Early Childhood Studies - Foundation Degree

Entry Requirements

A minimum of 48 UCAS points in an appropriate discipline:

• Certificate of Higher Education Early Childhood Studies
• PPP from Extended Diploma or MP from Diploma in Early Years 
• Pass from Early Years Educator Level 3
• English Language grade C/4 or Functional Skills Level 2. If not achieved you must work towards and achieve this in your first year of study
• Applicants for whom English is not their first language are expected to achieve a minimum 6.0 overall with at least 5.5 in each component

Additional Requirements:

• All applicants must provide a letter of support from their employer confirming proposed work experience 
• 12 months hands on experience in the workplace with service users (does not include administration)
• You must hold a current DBS 

A professional discussion may be required prior to offer if you do not meet the exact entry criteria.

There is a mandatory requirement of a minimum of 6 hours a week of paid or voluntary work in a childcare setting until the end of the foundation stage curriculum. Proof of this will be required before commencing the programme.

Qualification Obtained

Industry Placement and Field Trips

This is covered in the mandatory voluntary or employed hours in the sector as indicated in the Entry Requirements.

Learning and Teaching Methods

Whilst lectures, seminars and practical workshops feature strongly in the teaching and learning strategy, we will be making considerable use of alternative methods of delivery and study, particularly online options such as tutor and self-assessment revision tests and formative exercises, Power-Point and other software-based lecture material, learning portals and hyper-linked resource-materials and a work based learning project. You may expect therefore to participate in a wide variety of learning activities including live presentations and discussion alongside more traditional modes of delivery. Additional support is available to all students in the form of specific one-to-one support sessions built in periodically to each module.

A typical workload for this programme will require attendance at University for 1 day per week where you will participate in 2 taught sessions a day and both group and independent progress tutorials.

Further independent study of approximately 10 hours per module a week is advisable; this includes further reading, planning and writing time.

Our partners for success team can offer academic support and careers guidance.

Expert Tutors

You will be taught by a range of expert tutors who have a wealth of experience and a wide range of qualifications that relate to the Early Childhood sector.

Other Costs and Equipment Needed

There are no additional costs associated with the programme although a laptop is recommended to support your studies.  You may be required to pay for a DBS where you secure a voluntary or paid employment.

All core texts are available in the LRC along with IT support.

Tuition Fees

Please click here to find out more about tuition fees for this course.

Regulation and Accreditation

Accrediting Institution: N/A

Awarding Body: Lancaster University

Regulatory Body: Office for Students (OfS)

Terms and Conditions

Read our full terms and conditions for more information.

Career Options and Progression

If you successfully complete the foundation degree, you have the option to progress onto our Early Childhood Studies - BA Hons Topup.

Alternatively, you can progress directly into employment with several career pathways available, many in supervisory or senior roles. These include:

• Senior Early Years Practitioner
• Room Leader
• Deputy Nursery Manager
• Children's Centre Lead Practitioner
• Health Visitor Support Assistant
• Teaching Assistant (Up to Key Stage 2)
• Foundation Stage Teaching Assistant
• Childminder
• Council Development Worker