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Early Years
The Early Years Foundation Degree is a stand-alone higher education qualification that represents the first two years of an Honours degree. It is studied at Level 4 in the first year and Level 5 in the second year.
On successful completion, graduates of the Foundation Degree Early Years can choose to ‘top up’ their qualification to a full Bachelor’s degree. You have up to five years after completing the Foundation Degree to progress onto a suitable top-up programme.
This programme has been developed, delivered and assessed by Cardinal Newman College. The qualification is awarded and quality assured by Middlesex University. On successful completion, you will receive a Middlesex University award and the College follows Middlesex University policies and academic standards.
What is the Early Years Foundation Degree?
Cardinal Newman College’s work-based Early Years Foundation Degree is designed for anyone who is working, or planning to work, with children aged 0–5 years. This includes roles within the Early Years Foundation Stage, other early years settings and work with children and young people with SEND.
Students are encouraged to gain experience across the full 0–5 age range wherever possible during the course.
Key features of the Foundation Degree Early Years include:
- Learning, teaching and assessment linked directly to workplace experience
- A requirement to be working or volunteering in a relevant role for at least one day per week
- Practical experience that supports classroom learning and future career progression
- Guidance and support to help secure a suitable work placement, if needed
The course is designed to help students build both academic knowledge and practical skills. This supportive approach works well if you are returning to education after a break, or if you want a clear introduction to the expectations of higher education.
What Will I Study on the Early Years Foundation Degree?
The Early Years Foundation Degree is a full-time, work-based programme delivered at College every Wednesday during term time. Teaching takes place from 1.00pm to 7.30pm, for 33 weeks each year. Students study at Level 4 in the first year and progress to Level 5 in the second year.
A key strength of this Foundation Degree Early Years is the integration of study with work or volunteering. Students are required to be in a relevant role that supports children in an educational setting alongside their studies. This approach makes higher education more accessible for those who wish to remain in employment and ensures that all teaching, learning and assessment directly relate to real workplace practice.
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Level 4 – Year 1 |
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Module Code |
Module Title |
Credits |
Delivery |
|
FEY 4:1 |
Study skills |
20 |
Year Long |
|
FEY 4:2 |
An Introduction to Research |
20 |
Term 2 |
|
FEY 4:3 |
The Developing Child |
20 |
Term 1 |
|
FEY 4:5 |
Supporting the Curriculum |
40 |
Year Long |
|
FEY 4:4 |
Effective Leadership |
20 |
Term 2 |
|
Level 5 – Year 2 |
|||
|
Module Code |
Module Title |
Credits |
Delivery |
|
FEY 5:1 |
Inclusive Education |
20 |
Term 1 |
|
FEY 5:2 |
Safeguarding, working with families and professionals. |
20 |
Term 1 |
|
FEY 5:3 |
Research Project |
40 |
Year Long |
|
FEY 5:5 |
Understanding and Managing Human Behaviour. |
20 |
Term 2 |
|
FEY 5:4 |
Social Pedagogy |
20 |
Term 2 |
How Will I Be Assessed?
There are no examinations on the Early Years Foundation Degree. Instead, assessment is designed to reflect both academic study and professional practice.
You will be assessed through a range of methods, including:
- Essays and reports
- Individual and group presentations
- Case studies and research projects
- Work-based assignments linked to your role
Using a variety of assessment approaches helps you develop key transferable skills, such as communication, research and critical thinking, which are valued in early years and education settings.
What are the Entry Requirements for the Early Years Foundation Diploma?
Cardinal Newman College operates a flexible admissions policy and considers each application individually.
A typical offer may include:
- Two A-Levels, two BTECs, or an NVQ
- GCSE English and Maths at grade C (4) or above, or equivalent
- A clear Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check
Applications are assessed holistically, taking into account qualifications, relevant work experience and your personal statement.
Mature applicants without traditional qualifications may still be accepted through Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL), based on previous academic, professional, or vocational experience.
What are the course fees for the Early Years Foundation Degree?
Course fees are £6,185 per year. Tuition fee loans are available and you may also be eligible for maintenance loans, depending on your circumstances.
For support and guidance, you can:
- Read the Support & Fees for University Courses information on our website
- Visit the Student Loans Company on GOV.UK for loan details
Fees for future academic years are published on the website each March. They may increase annually, usually in line with inflation. For two-year Foundation Degrees, any increase would also apply to the second year of study.
For more information about the Foundation Degree Early Years, please contact:
- Kathy Salisbury, Assistant Principal (HE and T Levels)
- ksalisbury@cardinalnewman.ac.uk