HIGHER EDUCATION

Early Years Foundation Degree

What is the Early Years Foundation Degree?

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The Early Years Foundation Degree is validated by Middlesex University, it was developed and is delivered and assessed by Cardinal Newman College but the degree is awarded by and quality assured by the University. The college follows Middlesex University Regulations.

A Foundation Degree is a stand-alone qualification and represents the first two years of an Honours degree, level 4 in year one level 5 in year 2. Graduates of the Foundation Degree can choose to ‘top up’ their qualification to a full Bachelors degree of their choice and have a period of 5 years to do this after successful completion.

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Who is it for?

This work-based Early Years Foundation Degree is designed for  anyone who is working or is interested in working with children from 0-5 years within the Early Years Foundation Stage or children of this age in other settings or with children and young people with SEND. We encourage students to try to gain as much experience as possible working with children across this age range throughout the course.

All learning, teaching and assessment is related to student’s experiences in the workplace, so we expect students to be working or volunteering in a role relevant to this degree for at least one day a week throughout the course.  This practical experience is extremely valuable to support classroom study and graduate progression opportunities. We provide assistance and guidance where if required to find student work placements.

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This degree is especially designed and delivered to support all students to develop and build their academic and their practical knowledge and skills.  This approach is particularly useful if you are returning to education after a break as well as serving as a fantastic introduction to the academic expectations of Higher Education for those who have more recently studied.

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How much time will I spend in the classroom?

This full-time work-based degree is delivered every Wednesday, term time only, from 1pm to 7.30pm, for 33 weeks each year. This model enables students to work or volunteer alongside their study which is such a valuable aspect of this degree.

How will I be assessed?

On this course, there are no examinations. You will be assessed through a combination of strategies including essays, reports, individual and group presentations, case studies, research reports and work-based assignments. By using a variety of different assessment methods we aim to enable the development of key transferable skills into the workplace.

Learning and Teaching Methods >

What will I study?

At level 4, in year one the modules include: Study Skills for Effective Work-Based Learning, The Developing Child and Applying the Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage.

At level 5, in year two the modules include Inclusive Education, Safeguarding, Social Pedagogy and Work-based learning project.

What are the requirements?

We operate a flexible admissions policy and treat all prospective students as individuals. Our typical offer is two A levels, two BTEC’s or NVQ together with GCSE maths and English grade C (4) or above or an equivalent qualification and a clear Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Scheme (DBS). We will take into consideration all prospective student’s learning / educational achievements, the application as a whole, work experience and the personal statement.

Mature students without traditional qualifications may be accepted on the basis of previous academic, professional, vocational or experiential learning, known as Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) CNC-Student-Transfer-Arrangements-APEL-APL.pdf (cardinalnewman.ac.uk)

Course Fees

Course fees are £6,165 per annum and tuition fee loans are available for this course, plus other maintenance loans depending on individual eligibility. Further information and guidance is available on our website Support & Fees for University Courses or from the Student Loans Company Student Loans Company – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

For more information about the Foundation Degree in Early Years, please contact Assistant Principal HE and T Levels, Kathy Salisbury.

T: 01772 460181

E: ksalisbury@cardinalnewman.ac.uk

This programme was developed and is delivered
and assessed by Cardinal Newman College, awarded by and
quality assured by Middlesex University.