Higher Education

Foundation Degree in Early Years (FdA) Part-Time

(In partnership with University of Worcester) University of Worcester

 

Introduction

The sector-endorsed Foundation Degree in Early Years programme is a 3 year part-time or 2-year full-time course for people who work in an Early Years setting.

It is run in partnership with the University of Worcester and is the equivalent of the first two years of a Degree course. It aims to provide students with the relevant knowledge, understanding and skills necessary for successful employment in the childcare and education sector at supervisory or management level.

Stourbridge College offers the part-time option over three years. Learners will be required to attend Monday and Wednesday evenings for three hours each session.

 

Entry Requirements

Level 3 qualification in childcare with a minimum of 140 UCAS tariff points; and 4 GCSEs at grade C or above, including English Language (grade C or above)

Details of acceptable level 3 qualifications, policy in relation to mature students or applicants with few or no formal qualifications can be found on the University website.

Applicants for the part-time programme route who do not hold the above qualifications will be considered on the basis of prior professional experience and the criteria indicated above.

Part-time students need:

  • Evidence of appropriate support from their setting
  • A testimony that supports the students commitment and suitability for the course.
  • All students need current police clearance to work with young children (Enhanced CRB)
  • Further information or guidance is available from University of Worcester Registry Admissions Office (01905 855111)

How long is the course?

The Foundation Degree consists of 120 credits at Level 4 (8 modules) and a further 120 credits at Level 5 (8 modules). The part-time programme lasts 3 years.


Programme Content

You will study modules including:

  • Introduction to professional and academic reflective practice
  • Childhood, children and learning: theory to practice
  • Developing a professional, practical and responsive play-based curriculum (practice/ work based learning)
  • Developing academic reflective practice
  • Safeguarding children in the early years
  • Assessment, observation and planning to support children’s learning (practice/ work based learning)
  • Collaborative working with parents and others
  • Developing positive learning environments

Mode of Delivery

Through a variety of teaching methods with tutorial support from the personal tutor, link tutor and a mentor in placement.

 

Method of Assessment

There are a variety of methods that will be used for assessment depending on which module is being assessed. You will have continuous assessment through assignments.

 

Progression

The Foundation Degree provides a progression route towards further qualifications including the BA (Hons) in Integrated Early Childhood Studies or BA (Hons) Education top-up Degrees.

Early Childhood Studies at the University of Worcester encompasses a BA Honours Degree, and a single year “top up” degree to afford progression and continuing development for students with existing HE Level 5 equivalent qualifications in a related subject.

Early Years strands are also provided in Masters programmes for professionals working in the field who wish to further their qualifications.

 

Careers
Those graduating from the degree programme may apply to study for an Honours Degree in Integrated Early Childhood Studies or other related subjects from which it is possible to apply for the PGCE (Qualified Teacher Status) course (providing you also have mathematics, science and English at GCSE).

The Foundation degree is also a route to Early Years Professional Status (EYPS) (providing you also have mathematics and English at GCSE). In areas other than education, the course also provides a suitable basis for a range of careers in social work, children’s charities, nurseries, day care settings, schools and the health service.

 

How to Apply

Further information about the course and funding is available from the University of Worcester website:

Admissions Office 01905 855111 or admissions@worc.ac.uk

Applications are now being taken for September 2012. For the part time course, please apply directly to the University of Worcester.

You can download an application from:
http://www.worc.ac.uk/documents/Part-time-study-application.pdf