UCAS code
X310Mode of Study
Full-timeDuration
2 years full-timeStart date
September 2023, September 2024Accredited
Yes
Still looking to start studying in September 2023? Visit our Clearing Hub to find out how.
Overview
The early years are all-important when it comes to nurturing a child's curiosity, confidence and love of learning.
If you currently work with young children in an educational setting, have a level 3 qualification (such as a relevant Early Years NVQ), and you're looking to develop your career to university-level, this Foundation degree (FdA) in Early Years Care and Education will give you the professional recognition you need.
You’ll work with early years professionals to gain skills and knowledge that’ll serve you in helping young children realise their potential through fun, excitement and play.
You'll study at our partner college but you’ll still be a student of the University of Portsmouth, so you’ll have access to all of our facilities and support.
After the course, you'll be ready to take the next step in your career as an early years professional. You could also go on to do a Bachelor's degree such as our BA (Hons) Education Studies or use your Foundation degree to do training that leads to Qualified Teacher Status such as Early Years Teacher Training.
You can study this course full-time over two years at Isle of Wight College.
While studying at our partner college, you can access our student support services and community including study support, the Students' Union and our library's online resources.
Course highlights:
- Build your expertise as an early years professional by exploring theories and contemporary issues within education, such as curriculum planning, safeguarding and cognitive and language development
- Learn in supportive study groups, alongside other early years professionals from different backgrounds, and discover practical ways to put your new knowledge and skills to work
- Be taught by expert staff with extensive experience, using dynamic and relevant teaching methods to help you get the most out of your studies
- Have the option to begin the course in year two if you already have sufficient experience or qualifications (assessed on an individual basis)
Endorsed by:
The Foundation Degree in Early Years Care and Education has been validated by SEFDEY (Sector Endorsed Foundation Degrees in Early Years Professional Association) as meeting the criteria for Sector-Endorsement.
Entry requirements
FdA Early Years Care and Education entry requirements
Qualifications or experience
- A minimum of one Level 3 qualification, for example, a relevant Early Years NVQ.
- T levels – Pass (D or E in the Core)–Merit
Applicants are to be working in either a voluntary or paid relevant educational setting for a minimum equivalence of one day a week.
Selection process
- All applicants will need to attend an interview.
See full entry requirements and other qualifications we accept
English language requirements
- English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.0 with no component score below 5.5.
See alternative English language qualifications
We also accept other standard English tests and qualifications, as long as they meet the minimum requirements of your course.
If you don't meet the English language requirements yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
Typical offers
- A level 3 qualification, for example a relevant Early Years NVQ.
- T-levels – Pass (D or E in the core) - Merit
Acceptable T Level Subjects: T Level in Education and Childcare - Applicants are to be working in either a voluntary or paid relevant educational setting for a minimum equivalence of one day a week.
You may need to have studied specific subjects – find full entry requirements and other qualifications we accept at UCAS.
Selection process
All shortlisted applicants will be invited to attend an interview in support of their application.
English language requirements
- English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.0 with no component score below 5.5.
See alternative English language qualifications
We also accept other standard English tests and qualifications, as long as they meet the minimum requirements of your course.
If you don't meet the English language requirements yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
Careers and opportunities
This Early Years Care and Education Foundation degree (FdA) will enable you to progress in your existing career as an early years practitioner, opening up opportunities across the education sector that help shape children's younger formative years or to go on to further study, such as teacher training.
What can you do with an early years care and education foundation degree?
Once you graduate, you'll be ready to take on roles in areas such as:
- teaching assistance
- learning support assistance
- nursery management
- childcare development
You could also progress to a relevant Bachelor's top-up degree, such as BA (Hons) Education Studies (Top-Up).
Following this top-up course, you could go on to do teacher training through PGCE, SCITT or Early Years Initial Teacher Training programmes.
Ongoing career support – up to 5 years after you graduate
Get experience while you study with support to find part-time jobs, volunteering opportunities and work experience. Towards the end of your degree and after graduation, you'll get 1-to-1 support from our Graduate Recruitment Consultancy to find your perfect role.
What you'll study on this FdA Early Years Care and Education course
Each module on this course is worth a certain number of credits. You need to study modules worth a total of 120 credits each year.
Modules currently being studied
Core modules in this year include:
- Curriculum Planning and Legislation – 20 credits
- Inclusive Practice in the Early Years – 20 credits
- Practice and Pedagogy – 40 credits
- Safeguarding Children – 20 credits
- Working with Families – 20 credits
There are no optional modules in this year.
