Part Time Early Years Foundation Degree (Kingston University)

Course Code:
N4611

Study Type:
Part Time

Academic Level:
Higher Ed

Awarded by:
Kingston University

Course Length:
2 years, 1 afternoon/evening (6 hours a week) plus a minimum of 16 hours a week at work

Course Summary:
The Early Years Foundation Degree at Nescot is a 2-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 3.30 to 8.30 on Thursdays in year one and on Tuesdays in year two.

The Foundation Degree is a level 4 qualification and qualifies you as a Senior Practitioner in Early Years (0 - 5 years)

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 Qualified Teacher Status (subject to the Teacher Training Agency entry requirements).

Course Details:
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 action planning, 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 and mentoring in both the college and work environment
- Access to ICT facilities
- A library with up to date information and research on the early years
- A team of staff with vocationally relevant and recent experience
- Access to Kingston University's library and resources

Career Progression:
This new Foundation Degree is 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 towards Qualified Teachers Status (subject to the TTA entry requirements)

Other Information:
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

How to apply:
You will need to apply through Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS), It is advisable to make your application as early as possible in the New Year to ensure you maximise your chance of receiving an offer from the college of your choice. Please enter the folowing details clearly on your form:

FDA Early Years
UCAS code: X110
Institution Code: K84

Short form course Fda/EYSP
Campus code (for NESCOT)
O (as in letter)

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 small written study skills exercise on the day. The interview will take place at the college of your choice.

Fees:
Your local Childrens'/ Early Years Service may be able to offer bursaries towards the fees. Contact them directly.


Requirement
- 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 to be 24 years of age or over, although candidates of 21+ years of age may be considered in exceptional circumstances, with a minimum of 2 years experience - You will need to be working with young children in an early years setting for a least 16 hours a week - APEL (Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning) is offered to support previous experience and current value of various qualifications) - Overseas students need a minimum IELTS score of 6.