The Foundation Degree in Early Choldhood Studies has been designed to provide students with specialist knowledge and understanding of working with 0-8 year olds. It focuses on the key theories, concepts and practical skills required to work with this age group in the primary school or other specialist early years settings. It allows practitioners in the field to enhance their qualifications and advance their careers.
Throughout the course, you will develop a deep understanding of child development and the factors that influence early childhood, exploring various aspects of child psychology, including cognitive, social, and emotional development. The curriculum will cover topics such as language and literacy development, play-based learning, inclusive practices, and the role of families and communities in supporting young children’s growth and learning.
Part-time provision runs according to regional college timetable: divided between in-class taught sessions and practical placement-based activities.
Locations
The Foundation Degree, Early Chuildhood Studies (Part-time) is available at
- South West College
- Southern Regional College
- Belfast Metropolitan College
- South Eastern Regional College
- Northern Regional College
- North West Regional College
For further information, please contact your nearest Regional College.
The modules below illustrate the current curriculum available over the 3 year Foundation Degree in Early Childhood Studies degree. However, courses are subject to change.
Year 1
- Child Development
- Learning Through Play
- Professional Practice 1
- Study Skills
- Perspectives on Childhood
Year 2
- The Acquisition of Language and Communication Skills
- Quality Provision in Early Years
- Safeguarding Children
- Professional Practice 1/2
- Developing Skills and Strategies for Managing Children’s Behaviour
Year 3
-
- Professional Practice 2
- Anti Discriminatory Practice and Inclusion in the Early Years Environment
- Working with Children with Additional Needs
- Working with Babies 0-3 years
- Science and Technology in the Early Years
For further details and information on the programme structure, please click on the regional college Early Childhood Studies pages below:
South West College
Southern Regional College
Belfast Metropolitan College
South Eastern Regional College
Northern Regional College
North West Regional College
Applicants must be at least 18 years of age on or before 1st July in the year of proposed entry to the course.
Applicants must also have attained one of the following:
GCSE requirements
Grade C or above in English and Mathematics or equivalent approved qualifications (Level 2 Essential Skills in Communication is acceptable in lieu of a grade C in GCSE English Language, however Level 2 Application of Number cannot be substituted for GCSE Mathematics)
A Level
CC
Level 3 CCLD
Pass
BTEC Extended Diploma
MMM
CACHE Extended Diploma
Overall grade C – Children’s Care, Learning and Development
Irish leaving certificate requirements
H5H5H5H5H5 to include English and Mathematics. If English/Mathematics is studied at Ordinary Level, then a minimum O4 is required.
Applications for the part-time option should be made directly to the Regional College.
An Early Childhood Studies degree provides the essential knowledge and experience for those working with young children in a variety of establishments including:
Early Years Organisations
Nursery and Primary Schools
Centres Associated With The Early Years Organisation
Toy and Book Libraries
Creches / Daycare Centre
Parent and Toddler Groups
Childcare And Family Centres
Sure Start
Tuition Fees
For fees for Foundation Degree courses, please contact the relevant Regional College.
Additional Course Costs
There may be extra costs which are not covered by tuition fees, which students will need to consider when planning their studies. Students can borrow books and access online learning resources from the Library. However, if students wish to purchase recommended texts, rather than borrow them from the Library, prices per text typically range from £30 to £100. Students should also budget between £30 to £75 per year for photocopying, memory sticks and printing charges. There are also additional charges for graduation ceremonies, examination resits and library fines. Enhanced AccessNI checks are made directly with the individual Colleges.
How will I study?
Part-time provision runs according to regional college timetable: in addition to lectures, tutorials, workshops and individual/group projects, you will undertake a programme of work placement.
Who will be teaching me?
You will be taught, assessed and supported by an exceptional team of experienced practitioners, in the Regional College and whilst on placement, including primary school teachers, social workers and early years practitioners, with a wealth of knowledge and expertise in their fields.
How will I be assessed?
Modules are assessed through a combination of assignments, presentations and exams as well as placement reports.
Who will be teaching me?
You will be taught, assessed and supported by an exceptional team of experienced practitioners, inthe Regional College and whilst on placement, including primary school teachers, social workers and early years practitioners, with a wealth of knowledge and expertise in their fields.
How will I be assessed?
Modules are assessed through a combination of coursework, presentations, posters, exams and portfolio work. There is a strong emphasis on the links between coursework and work placement in this programme.
A number of quality assurance processes are used to monitor the reliability of grading. This includes marking by the tutor delivering the module, internal cross marking by another tutor in the college, cross college moderation by other regional colleges delivering this qualification, and moderation by an external examiner.
Progression
Graduates who achieve the desired academic standard may be eligible for progression to year 2 of the BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies degree [full-time or part-time] at Stranmillis University College.
