Child Care and Education: Foundation Degree

Child Care and Education: Foundation Degree
The Foundation Degree offers comprehensive coverage of knowledge and skills required by professional child care and education workers. This is a higher education qualification, for which you study at university level while working in the subject area. This is a work-based learning course.

Course details
The first year looks at critical reading and writing, and introduces the key concepts of working in child care. The second year explores professional development, research methods and child protection. The course includes two days' work placement in an early years setting.

How is it assessed?
Each module has two or more pieces of assessed coursework which include assignments and presentations. There is one exam on Child Protection, a subject which crosses all modules and is examined in depth.

Course duration
The programme lasts for two years. You will study two modules a term over six terms. Work experience is part of the programme.

What do I need to study this subject?
You should have level 3 or A level in a related subject, good interpersonal skills, preferably GCSE grades A*-C in English, Maths and Science and work experience as part of an early years team. All students are required to complete a Criminal Records Bureau check at the beginning of the course.

Where can this lead me?
You will be entitled to add FDEd after your name, and can progress to employment in local government, manage an early years setting, or continue your studies, undertaking the BA in Early Years/Community Education and then on to Early Years Professional Status (EYPS).

What are the enrichment opportunities?
You will liaise with social, health, police, education and voluntary agencies on child care and education issues. Child care and education professionals are increasingly expected to be articulate and accountable in liaising with these agencies. You will develop strategies to sustain your own pursuits in lifelong learning.