This is a three year part-time Higher Education programme, which provides progression for those who have a Level 3 qualification (in a childcare related subject) and relevant work experience. This can be reduced to two and half years through the process of Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).

It is equivalent to the first two years of a full degree, and has been developed taking into account current government guidelines and initiatives to develop Early Years educators within a professional context in order to improve outcomes for children and their families.

What the course leads to

What courses can I do after this? 

Upon completion and achievement of FdA Early Years Services at The College, students can apply for a Level 6 top-up degree to gain a BA Hons degree. We deliver a BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies at The College in partnership with the University of Wolverhampton or students can apply to other institutions to complete their BA (Hons) degree.

Following this, students can enrol onto a teacher training programme (Early Years Teachers, Primary, Post compulsory, SCITT, PGCE) or a Masters qualification at various Higher Education institutions in Social Work or other specialised fields.

What do I need to apply

To do this course you should have... 

  • Level 3 qualification (NVQ level three, NNEB diploma, BTEC National Diploma, Diploma in Child Care and Education).
  • One/two years' experience working with children and families, or in a long term voluntary placement.
  • Enhanced DBS check.

If you meet the entry requirements, you will be invited to attend an informal interview.

International entry requirements 

If you are not from an English Language speaking country, you will need to have a minimum of UKVI IELTS 6.0. We accept a wide range of academic qualifications awarded overseas and use the UK NARIC (National Academic Recognition Information Centre) guidelines for international comparisons.

For tuition and accommodation fees please visit www.thecollege.co.uk/international/courses/tuition-fees and our International Operations team can offer you advice and guidance before and during your studies.

Course costs

Costs 

£4110 academic year 23/24. Fees are subject to annual review

Students who are eligible, can apply for a student loan with Student Finance.

Bursaries towards the course may be available from the local Early Years partnership where you work (please enquire directly with them).

Please note fees are made payable directly to the University of Wolverhampton.

International Fees 

For tuition and accommodation fees please visit www.thecollege.co.uk/international/courses/tuition-fees and our International Operations team can offer you advice and guidance before and during your studies.

Course content

Course Content 

In Year 1, you will explore how children and young people develop and examine safeguarding, including a focus on wellbeing. You will also study the theory behind the importance of the role of play and leisure.

During your second year you will look at children, families and society in a wider social context. You will also examine curricula frameworks and explore theoretical approaches to learning.

In Year 3, you will develop your research skills as you learn how to study children and young people. You will also further enhance your understanding of the social impact that families and communities have on children and young people.

There are modules in Year 1 and Year 2 to engage in practical work-based investigations that lead to quality improvement strategies and engage purposefully with reflective thinking.

More info

Start Day/Time 

September 2023

Will be delivered on a Thursday 2pm till 8pm

 

 

Duration 

3 Years

Attendance 

Part-time

UCAS Code 

N/A

Campus Code 

P

Qualification Name 

Foundation Degree

Institution 

Bournemouth & Poole College

Awarding Body 

University of Wolverhampton

More about the course 

Applications for this part-time course should be made directly to The Bournemouth & Poole College and not via the UCAS process.

Please note, this course is 2.5 years with successful RPL. Without RPL, you will need to complete a further 2 modules.

Please contact the Programme Leader Helen Kettley, kettleyh@bpc.ac.uk or Dawn Lock at lockd@bpc.ac.uk  for further information.

 

We are holding a course information evening at our North Road campus on 4th July 2023 @ 6pm.

If you want to reserve your place on this information evening or discuss this course in more detail, please provide your contact details through the forms link below.

https://forms.office.com/e/JrY50mFZHP 

 

Academic Year 

2024/25

Duration 

3 Years

Attendance 

Part-time

UCAS Code 

N/A

Campus Code 

P

Qualification Name 

Foundation Degree

Institution 

Bournemouth & Poole College

Awarding Body 

University of Wolverhampton