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Early Years Development and Education at Warwickshire College and University Centre - UCAS

Course options

2025 - 2026
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There are other course options available which may have a different vacancy status or entry requirements – view the full list of options

Warwickshire College and University Centre has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.

Open days

11Jan
Warwickshire College and University Centre Open Event
Undergraduate
14Jan
Warwickshire College and University Centre - open day event
Undergraduate
21Jan
Warwickshire College and University Centre Open Event
Undergraduate

Course summary

This course provides a broad foundation of knowledge and skills required to work with young children. It is designed to provide students with a 'licence to practice' in an early years setting. This course is written to support the Early Years Foundation Stage Framework from birth to reception class. Knowledge and skills will also cover up to 7 years 11 months (Key Stage 1). The course relies heavily on work-based learning and therefore students complete work placements where they will apply and practise theory and use their workplace experience in a range of assessment tasks. On successful completion of the FdA Early Years Development and Education course, you will be able to practice at the DfE approved Level 3 ratios in an Early Years setting. All successful students have the opportunity to apply for the BA (Hons) Early Years, Childhood and Education Studies course validated in partnership with Coventry University, with just one further year of part-time study at Warwickshire College and University Centre. This award carries the Higher Technical Qualification (HTQ) kitemark aligned to the Level 5 Early Years Lead Practitioner standard. All FdA Early Years Development and Education students must undertake 600 hours of work based placement learning. Students will normally undertake 200 hours per year and are required to complete a minimum of 150 hours at Level 4 in order to progress to Level 5. Students can normally expect to undertake a study pattern of 2 days in work placement, 2 days in college and one day focused on independent study. The college supports flexible approaches to completing these hours including during evenings, weekends and holidays. The course is designed for full-time students and as such, there is a great deal of support for students who are new to study at this level. Depending on applicant numbers for Rugby College, it may be necessary to consolidate the course for delivery at our Royal Leamington Spa College. This course is delivered and awarded by Warwickshire College and is regulated by the Office for Students (OfS). For our Higher Education Terms and Conditions please visit https://wcg.ac.uk/page/701/terms-and-conditions

This Higher Technical Qualification is approved against occupational standards decided by employers. Learn more about Higher Technical Qualifications.

Modules

Modules may include: Year 1 - Level 4 Academic Study Skills, Employability and T-Shaped Communication, Language and Literacy Understanding the World Physical Development Expressive Arts and Design Personal, Social and Emotional Development Effective Early Years Practitioner 1 Year 2 - Level 5 Diverse Childhoods Children's Health and Well-being Supporting Children's Mathematical Understanding Safeguarding Children Effective Early Years Practitioner 2 Effective Leadership and Management in the Early Years All students must complete 600 hours of WBPL across the duration of the course. Students will normally undertake 200 hours per year and are required to complete 150 hours (minimum) at level four in order to progress to level five. For further details about this course, please refer to the programme specification here: https://blob.wcg.ac.uk/pdf/definitive-programme-specification-ba-hons-early-years-development-and-education-v2-acc-580fc9f0e5d396ac7908bbc465c85243.pdf We regularly review our course content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated, please contact us for the latest information.

Assessment method

All units are assessed by coursework and students will need to complete a range of assignments based on theory and professional and reflective practice. Some assignments will be completed within the workplace during work placement. There are no exams associated with this course.

How to apply

29Jan

This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

Application codes

Please select a course option – you will then see the application code you need to use to apply for the course.

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1

Entry requirements

Qualification requirements

Progression for a L3 Early Years Educator or CPLD qualification will be considered. Qualified Teaching Assistants or Early Years practitioners who have experience of working with children aged 0-5 years and up to 7 years 11 months - those working in schools and can afford time in the Early Years sector who meet the requirements for assessments, are welcome to apply.

Additional entry requirements

Criminal records declaration (DBS/Disclosure Scotland)

In order to complete the placement, students will be required to obtain a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, which will be paid for by the placement provider.

Interview

All applicants will be asked to provide a personal statement and a supportive reference from their current or recent tutor, or employer indicating readiness to study a degree in Early Years. Successful applicants will then be invited to attend an interview.

Student Outcomes

Operated by the Office for Students
50%
Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)
90%
Go onto work and study

The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

England £9535 Year 1
Northern Ireland £9535 Year 1
Scotland £9535 Year 1
Wales £9535 Year 1
EU £11950 Year 1
International £11950 Year 1

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .

Additional fee information

WCUC tuition fees are listed per academic year and will remain for the duration of your course. The following course-related costs are not included in the tuition fees: Printing Cost of books that you might wish to purchase Cost of electrical equipment such as laptops, notebooks and stationery for your personal use Accommodation and living costs not included in the fees: This information can be obtained from our Accommodation webpage (https://wcg.ac.uk/accommodation). Sources of financial support If you receive funding from Student Finance you may be eligible to apply for additional benefits. Details can be obtained from our HE fees and financial support webpage (https://wcg.ac.uk/page/2428/he-fees-and-financial-support). Bursaries WCG also provides bursaries for undergraduate students, for which you may be eligible to apply. You can check your eligibility for these types of financial support, along with their value and application deadlines, at our HE fees and financial support webpage (https://wcg.ac.uk/page/2428/he-fees-and-financial-support).
Early Years Development and Education at Warwickshire College and University Centre - UCAS