- Level:
- Level 5
- Entry requirements:
- This course is for students 19 years old and over.
The minimum entry requirement is NVQ Level 3 (or equivalent) in Early Years. You will need to be employed in an appropriate setting. Candidates will normally have three years of experience. Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL) is offered for those who are unsure of the current value of their qualifications.
- Course content:
Aimed at those already working in an Early Years setting, this course enables students to gain a qualification that will help their professional progression.
If you are currently working in an early years setting and want to gain a qualification that will help you progress from Level 3 to Level 5, this course enables you to “learn as you earn” by combining workplace learning with part-time study at a local college.
The course offers routes for the following:
- Early years staff working with children aged 0-3 years
- Early years staff working with children aged 3-5 years
- Teaching Assistants Foundation Stage
The programme covers all areas of the care and development of young children and includes:
- Theories of how children develop
- Ways of working with children who may need extra support
- Management and personal development topics
- Building a professional portfolio
A key feature of the foundation degree qualification is that you gain academic credit for the learning you gain within the workplace.
Year 1
- Personal and Professional Development Portfolio
- Child Development 1
- Inclusive Education and Special Educational Needs
- Assessment and Assessment Systems
- Providing Information to Support Decision Making
- Action Research Portfolio 1
- Safeguarding Babies and Young Children
- Multi-Professional Perspectives
Year 2
- Child Development 2
- Evaluate and Use ICT to Support Children’s Learning and Development
- Develop Own Resources
- Work based Learning
- Work with Parents to Enhance their Children’s Learning and Development
- Action Research Portfolio 2
- Special Project
Apply for the Foundation Degree in Early Years via UCAS
Fees are set by Kingston University. For 2012/13 the fees are £3500
- Course Structure:
The course is divided into 16 modules with a value of 240 credits. In Year One 120 credits must be gained from successful completion of the prescribed modules before progressing to Year Two where another 120 credits must be gained.
- Course resources:
All students have access to our fully equipped state of the art learning centre. This includes free internet access.
- Assessment:
The course is divided into 16 modules. It is assessed continually throughout the year. Students will be assigned a personal tutor and a workplace mentor to support their progress.
- Next step:
- On successful completion of the course students will have the opportunity to progress onto an honours degree, Early Years Professional Status or a course leading to a recognised teaching qualification.
- How to apply:
Complete an application form for interview. You can do this on-line by clicking on the link in the right hand column. Or you can download a PDF of the 2012-2013 Application for Interview Form (Form A) [PDF 312k]. For further details see the How to Apply section.
A Level applicants do not need to apply for specific subjects: your application form is for the A Level programme. We will discuss your subject choices at your interview.
- Fees Info
The tuition fee for this course is set by the University. You may be able to apply for a student loan or other funding.
- Materials costs:
The tutor will advise you about any materials costs.