Part Time Foundation Degree Early Childhood Studies

MODE OF STUDY PT
HE LEVEL HE Level 5
DURATION 2 years
START DATE(S) September 2010
DAY(S)/TIME(S) OFFERED One full day and one evening per week
TOTAL FEE With sector recognition for this course, most students are eligible to receive substantial funding through specific government student support arrangements. .
AWARDING/VALIDATION BODY London Metropolitan University
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Applicants will have met one of the following entry requirements:

2 years full time experience in a childcare/early years setting and/or a Level 3 qualification (for example,NVQ 3 or CACHE Diploma) plus one years' experience (or part-time equivalent.

Applicants must be in paid or voluntary employment in an early years setting throughout the duration of the course.

Applicants may alternatively have achieved a minimum of 60 UCAS points from AS/A level, ASVCE/AVCE (Vocational AS/A level and Double Award), BTEC National Award/Certificate/Diploma award(s) and Key Skills awards; or
Access award; or other recognised UK/Overseas related FE Level 3 awards (in addition to the 2 years working experience as detailed above)

Applicants will also need to provide evidence of English Language skills as demonstrated by:

A pass in English Language at GCSE, grade C or above; or
A Level 2 in Communications Key Skills or equivalent.

Applicants whose qualifications do not conform to the standard entry requirements detailed above may be considered on merit. Relevant experience will be taken into account and full recognition will also be given to the principle of Accreditation of Prior (Experiential) Learning AP(E)L.

PROGRAMME CONTENT/STRUCTURE
What can I expect on the course?
This is an Early Childhood Studies Sector Endorsed Foundation Degree, designed to meet your educational and skills needs
for employment in the sector.On this course you will meet many other students with similar interests who work with children aged 0 8 years in a variety of settings. This helps to create a strong identity and a supportive environment.
The teaching and learning strategies used on the course will develop your theoretical knowledge and practical skills, linking
learning in the classroom to practical application in the work setting.

How is the course structured?
You will attend one full day and one evening per week, studying eight modules during each academic year. Each year is divided into two 15-week semesters of study. You will be supported throughout their course with regular tutorials and
workplace visits by college staff.

How will I be assessed?
The course has a modular structure and is continuously assessed using a variety of methods, which will include individual assignments (for example essays, reports, presentations and
portfolio.) and working in small groups. The assessment requirements of this course will reflect your specific working
contexts and often require you to carry out tasks in your place of work.

Year 1
In Year 1 you will be introduced to a variety of subject areas in early childhood studies, including child development,
play, language and learning, early years curriculum and practice, and working with parents and carers. These
will form the basis for further study at the next level. Throughout the course emphasis is placed on your own
personal and professional development, a key element in all modules.

Year 2
Modules in Year 2 focus on areas such as special educational needs, child protection, management and research
in early years and there is a choice of two specialist options which relate to specific age-ranges. Year 2 provides the
opportunity to apply more critical analysis to studies and to develop and apply the skills, knowledge and understanding
gained in the first year to your individual professional context.

You will continue to work in appropriate job roles throughout your studies, with considerable employer involvement
in negotiating opportunities for practical projects and themes of specific personal interest. It is anticipated that you will have the full support of your employer and an identified workplace mentor for the duration of the course.
PROGRESSION/CAREERS OPPORTUNITIES
What are the career opportunities?
On completion of this course you will have attained the experience and disciplined characteristics of the role of a
senior practitioner and may choose either to continue working and/or to further your studies. You may gain employment at
supervisory or management levels within an early years setting. The sector endorsed Foundation Degree will provide you with
a recognised route to further study via an Honours Degree and either an Initial Teacher Training (Primary) course
or early years professional training.