Higher Education > Education > Foundation Degree in Education (Early Childhood Studies)

Foundation Degree in Education (Early Childhood Studies)

Print this page

Hannah Jordan with Karen Benedikz at Graduation 730x425 2

Courses Code

QDHCCFDECS

Study method

Part Time

Cost from

£0

Location(s)

Lichfield

View courses

Print this page

Apply now

Is this course for you?

If you work or volunteer in an early years setting and would like to further your career and knowledge; or if you are currently completing a level 3 in early years and would like to continue learning, then a Foundation Degree in Education (Early Childhood Studies) is the course for you.

The course runs over two and a half years at Lichfield College one evening per week and covers Levels 4 & 5. The qualification is awarded by Staffordshire University who offer a Top-up year in Education or Early Years for those who are aiming to achieve a full BA. The Foundation Degree allows you to develop and engage in personal development and progression in aspects such as confidence and team collaboration, in a learning environment that encourages self-expression and professional bonding through research tasks, group discussions, debating and friendships that lay a foundation for holistic learning and growth.

This course is based at Lichfield College

Use the button above to apply for this course directly through Staffordshire University.

On successful completion of the Foundation Degree in Education (Early Childhood Studies) award, students will be awarded with a Staffordshire University degree.
Required qualifications

All part-time** applicants are individually assessed on their qualifications, skills and experience.

However, you would normally
- Demonstration of a clear Enhanced DBS check which confirms that there are no reasons why a candidate should not work with children
- Be in employment (either paid or voluntary) within an educational setting for at least four hours a week
- Have 64 UCAS points or hold an appropriate Level 3 with suitable work experience
- GCSE qualifications in English and maths at grade C/level 4 or above, or demonstration of a level 2 competence.
- If English is not your first language you will be expected to have achieved an IELTS score of 6.0 or above
* Eligibility to be counted in the EYFS staff:child ratios at level 3 requires you to hold a relevant EY Level 3 qualification, which should be gained prior to studying this pathway.
What skills will I develop?

Through classroom delivery, group work, online, practical, workshops, one to one support, research, reflection, you will study a range of topics.

Level 4:
- Personal and professional development – 20 credits
- Supporting learning and inclusion – 20 credits
- Learning and holistic development – 40 credits
- Safeguarding & developing educational practice – 40 credits
Level 5:
- Leadership & team-working – 20 credits
- Professionalism and Career Development – 20 credits
- Planning for Learning – 40 credits
- Working with Young Children (Guided Research in Early Years) – 40 credits
Careers

Through completing the course students have gone onto take a variety of new career and study roles. Many of our students go onto the top up courses in early years or education and are planning to become primary teachers. Other have used their new knowledge and skills to take up training and assessing roles within early years. For some it has contributed to their progression into management roles in the sector.

Here are some of the jobs students have taken up after studying with us on this course:
- Primary school teacher
- Early years teacher
- Early years manager
- Early years practitioner
- Teaching assistant
- Play worker
- Child psychologist
- Play therapist
- Education welfare roles
Work experience

It is mandatory that you are in a placement or workplace, which delivers the EYFS, for a minimum of four hours per week.
English and maths

It will be important for you to keep developing maths and English skills throughout the course. There will be many opportunities to develop writing and communication skills within the work. Maths will also play a part in your studies and will be vital when you progress to other levels and careers. For primary and early years teaching you must have GCSEs in English, maths and a science by the time you go onto your PGCE.
Other important information

Duration: Three years part-time

Fees:

Year 1 – £3555

Year 2 – £3555

Year 3 – £2370

Full cost – £9480

Next intake: September

Students will receive a timetable for their course at enrolment in September.

Applications

This qualification is awarded by Staffordshire University. To apply please use the link below which will take you to the Staffordshire University course page and application link: www.staffs.ac.uk/course/education-early-childhood-studies-fda-ussl

Finance 

You can borrow the cost of the course from Student Finance England. Visit: www.gov.uk/student-finance to register and apply once you have been accepted on the course.

Is this course for you?

If you work or volunteer in an early years setting and would like to further your career and knowledge; or if you are currently completing a level 3 in early years and would like to continue learning, then a Foundation Degree in Education (Early Childhood Studies) is the course for you.

The course runs over two and a half years at Lichfield College one evening per week and covers Levels 4 & 5. The qualification is awarded by Staffordshire University who offer a Top-up year in Education or Early Years for those who are aiming to achieve a full BA. The Foundation Degree allows you to develop and engage in personal development and progression in aspects such as confidence and team collaboration, in a learning environment that encourages self-expression and professional bonding through research tasks, group discussions, debating and friendships that lay a foundation for holistic learning and growth.

This course is based at Lichfield College

Use the button above to apply for this course directly through Staffordshire University.

On successful completion of the Foundation Degree in Education (Early Childhood Studies) award, students will be awarded with a Staffordshire University degree.
Required qualifications
All part-time** applicants are individually assessed on their qualifications, skills and experience.

However, you would normally
- Demonstration of a clear Enhanced DBS check which confirms that there are no reasons why a candidate should not work with children
- Be in employment (either paid or voluntary) within an educational setting for at least four hours a week
- Have 64 UCAS points or hold an appropriate Level 3 with suitable work experience
- GCSE qualifications in English and maths at grade C/level 4 or above, or demonstration of a level 2 competence.
- If English is not your first language you will be expected to have achieved an IELTS score of 6.0 or above
* Eligibility to be counted in the EYFS staff:child ratios at level 3 requires you to hold a relevant EY Level 3 qualification, which should be gained prior to studying this pathway.
What skills will I develop?
Through classroom delivery, group work, online, practical, workshops, one to one support, research, reflection, you will study a range of topics.

