FdA
Early Years Care and Education
Relate and apply your learning directly to the workplace
Course Overview
Why take this course?
If you are an enthusiastic and committed early years professional with a desire to continue to develop, this course will be right for you. Designed in direct response to the government’s increasing focus on early years learning, it is endorsed by the Early Years sector and can lead into an honours degree programme.
A key component of this degree is the application of the ideas and information you learn in the taught sessions in your workplace.
What will I experience?
On this course you can:
- Apply the ideas and information gained in the course to your workplace, and vice versa
- Choose to study in partner Further Education colleges, Alton College, St Vincent College and Southampton City College
- Enter in the second year, if you have the right experience or qualifications
What opportunities might it lead to?
You will already be working within early years, on a paid or voluntary basis, when you begin this course. Your work-based learning will be developed and formalised in your studies with us. As you review your own practice and knowledge, you will enhance your prospects in this field, you may also wish to consider progression to an honours degree.
Online discussions with colleagues have been very valuable and I have confidently taken part in them. The online resources have been very useful and help is never very far away.
Diane McEwan, education student
Key Facts
- Duration
- 3 years part time
- Entry
Please refer to the department. NVQ Level 3 in Early Years or equivalent. Formal qualifications, life long learning and experience are also considered.
Other qualifications- Fees
UK/EU/Channel Islands and Isle of Man students: £4,000 p/a*
Students at franchise colleges: Please contact Academic Registry on 023 9284 5259
*Please note that all fees are subject to annual increase.- Contact
- secs.enquiries@port.ac.uk
+44 (0)23 9284 5204 - Department
- School of Education and Continuing Studies
Subject:
Education, Childhood and Youth Studies
Find out what our students say about studying at Portsmouth, including:
- Hands-on opportunities to work in a relevant educational setting
- The support available to all students
- The flexibility of unit options that enable you to tailor your study to your own interests
Browse all courses in Education, Childhood and Youth Studies
Structure & Teaching
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.
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.
How are you assessed?
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.
Facilities & Features
SECS
School of Education and Continuing Studies
Academic Skills Unit (ASK)
ASK will help you become a successful university student
University Library
Modern, comfortable and a great learning environment
Study in SECS
The School comprises a body of enthusiastic staff with a range of expertise in the professional and academic sectors. We offer a welcoming learning environment, in a location near the heart of town, the student buildings and the sea front.
Academic Skills Unit (ASK)
ASK will help you become a successful university student. Our workshops are designed to improve a number of essential academic skills from essay writing and understanding plagiarism to revision and exam techniques. This is a great way to enhance your academic performance and make a smooth transition into university study.
University Library
Modern, comfortable and a great learning environment, our library offers a wealth of information including 400,000 books, DVDs, maps and thousands of online ejournals and newspapers. Many electronic resources are available anywhere, 24/7 and our friendly staff are always on hand to help.
Careers & Opportunities
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.
Work experience
Professional development runs throughout the three years of the degree, giving you the opportunity to link your study and work.
Career planning
6.04 minutes
Finding a job is a competitive business, but the statistics show that 89 per cent of our 2011graduates went into employment, further study or training within six months of finishing their degrees.
To make sure you take the right steps on your career path, we’re here to give you help, support and advice throughout your study. Even after you’ve graduated, we continue to give you support for up to five years.
Employers tell us that they want graduates to be able to demonstrate certain skills when they come out of university. Our courses take account of this. We make sure we prepare you for employment through work-related learning, projects, placements and working in simulated environments that are designed to prepare you for the working world.