This early childhood studies foundation degree provides a challenging, broad-based, employability led curriculum relevant to the holistic needs of early years and education professionals.Gain a socio-ecological understanding of the interdisciplinary nature of early childhood, to enable you to comprehend and evaluate pedagogical approaches to professional early years practice.
Study Aims
The aim of the Foundation Degree in Early Childhood Studies is to provide you with a contextualised programme of study facilitating a socio-ecological understanding of the interdisciplinary nature of early childhood. This will enable you to comprehend and evaluate pedagogical approaches to professional early years practice. Upon completion, the expectation is that you will understand what it means to be an advocate for young children’s rights and participation recognising that young children are active co-constructors in their own play and learning.
Modules Studied
Level 4
Teaching and Assessment
You will take part in the following to develop your learning and understanding of early childhood:
A virtual learning environment is used effectively across modules to support your learning experience. This includes the use of interactive materials, such as case studies, observational videos, discussion threads and use of online marking and feedback tools. Pastoral support is a key feature of the programme, and these are provided through a variety of mechanisms.
Industry Links
This degree course provides a challenging, broad-based, employability led curriculum relevant to the holistic needs of early years and education professionals. It reflects the current and projected requirements of the local early years and primary sector in County Durham through collaboration of the programme lead with a number of local early years organisations.
Placement
Work experience is a crucial aspect of the degree course, to ensure you have opportunities to reflect on your knowledge and skills in the workplace. You will not be assessed during your work placement.
Entry Criteria
What are the next steps?
The interview will require you to complete a written assessment and formal interview. During the discussion you will: identify and explain prior experience, professional, personal, or voluntary work; explain your motivation for undertaking the course and areas of interest within the programme, evidence your perceived ability to cope academically and transition into higher education, and your key qualities and attributes to work in the sector in line with values-based recruitment; show evidence of qualifications obtained and a clear DBS.
Please bring the following with you: Copy of Academic certificates, employment/placement details within the early years/child care sector and confirmation for the setting to support your studies together with two satisfactory references. Please ensure that you understand the process of securing funding through student finance.
On arrival please report to the NCD University Centre Reception where one of the team will greet you.