Core modules in this year include:
- Cognitive and Language Development - 20 credits
- ICT - Early Years and Development – 20 credits
- Practitioner Based Enquiry 1 – 20 credits
- Practitioner Based Enquiry 2 – 20 credits
- Social, Emotional and Mental Health Development – 20 credits
- Use of Information in Decision Making – 20 credits
There are no optional modules in this year.
Changes to course content
We use the best and most current research and professional practice alongside feedback from our students to make sure course content is relevant to your future career or further studies.
Therefore, some course content may change over time to reflect changes in the discipline or industry. If a module doesn't run, we'll let you know as soon as possible and help you choose an alternative module.
How you're assessed
You’ll be assessed through:
- case studies
- reflective reports
- essays
- presentations
- group work
You’ll be able to test your skills and knowledge informally before you do assessments that count towards your final mark.
You can get feedback on all practice and formal assessments so you can improve in the future.
Teaching
Teaching methods on this course include:
- lectures
- group activities
- seminars
- tutorials
Teaching staff profiles
Dr Nikki Fairchild
How you'll spend your time
See our partner college website for details of how you'll spend your time on this course:
Supporting your learning
Even though you'll study your course at a partner college, you'll still be a student of the University of Portsmouth.
You'll have access to support via video, phone and face-to-face from University teaching and support staff to enhance your learning experience and help you succeed. You can build your personalised network of support from the following University services:
Types of support
As well as support from faculty staff, you can use the University's Academic Skills Unit (ASK).
ASK provides one-to-one support in areas such as:
- Academic writing
- Note taking
- Time management
- Critical thinking
- Presentation skills
- Referencing
- Working in groups
- Revision, memory and exam techniques
If you have a disability or need extra support, the Additional Support and Disability Centre (ASDAC) will give you help, support and advice.
Our online Learning Well mini-course will help you plan for managing the challenges of learning and student life, so you can fulfil your potential and have a great student experience.
You can get personal, emotional and mental health support from our Student Wellbeing Service, in person and online. This includes 1–2–1 support as well as courses and workshops that help you better manage stress, anxiety or depression.
If you require extra support because of a disability or additional learning need our specialist team can help you.
They'll help you to:
- discuss and agree on reasonable adjustments
- liaise with other University services and facilities, such as the library
- access specialist study skills and strategies tutors, and assistive technology tutors, on a 1-to-1 basis or in groups
- liaise with external services
Library staff are available in person or by email, phone or online chat to help you make the most of the University’s library resources. You can also request one-to-one appointments and get support from a librarian who specialises in your subject area.
The library is open 24 hours a day, every day, in term time.
Course costs and funding
Tuition fees (2023 start)
UK/Channel Islands and Isle of Man students
- Full time – £6,165 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
Tuition fees (2024 start)
UK/Channel Islands and Isle of Man students
- Full time – £6,165 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
Funding your studies
Find out how to fund your studies, including the scholarships and bursaries you could get. You can also find more about tuition fees and living costs, including what your tuition fees cover.
Applying from outside the UK? Find out about funding options for international students.
Additional course costs
These course-related costs aren't included in the tuition fees. So you'll need to budget for them when you plan your spending.
You’ll study up to 6 modules a year. You may have to read several recommended books or textbooks for each module.
You can borrow most of these from the Library. If you buy these, they may cost up to £60 each.
We recommend that you budget £75 a year for photocopying, memory sticks, DVDs and CDs, printing charges, binding and specialist printing.
If your final year includes a major project, there could be cost for transport or accommodation related to your research activities. The amount will depend on the project you choose.
Our accommodation section show your accommodation options and highlight how much it costs to live in Portsmouth.
Apply
How to apply
To start this course in September 2023, please apply through Clearing.
Got your results? Apply online now
Alternatively, call our Clearing Hotline on +44 (0)23 9284 8074 or visit our Clearing Hub to chat with us online.
Our Clearing Hotline is open:
- 9am–5pm Monday to Thursday
- 9am–4pm Fridays
- 8am–8pm Thursday 17 August (A Level/T level results day)
- 8am–7pm Friday 18 August
- 10am–3pm Saturday 19 August
Waiting for your results?
Visit our Clearing Hub for the latest information and to request a results day call back.
International students
We welcome Clearing applications from international students and you can apply in exactly the same way as UK students do.
Applying for year 2
If you've already completed part of this course with us or another university and would like to apply for the second year, please apply here.
To start this course in 2024, apply through UCAS. You'll need:
- the UCAS course code – X310
- our institution code – P80
If you'd prefer to apply directly, use our online application form:
If you're new to the application process, read our guide on applying for an undergraduate course.
Admissions terms and conditions
When you accept an offer to study at the University of Portsmouth, you also agree to abide by our Student Contract (which includes the University's relevant policies, rules and regulations). You should read and consider these before you apply.