Course summary

Are you passionate about working with young children in public, private, voluntary and independent childcare, early years or education settings? Perhaps you already work within the early years sector and would like to upskill or considering advanced practice. The Foundation degree in Early Years aims to develop the skills and knowledge for you to develop your professional practice and support your career aspirations. The foundation degree is a recognised qualification in the sector and can also be a stepping stone to higher level and degree studies. Many students join an honours degree at level 6 (final year) on completion of the foundation degree. The course is carefully designed to offer appropriate skills and knowledge relating to professional practice, and the application of work-based experience. It also focuses on your self-development and independent learning, as well as team work and your ability to manage others. Skills and knowledge acquired from your modules combine to give you a thorough appreciation of a child’s social and emotional development, covering issues of language, literacy and numeracy, knowledge and understanding of the world, and physical and creative development. Applying your knowledge in real Early Years settings is a vital part of your learning, and you need to complete 720 hours of work placement during the course. As a working, part-time student, you normally achieve this through your professional commitments; if you study full-time, you get all the support you need to find a suitable work placement.