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FdA Early Years (West Herts College)
Key information
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Typical offer:
Entry requirements -
Fees: See below
Full details -
Institute code: H36
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This course is up for periodic review
To ensure this course continues to be cutting-edge and enables you to be ready for the modern workplace, it is due to be reviewed by December 2024.
Our website will typically be updated within a month of the review confirming any enhancements, including:
- module titles (and whether they are core or optional)
- expected contact hours
- assessment methods
- staff teaching on the course
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Entry requirements
The University of Hertfordshire is committed to welcoming students with a wide range of qualifications and levels of experience. The entry requirements listed on the course pages provide a guide to the minimum level of qualifications needed to study each course. However, we have a flexible approach to admissions and each application will be considered on an individual basis.
Standard entry requirements
UCAS points A Level BTEC 48 Points to come from relevant a relevant qualification such as Level 3 CACHE certificate or significant relevant work experience, satisfactory reference, evidence of current DBS and interview Equivalent qualifications including BTEC, IB and Access courses accepted Additional requirements
GCSE: Grade 3/D in English Language and Mathematics
At least one satisfactory reference from an employer or workplace manager (part-time applicants) or an employer, workplace manager or tutor (full-time applicants). You are also required to provide evidence of a current enhanced DBS.
You will be required to attend a guidance interview for this programme.
The University of Hertfordshire is committed to welcoming students with a wide range of qualifications and levels of experience. The entry requirements listed on the course pages provide a guide to the minimum level of qualifications needed to study each course. However, we have a flexible approach to admissions and each application will be considered on an individual basis.
UCAS points A Level BTEC 48 DD PPP Additional requirements
GCSE: Grade 4 in English Language and 3 in Mathematics
At least one satisfactory reference from an employer or workplace manager (part-time applicants) or an employer, workplace manager or tutor (full-time applicants). You are also required to provide evidence of a current enhanced DBS.
You will be required to attend a guidance interview for this programme.
The University of Hertfordshire is committed to welcoming students with a wide range of qualifications and levels of experience. The entry requirements listed on the course pages provide a guide to the minimum level of qualifications needed to study each course. However, we have a flexible approach to admissions and each application will be considered on an individual basis.
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Level 4
Module Credits Compulsory/optional Perspectives on Early Years - WHC 30 Credits Compulsory In this module, students will explore key features of early childhood both nationally and internationally. Students will be able to examine key concepts affecting young children and their families around the world and in the UK. Early Years policy and practice - WHC 30 Credits Compulsory This module aims to develop knowledge and understanding of policy and practice within the Early Years sector. In addition, students will develop an awareness of: • Equality of opportunity • Anti-discriminatory practice • Inclusive practice • Children's rights • Health and safety • Data protection • British values Play and Learning - WHC 30 Credits Compulsory This module takes an experiential learning approach and you will explore a range of early years play environments and reflect on comparisons made. Students will explore key features of play and the role of the adults in supporting play. Students will be expected to visit another setting during this module. Reflect on practice and pedagogy in relation to play and learning. The Developing Child - WHC 30 Credits Compulsory In this module, students will explore the development and learning of children. Students will focus on personal, social, communication, emotional, physical, cognitive and spiritual development with reference to inclusive practice and holistic development. Observations will be used to develop students understanding and implementation of evidence based and ethical practice in their area. Students will be able to apply the skills gained and reflect on their effectiveness and application of knowledge. -
Level 5
Module Credits Compulsory/optional SEND - WHC 30 Credits Compulsory This module aims to develop student's initial research skills in relation to SEND in Early Years. Ethical considerations will be explored in relation to conducting research with children. In addition students will review existing literature concerned to an identified area of SEND to gain an awareness of the use of research to inform practice. They will engage in independent study relating to their chosen area of SEND in Early Years. Wellbeing - WHC 30 Credits Compulsory This module will investigate current and emerging theory and policy regarding the wellbeing of children and the implications for practice in the Early Years. Leadership and Management - WHC 30 Credits Compulsory This module will focus on developing the student's ability to assume a leadership and management role in an Early Years setting. Students will plan and implement a staff development activity with a group of practitioners and reflect on the process and outcome. Collaborative practice - WHC 30 Credits Compulsory This module will focus on developing the student's ability to reflect upon their role and awareness of the roles of other professionals in an integrated team. In addition, a range of communication strategies will be developed enabling effective communication within an integrated team.
Why choose this course?
This Foundation Degree has been designed in full consultation with employers and is for those who already have some relevant experience on which to build.
Further Information
Find out more about the Foundation degree in Early Years and related Foundation degrees accredited by the University of Hertfordshire.
What's the course about?
If you've got experience in childcare and would like to build on this by gaining a qualification, our Foundation degree in Early Years is designed for you. It's been developed in full consultation with employers.
Progression routes
On successful completion of the Foundation Degree in Early Years, students are able to progress onto the BA (Hons) Early Childhood Education and BA (Hons) Education.
What will I study?
Students will be actively involved in a range of learning, teaching and assessment as part of the Foundation Degree in Early Years. Such active approaches aim to put students at the centre of their learning and they will be involved and engaged in all aspects of their assessment and learning. High expectations will be communicated to each student to promote a self-filling prophecy to perform to the highest standard.
Diversity of opportunity for students to demonstrate their talents and strengths will be provided across the programme. Hence, a variety of approaches to learning and teaching will be utilised to reflect the academic level, session content and outcomes.
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What's next for my career?
When you successfully complete this Foundation Degree, you'll be able to progress to the Final Year of the BA (Hons) Early Childhood Education course at the University of Hertfordshire. Alternatively, you may seek the opportunity to progress into employment - for example; management, advisory work, therapeutic service, community projects, social care and work with children and families.
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Further information - includes assessment method
Course fact sheets Foundation Degree in Early Years - WHC Download Programme specifications Foundation Degree in Early Years - WHC Download Additional information Sandwich placement or study abroad year
n/a
Applications open to international and EU students
No Course length
- Part Time, 2 Years
Location
- West Herts College
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How to apply?
2024
Start Date End Date Year Location Link 15/09/2024 30/09/2025 1 West Herts College Apply online (Part Time) 2025
Start Date End Date Year Location Link 15/09/2025 30/09/2026 1 West Herts College Apply online (Part Time) -
Fees and funding
Fees 2024
UK Students
Part time
- £770 per 15 credits for the 2024/2025 academic year
*Tuition fees are charged annually. The fees quoted above are for the specified year(s) only. Fees may be higher in future years, for both new and continuing students. Please see the University’s Fees and Finance Policy (and in particular the section headed “When tuition fees change”), for further information about when and by how much the University may increase its fees for future years.
View detailed information about tuition fees
Read more about additional fees in the course fact sheet
Other financial support
Find out more about other financial support available to UK and EU students
Living costs / accommodation
The University of Hertfordshire offers a great choice of student accommodation, on campus or nearby in the local area, to suit every student budget.