees allow you to study and continue to work.

What Our Students Say

Discover what life is like at Bishop Grosseteste University from our students.

Support

Studying at BGU is a student-centred experience. Staff and students work together in a friendly and supportive atmosphere as part of an intimate campus community. You will know every member of staff personally and feel confident approaching them for help and advice, and staff members will recognise you, not just by sight, but as an individual with unique talents and interests.

We will be there to support you, personally and academically, from induction to graduation.

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Fees & Finance

A lot of student finance information is available from numerous sources, but it is sometimes confusing and contradictory. That’s why at BGU we try to give you all the information and support we can to help to throughout the process. Our Student Advice team are experts in helping you sort out the funding arrangements for your studies, offering a range of services to guide you through all aspects of student finance step by step.

Click here to find information about fees, loans and support which will help to make the whole process a little easier to understand.

Undergraduate course applicants must apply via UCAS using the relevant UCAS code. For 2024 entry, the application fee is £27, and you can make a maximum of 6 choices.
For all applicants, there are full instructions at UCAS to make it as easy as possible for you to fill in your online application, plus help text where appropriate.