Course overview

If you are an enthusiastic and committed early years professional with a desire to continue to develop, this course will be right for you. You will have good levels of written and spoken English and be good with numbers. You will also need to acquire good computer skills, but you will have IT training and full access to our computer suites. Personal tutors assist with directing you to accessing support you may find helpful, which is available from many sources.

Some students are able to apply to start in Year 2, with advanced standing if they have an NVQ4 or equivalent or can demonstrate they meet the learning outcomes from extensive experience in the work place. 

You must be working in a practice (paid or voluntary) for at least 12 hours per week and have a minimum of one year's work experience. An NVQ3 or equivalent level of study will enable you to gain entry to this course. GCSE English and Maths would be desirable. In general, your academic potential, willingness to learn and ability to make a positive contribution are important to us.

You will need to have a genuine interest in the subjects to derive maximum benefit from the course. A key component of this degree is the application of the ideas and information you learn in the taught sessions in your work place.

Why study at the University of Portsmouth?

Portsmouth has a well-established reputation for providing stimulating and rewarding courses. Our tutors are committed practitioners, who will guide you through your study. Use of specialists from the early years sector ensures that you will receive up to date knowledge and expertise.

Alternatively you can choose to study the same course at one of our partner Further Education Colleges:

• Alton College
• St Vincent College (Gosport)

This enables access to local provision and a range of delivery options in the region from daytime to twilight sessions.

Central tutors will provide generic skills and subject-specific guidance, careers management and Personal Development Planning, enabling you to learn how to manage and evaluate your studies and work-based learning to develop your professional practice.

Those enrolled at the partner colleges will have on-site support within their centres but can also access resources at the University if required.

How much will it cost?

Current course fees are given by our Course Fee Calculator. However, you may be eligible for a waiver. For further information, please contact the Student Finance Centre on Tel. +44 (0)23 9284 3014.

Some local authorities may provide funding support. Please check in your local area.

Course content

Over the three years of the course you will consider your practice and develop your knowledge in:

• child development and learning
• planning and organising the curriculum
• working with others

There will also be opportunities to improve personal skills related to your work-based setting and academic requirements.

Professional development runs throughout the three years of the degree, giving you the opportunity to link your study and work. Part of the course is facilitated through an online environment so it is helpful for you to have access to a computer and the internet when starting to study. There are, however, plenty of facilities within the University for you to use should you not have a computer at home. 

The first year of study concentrates on practice related to working with children; we look at aspects of play and learning, planning the curriculum, managing individuals and groups as well as inclusion. In the second year we look at the impact of working with others through professional collaboration and safeguarding children, as well as working with parents. We also study the impact of ICT on children's learning and develop some research skills.

The final year of study enables you to conduct a small practitioner enquiry related to an area of practice that is of interest and relevance within the workplace. We develop further understanding of the child through exploring cognitive and psycho-social development and you will review your own practice and learning that has occurred over the three-year programme.

Teaching and assessment

This course is part time and students attend their study centre for the equivalent of a four-hour session per week during term time. These sessions are arranged so that students can benefit from working in groups as well as attending presentations and lectures.

Lectures provide a basic grounding in a particular topic, regular group seminars and discussions allow for opportunities to explore ideas and share good practice. One-to-one tutorials will help develop learning and key skills and will be instrumental in monitoring your progress. Additionally, some topics will be taught through distance learning via the online learning environment.

Students are encouraged to find a workplace mentor who will also support you in your practice by acting as a critical friend in your reflection and thinking about personal and professional development.

Coursework assessment takes a variety of different forms including case studies, reflective reports, essays, presentations and group work. You will be provided with clear assessment criteria for all your assignments and tutorial support to help you understand academic requirements.

Career prospects

As well as developing your skills in your current workplace, the FdA Early Years and Education is good preparation for the BA Education and Training Studies, a part-time top-up which offers the opportunity to gain an honours degree in education and training.  The skills and knowledge gained in this course may also prepare the way for entry into teacher training through PGCE or SCITT programmes, or to Early Years Professional Status.

Facilities and features

Portsmouth has a reputation for providing a supportive and friendly atmosphere in which its students can quickly settle and enjoy their studies. You will have access to a full range of support services for personal issues and academic study. Personal tutors will help you access the support you may find helpful, while you will also have access to appropriate University resources, including our main library and computing facilities, which are open seven days a week.

The School of Education and Continuing Studies staff are all experts in a range of appropriate subject specialisms. Their enthusiasm and motivation means you will get the most out of your time with us.

Entry requirements

View all the entry requirements for FdA Early Years Care and Education for the academic year 2013/14 (opens in new window).