Professional Studies (Early Childhood) Foundation Degree

This work-focussed Foundation Degree is a combination of practice-based learning and campus-based sessions, which run once a week so that you are still able to continue in employment throughout the duration of the course. It is designed to improve your personal and professional communication skills and will increase your knowledge and understanding of how children learn by developing new ways of working and challenging existing assumptions.

You will learn though lectures, seminars and workshops, alongside visiting speakers from the sector which will provide opportunities for you to discuss, question and challenge.

Typically one of the below:

• Level 3 Diploma

• Level 3 NVQ

• Access to Higher Education Programmes

• Equivalent Level 3 subject/​vocational qualifications

Plus a work requirement of:

• Typically, a minimum of one year’s experience in practice, of at least two days a week in a relevant role, plus ongoing practice of 12 hours per week in a relevant role throughout the duration of the course

• Written support from your workplace

• A successful interview

A variety of assessment methods are used including presentations, written assignments such as essays and reports and portfolios of work-focused learning. All assessments enable you to relate theory to practice.

£6,500 per year

Many of our Foundation Degree graduates take on higher level roles, specialising in areas such as family liaison, special educational needs, managing settings in early years, mentoring or roles in the wider community and with local authorities.

Successful completion of this course will provide you with the qualifications required to ​‘top-up’ to a full Bachelor’s Degree at university in just one year. Tailored progression routes, which allow you to continue to work and study, are available at Bishop Grosseteste University.

Acceptance on to these courses is at the discretion of the institution offering the top-up.

Year 1

• Tools for Learning (Core)
• The Individual in Society (Core)
• Philosophies, Policy and Provision (Core)
• Collaborative Practice (Core)

Year 2

• Supporting Learning in Early Years (Pathway)
• Inclusion (Core)
• Rights of the Child in Early Years Practice (Pathway)
• Practitioner Research (Core)

Our Professional Studies Foundation Degree courses are designed to be studied without you having to leave work – in fact, they work alongside your career.

You will have access to various study facilities including a recently refurbished Library where you’ll have access to books, journals and computers.

You will also have access to an Academic Support Tutor to assist you with your studies and careers advisors to help you with your future employment.