The Foundation Degree in Early Choldhood Studies has been designed to provide students with specialist knowledge and understanding of working with 0-8 year olds. It focuses on the key theories, concepts and practical skills required to work with this age group in the primary school or other specialist early years settings. It allows practitioners in the field to enhance their qualifications and advance their careers.
Throughout the course, you will develop a deep understanding of child development and the factors that influence early childhood, exploring various aspects of child psychology, including cognitive, social, and emotional development. The curriculum will cover topics such as language and literacy development, play-based learning, inclusive practices, and the role of families and communities in supporting young children’s growth and learning.
Part-time provision runs according to regional college timetable: divided between in-class taught sessions and practical placement-based activities.
Locations
The Foundation Degree, Early Chuildhood Studies (Part-time) is available at
- South West College
- Southern Regional College
- Belfast Metropolitan College
- South Eastern Regional College
- Northern Regional College
- North West Regional College
For further information, please contact your nearest Regional College.
The modules below illustrate the current curriculum available over the 3 year Foundation Degree in Early Childhood Studies degree. However, courses are subject to change.
Year 1
- Child Development
- Learning Through Play
- Professional Practice 1
- Study Skills
- Perspectives on Childhood
Year 2
- The Acquisition of Language and Communication Skills
- Quality Provision in Early Years
- Safeguarding Children
- Professional Practice 1/2
- Developing Skills and Strategies for Managing Children’s Behaviour
Year 3
-
- Professional Practice 2
- Anti Discriminatory Practice and Inclusion in the Early Years Environment
- Working with Children with Additional Needs
- Working with Babies 0-3 years
- Science and Technology in the Early Years
For further details and information on the programme structure, please click on the regional college Early Childhood Studies pages below:
South West College
Southern Regional College
Belfast Metropolitan College
South Eastern Regional College
Northern Regional College
North West Regional College
Applicants must be at least 18 years of age on or before 1st July in the year of proposed entry to the course.
Applicants must also have attained one of the following:
GCSE requirements
Grade C or above in English and Mathematics or equivalent approved qualifications (Level 2 Essential Skills in Communication is acceptable in lieu of a grade C in GCSE English Language, however Level 2 Application of Number cannot be substituted for GCSE Mathematics)
A Level
CC
Level 3 CCLD
Pass
BTEC Extended Diploma
MMM
CACHE Extended Diploma
Overall grade C – Children’s Care, Learning and Development
Irish leaving certificate requirements
H5H5H5H5H5 to include English and Mathematics. If English/Mathematics is studied at Ordinary Level, then a minimum O4 is required.
Applications for the part-time option should be made directly to the Regional College.
An Early Childhood Studies degree provides the essential knowledge and experience for those working with young children in a variety of establishments including:
Early Years Organisations
Nursery and Primary Schools
Centres Associated With The Early Years Organisation
Toy and Book Libraries
Creches / Daycare Centre
Parent and Toddler Groups
Childcare And Family Centres
Sure Start
Tuition Fees
For fees for Foundation Degree courses, please contact the relevant Regional College.
Additional Course Costs
There may be extra costs which are not covered by tuition fees, which students will need to consider when planning their studies. Students can borrow books and access online learning resources from the Library. However, if students wish to purchase recommended texts, rather than borrow them from the Library, prices per text typically range from £30 to £100. Students should also budget between £30 to £75 per year for photocopying, memory sticks and printing charges. There are also additional charges for graduation ceremonies, examination resits and library fines. Enhanced AccessNI checks are made directly with the individual Colleges.
How will I study?
Part-time provision runs according to regional college timetable: in addition to lectures, tutorials, workshops and individual/group projects, you will undertake a programme of work placement.
Who will be teaching me?
You will be taught, assessed and supported by an exceptional team of experienced practitioners, in the Regional College and whilst on placement, including primary school teachers, social workers and early years practitioners, with a wealth of knowledge and expertise in their fields.
How will I be assessed?
Modules are assessed through a combination of assignments, presentations and exams as well as placement reports.
Who will be teaching me?
You will be taught, assessed and supported by an exceptional team of experienced practitioners, inthe Regional College and whilst on placement, including primary school teachers, social workers and early years practitioners, with a wealth of knowledge and expertise in their fields.
How will I be assessed?
Modules are assessed through a combination of coursework, presentations, posters, exams and portfolio work. There is a strong emphasis on the links between coursework and work placement in this programme.
A number of quality assurance processes are used to monitor the reliability of grading. This includes marking by the tutor delivering the module, internal cross marking by another tutor in the college, cross college moderation by other regional colleges delivering this qualification, and moderation by an external examiner.
Progression
Graduates who achieve the desired academic standard may be eligible for progression to year 2 of the BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies degree [full-time or part-time] at Stranmillis University College.