Course Summary

Early Years : Foundation Degree

The Early Years Foundation Degree at Nescot is a two-year course which is counted as a full-time programme as it combines work-based learning with part-time academic study, allowing you to earn as you learn. Attendance at college is 3.30pm to 8.30pm on Tuesdays or Thursdays.

The Foundation Degree is a Level 4 (year one) and a Level 5 (year 2) qualification.

The two-year programme provides a basis for a third year "top up" at Kingston University for BA (Hons) and the possibility to progress towards Early Years Professional Status (EYPS) or  Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).

This Foundation Degree is part of a government initiative through the Sure Start programme to raise standards and achievement in the early years sector.

How to apply:

You will need to apply through Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS), online at www.ucas.com. You must make your application as early as possible to ensure you maximise your chance of receiving an offer from the college of your choice. Please enter the following details clearly on your form:

FDA Early Years

• UCAS code:  X110
• Institution code: K84
• Campus code for Nescot: O (letter 'O' not a number)

Short form course Fda/EYPS

UCAS will send your completed form to Kingston University who will then forward it to the college of your choice. It is advisable to keep a photocopy of your completed form.  Interviews are an important part of the selection process. If you are invited for an interview you will be asked to complete a short written exercise on the day. The interview will take place at the college of your choice.

Course
Details

Early Years : Foundation Degree

You will need to attend taught sessions and complete directed tasks as specified in the programme. Teaching and learning will consist of workshops, lectures, seminars, discussion groups, on-line distance learning, as well as self-assessment and independent study.  This will be both college and work-based.

There are a variety of assessment strategies to provide maximum opportunity for success. These will be both practical to demonstrate competence in the early years setting and academically rigorous to satisfy the University's assessment regulations.

There are no exams for this course and assessment will be based on coursework.  The Foundation Degree team is committed to offering you various types of support to help you achieve your goal.

This will be provided in the form of:

• Tutoring in the college and mentoring in the work environment
• Access to ICT facilities
• An LRC with up to date information and research on the early years
• A team of staff with vocationally relevant experience
• Access to Kingston University's LRC and resources

Entry
Requirements

Early Years : Foundation Degree

• You will need a Level 3 qualification for example DCE/NNEB or NVQ 3 in Early Years Care and Education or equivalent or have the ADCE
• You will need a minimum of three years' experience
• You will need to be working with young children in an early years setting for a least 16 hours a week

Overseas students need a minimum IELTs score of 6.5 to show competence in all four assessed areas.

Career
Progression

Early Years : Foundation Degree

This Foundation Degree was part of a government initiative through the Sure Start programme to raise standards and achievement in the early years sector. Successful completion and a 'top-up' year of study provides a route to an Honours degree and possible progression to early years professional status EYPS or qualified teacher status.

Other Information

Early Years : Foundation Degree

This course is designed for people who are currently working with young children in an early years setting.

You could be working in either maintained or non-maintained settings, in a range of roles such as Senior Nursery Nurse, Nursery Supervisor/Manager, Pre-School or Play Group Leader

Last updated - 30/10/12

Course
Fees

Early Years : Foundation Degree

Your local childrens’/early years service may be able to offer bursaries towards fees. Student Loans are available to support study and local authority grants may available subject to status. Contact should be made directly with the organisations concerned.