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Early Years (0-8) Foundation Degree (Full Time)

Course Title

Early Years (0-8) Foundation Degree (Full Time)
240 credits (120 at Level 4, and 120 at Level 5)

This programme is validated and quality assured by the University of Worcester and delivered at Halesowen College as a partner of the University.

www.worcester.ac.uk/courses/early-years-0-8-foundation-degree

For any queries regarding this course please contact:
Liam Pinches
Email: lpinches@halesowen.ac.uk
Tel: 0121 602 7777 ext. 7867

Campus Location

Whittingham Campus

Why study this course?

  • 96% of students in work or undertaking further study upon completion of their degree
  • Enhancement of your academic and professional development whilst you work
  • Provides theoretical insights on your professional practice and develop your leadership potential
  • The professional practice pathway has ‘Full and Relevant’ status with the Department for Education
  • Choose to study full or part-time at one of our partner colleges at a range of locations throughout the region
  • Early Years conference in February

Opportunity to progress to a BA Top-up degree and to Early Years Teaching

View the programme specification here

Length of course

Full Time: Two Years

Compulsory modules

 

Year 1 – Level 4

  • The Developing Child (30 credits)
  • Health and Wellbeing (30 credits)
  • Introduction to Work Based Learning  (30 credits)
  • Playful Pedagogy (30 credits)

Year 2 – Level 5

  • Childhood, a Global Perspective (30 credits) 
  • Policy in Practice (30 credits)    
  • Small Scale Practice-Based Enquiry and Future progression (30 credits)
  • Safeguarding Children’s Welfare in the Early Years & Integrating Our Work with other Agencies (30 credits)

The Foundation Degree offers students a choice of pathways:

  1. Pathway one: Foundation Degree Early Years (0-8) will also include:
    Reflection on practice development related to the Learning Outcomes for FDEY1004 (Level 4 and FDEY2004 (Level 5), and an Action Plan as part of the assessment for FDEY2004 (Level 5), identifying further practice development
  2. Pathway two: Foundation Degree Early Years (0-8) (Professional Practice) will also include:
    Skills Audit mapped to the Early Years Educator standards at Level 4, with a review and Action Plan at the end to lead into Level 5. Evidence of skills will be signed off in placement by an experienced practitioner.

For more information about the distinction between the Foundation Degree in Early Years (0-8) and the Foundation Degree Early Years (0-8) (Professional Practice) pathways, please contact: Liam Pinches Email: lpinches@halesowen.ac.uk Tel: 0121 602 7777 ext. 7867

Delivery

Full time course

  • Students attend College two days per week and participate in a range of activities, including tutor led information via lecture format, self-directed independent study, on-line learning activities, group discussions, workshops, small groups, paired work and discussion, content analysis of relevant materials – audio visual and text based sources, peer learning group activities, use of visual, auditory and physical technologies and support mechanisms
  • Students allocated Personal Academic Tutor to support transition to studying higher education, and offer information, advice and guidance.
  • Students are encouraged to use a range of resources, including books and journals from the Learning Resource Centre on Campus, as well as online learning materials.
  • Course resources are provided using Blackboard – a virtual learning environment (VLE)

Assessment

You will engage in a range of learning and assessment styles and be encouraged to become effective and independent in researching and presenting work. Work based assignments will enable you to engage with your own practice and to share knowledge and expertise with others through activities such as group work and presentations.

In the second year of the course you will undertake a work-based study, which will allow you, with individual tutorial support, to focus on a particular area of interest within your professional practice.

Example modes of assessments include: written assignments, presentations, workshops, case studies, reflective portfolio entries, problem based learning, reflective journals, seminars, independent studies, workplace investigations, self-evaluation/needs analysis, evaluations, literature critiques.

How to apply

Full time applicants should apply via UCAS Apply, using the following code: X312, or X313 for Professional Practice.

If you have any questions, please contact the Admissions office on admissions@worc.ac.uk 

If your qualifications are not listed, please contact the University of Worcester Admissions Office by email admissions@worc.ac.uk for advice

Entry requirements

32 UCAS Tariff points

  • Minimum of four GCSEs at Grade C/4 or above
  • All entrants have achieved a standard equivalent to a grade 4 (formerly grade C) in the GCSE examinations in English Language or English Literature and Mathematics. Alternatively, we offer an equivalency test if you don’t have the required GCSE grade or Level 2 equivalent to apply for the FdA Early Years (UCAS Code X312).
  • Where a student does not already hold a GCSE or level 2 qualification equivalent in English and/or Maths qualification, they must present evidence of this before the end of Level 4 to remain on the FdA EY (0-8) (Professional Practice) pathway (UCAS code X313) to achieve the DfE ‘full and relevant’ status. The DfE have a published list of acceptable Level 2 qualifications.
  • Acceptable qualifications include a minimum of 1 A Level or an equivalent Level 3 qualification, for example the CACHE Diploma or EdExcel BTEC National Diploma in Children’s Care, Learning and Development
  • Through our non-standard entry route we welcome applications from experienced and mature practitioners who do not have the above qualifications.
  • Further information can be obtained by contacting the Admissions Office on 01905 855111

Other information

A current Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check (DBS) is required.

You will also be subject to the usual prohibition list and criminal record checks.

Certificate of Good Conduct from the country of residence will be required. Further information and guidance associated with additional costs are available from the Home Office.

T Levels may be used to meet the entry tariff requirements for this course. Find out more about T levels as UCAS tariff points here.

Any other information an applicant would need to know at this initial stage?

Students complete a minimum of 770 hours in placement/setting over the duration of the course. These hours and competency in practice is assessed through a Practice Portfolio which is a requirement for the FdA Early Years award across both pathways. Assessment of practice will be developed through an on-line portfolio 

For students following the FdA Early Years (0-8) (Professional Practice) pathway, this enables students to meet the 385 hours of practice which is required to gain full and relevant status. 

Progressional agreements

For students on the Foundation Degree in Early Years (0-8), apply to University of Worcester for the BA (Hons) Integrated Working with Children and Families top-up, or BA (Hons) Early Childhood in Society and you will be guaranteed an offer of place or interview.

 

Start date

September 2024

Day

2024 course timetable to be confirmed.

Time

2024 course timetable to be confirmed.

Course code

X312, or X313 for Professional Practice

HC Course code: H40107A

Study mode

Full Time available for 2024 entry

University of Worcester

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