Level 4:
- Personal and professional development – 20 credits
- Supporting learning and inclusion – 20 credits
- Learning and holistic development – 40 credits
- Safeguarding & developing educational practice – 40 credits
Level 5:
- Leadership & team-working – 20 credits
- Professionalism and Career Development – 20 credits
- Planning for Learning – 40 credits
- Working with Young Children (Guided Research in Early Years) – 40 credits
Careers
Through completing the course students have gone onto take a variety of new career and study roles. Many of our students go onto the top up courses in early years or education and are planning to become primary teachers. Other have used their new knowledge and skills to take up training and assessing roles within early years. For some it has contributed to their progression into management roles in the sector.

Here are some of the jobs students have taken up after studying with us on this course:
- Primary school teacher
- Early years teacher
- Early years manager
- Early years practitioner
- Teaching assistant
- Play worker
- Child psychologist
- Play therapist
- Education welfare roles
Work experience

It is mandatory that you are in a placement or workplace, which delivers the EYFS, for a minimum of four hours per week.
English and maths

It will be important for you to keep developing maths and English skills throughout the course. There will be many opportunities to develop writing and communication skills within the work. Maths will also play a part in your studies and will be vital when you progress to other levels and careers. For primary and early years teaching you must have GCSEs in English, maths and a science by the time you go onto your PGCE.
Other important information

Duration: Three years part-time

Fees:

Year 1 – £3555

Year 2 – £3555

Year 3 – £2370

Full cost – £9480

Next intake: September

Students will receive a timetable for their course at enrolment in September.

Applications

This qualification is awarded by Staffordshire University. To apply please use the link below which will take you to the Staffordshire University course page and application link: www.staffs.ac.uk/course/education-early-childhood-studies-fda-ussl

Finance 

You can borrow the cost of the course from Student Finance England. Visit: www.gov.uk/student-finance to register and apply once you have been accepted on the course.

Testimonials

“This course has not only broadened my knowledge of childcare but has helped me understand and appreciate why we do the things we do in setting. The course has built my confidence and I genuinely feel I can achieve my long-term goals. I don’t believe I would have achieved as well on a more traditional route, but this part time approach has been manageable and a positive experience.”

Amy Richards

Former Foundation Degree in Education (Early Childhood Studies) Student

“When starting my first year I found it challenging, however now I am extremely glad I stuck with it. I was thinking of being a primary school teacher, however when doing my placement in a nursery I became manager which I really enjoyed. I have just qualified to be a childminder, and I am passionate about starting my own business and progressing onto my own nurseries in the future.”

Aprisha Parmar

Foundation Degree in Education (Early Childhood Studies) Student

“I'm currently studying on the Early Childhood Studies Foundation Degree at Lichfield, and I have found the course to be flexible around my work and home life. During my maternity leave from work, I have been able to join classes online when needed and my lecturer Jodie has been very understanding of my circumstances and adapted to my needs as a mature learner.”

Chloe Douglas

Level 5 Foundation Degree in Education (Early Childhood Studies) Student

“Throughout this course I enjoyed learning about different views and perspectives on how children learn. This allowed me to reflect on my own practice and to develop as a practitioner. The teachers on this course were very supportive and were always available for guidance. Whilst on this course I was promoted to a baby room lead and I will be starting my Level 6 top up degree.”

Hannah Jordan

Former Foundation Degree in Education (Early Childhood Studies) Student

“The lecturer caters to my learning needs well and is really supportive when it comes to clarifying my understanding in a way I can apply to my assignments.”

Hannah Stringer

Level 5 Foundation Degree in Education (Early Childhood Studies) Student

“The Early Childhood Studies course works alongside working and supports my studies as I can use my experiences within work to support my knowledge and understanding and use this in my assignments. I can also use the knowledge I gain from the course to support my professional development at work. The course is flexible to our learning needs, and I feel supported by my tutor.”

Jade Thompson

Level 5 Foundation Degree in Education (Early Childhood Studies) Student

“The course content is detailed and always explained well by the lecturer who has a lot of knowledge and experience.”

Molly Walker

Level 5 Foundation Degree in Education (Early Childhood Studies) Student

“The course not only improved my confidence, but also my reflective practice, enabling me to continually improve personally, professionally and academically. I truly enjoyed the course and would recommend doing it. I have continued to do the BA (Hons) Education top up degree which I don't believe I would have had the confidence or skills to do if I hadn't have done the Foundation Degree first.”

Samantha Adams

Former Foundation Degree in Education (Early Childhood Studies) Student

“I have worked in childcare for nearly 4 years and gained so much confidence building my way up to management and being a room leader with the knowledge from doing my Level 4. This year I decided I wanted to apply to do child nursing and pursue a career with the NHS, using all the skills and knowledge I have gained from university and working at the nursery.”

Shelby Limm

Former Foundation Degree in Education (Early Childhood Studies) Student

Foundation Degree in Education (Early Childhood Studies)

Course accredited by Staffordshire University

Is this course for you?

Required qualifications

What skills will I develop?

Careers

Work experience

English and maths

Other important information

Testimonials