Early Childhood Studies FdA

The course emphasises the links between theory and practice and focuses on the development of professional as well as academic skills and knowledge.

As well as studying child development theories and child observations, you will also develop professional and academic skills, including study skills and time management. You will participate in lectures, group discussions, debates, and tutor-led sessions and also undertake workplace observations, weekly tasks and reflective exercises.

1st Year Modules: Adults and Children as Learners, Perspectives on Children's Development, Understanding Play, Safeguarding Young Children's Health and Wellbeing.

2nd Year Modules: Challenging Inequalities in Early Childhood, Approaches to Pedagogy and Curriculum in the Early Years' Personal, Social and Emotional Development Matters, Communicating in Multilingual Contexts, Creative Thinking and Representation from Birth to Six.

Find out more about the course content, aims and outcomes: Download the course specification [PDF]

You need:

• a Level 3 qualification in Early Years/Child Care and Education: NVQ or BTEC National Diploma/CACHE Diploma in Child Care or a recognised Access to Higher Education Certificate in a related subject
• 2 GCSEs at Grade A*-C in English, Maths and Science or equivalent
• one year of full-time experience working with children in an Early Years nursery or school setting
• current clearance from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) to work with children
• two satisfactory references
• Students for which English is a second language are required to pass the IELTS test achieving a minimum of level 6.

You will be assessed through coursework, project work and written assignments.

You will get a Foundation Degree in Early Childhood Studies.

On successful completion of this course, you may progress to the Early Childhood Studies BA Honours Degree at London Metropolitan University (normally an additional 18 months of study) and apply for Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS) or you may gain direct entry to a registered teacher's programme. You must hold a GCSE in Maths and English at Grade C or above to progress to the Undergraduate Entry Pathway to the EYTS.

Career roles include leaders and managers in a range of early childhood care and education settings or specialising in a particular area such as Special Educational Needs. Strategic management posts in local authorities and government departments, or teaching in FE colleges through post-graduate study via the traditional PGCE route.