Course Title
Foundation Degree in Early Years (Part Time)
240 credits (120 at Level 4, and 120 at Level 5)
Year 1 – 90 credits
Year 2 – 90 credits
Year 3 – 60 credits
This programme is validated and quality assured by the University of Worcester and delivered at Halesowen College as a partner of the University.
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?
The FdA in Early Years (0-8) aims to provide a child-centred approach and framework for academic and professional skills development. This course takes a holistic, child centred approach and sits within a culture of inter-agency working which requires you to maintain high standards of care and education. You are expected to develop your personal and professional dispositions within a framework that promotes inclusion and diversity within a framework of integrated working with other professionals.
Students who gain the award of FdA Early Years (0-8) will have demonstrated intellectual abilities and key transferable attributes, descriptors of which are informed by the QAA Characteristics Statement for Foundation Degrees (2015) and QAA Subject Benchmark Statement for Early Childhood Studies (2014).
Students who gain the award of FdA Early Years (0-8) will be full and relevant, having met the requirements for EYE (including 260 hours of placement).
FdA Early Years (0-8) remains a sought after qualification for those wishing to progress in the area of Early Years education and care. The identified progression route to an honours award is the BA (Hons) Top Up in Integrated Working with Children and families. Other possibilities include BA Early Childhood and Society, BA (Hons) Social Welfare, BA (Hons) Education Studies, BSc (Hons) Child and Adolescent Mental Health Top UP, Early Years Teacher and direct entry to year two of BA Hons Primary Education (QTS).
Length of course
Part Time: Three Years
Compulsory modules
Year 1 – Level 4
Year 2 – Level 4/5
Year 3 – Level 5
The Foundation Degree offers students a choice of pathways:
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
Part Time available for 2023 entry
Part time course
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 third 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
Please make part-time applications via University of Worcester’s online application form. If you have any questions, please contact the Admissions office on 01905 855111 or admissions@worc.ac.uk.
Entry requirements
32 UCAS Tariff points
NB For the Early Years (0-8) pathway, if you do not have evidence of Literacy at Level 2, it will be necessary to complete a non-standard entry essay to demonstrate competence in written English
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
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.
If you have lived, studied or worked overseas for three months or more in the last five years a 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.
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, and you will be guaranteed an offer of place or interview.
Start date
September 2023
Day
2023 course timetable to be confirmed.
Time
2023 course timetable to be confirmed.
Course fee (per annum)
Please refer to the University of Worcester programme page for course fee information
https://www.worcester.ac.uk/courses/early-years-0-8-foundation-degree#costs
Course code
Students should apply via UCAS Apply using the following code: X312, or X313 for Professional Practice
H70003A
Study mode
Part Time available for 2023 entry
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