Early Childhood Studies

Develop your understanding of working with young children, on this two-year foundation degree course. The course is a great option for existing Early Years practitioners or those who are looking at joining the sector, whilst working with children aged 0-8 years.

Expand your understanding of the theoretical and practical elements of working with children aged 0 to 8 years. The lectures and assessment tasks will enhance your knowledge and experience of the Early Years, through teaching and discussion on a wide range of topics; from child development and learning to international perspectives and professional practice.

Alongside lectures, you will learn on the job, through participating in placement activities. Therefore you are required to have a position (paid or voluntary) in an Early Years setting.

By the end of the course you will have the knowledge to work within and support, a variety of Early Years settings. Alongside this comes an increased understanding of relevant legislation's and curricula, the importance of providing high-quality care and education to young children, and an awareness of how you can enhance young children’s experiences to support them in reaching their potential.

The courses at University Centre Peterborough are studied in smaller class sizes compared with other universities, a typical class size is under 20 students. Students will be taught one day a week each semester, over two semesters per academic year. The course duration is two academic years.

Please note - it is possible that this course may become an approved Higher Technical Qualification.

What can this course lead to? After successful completion of the FD Early Years and Education, you have the opportunity to progress to the BA (Hons) Education Studies (Top-up) course at University Centre Peterborough to obtain a full honours degree with a further year of study. Following this, many of our graduates proceed to Initial Teacher Training in order to pursue a career as a qualified teacher.

The course can lead to a broad range of future careers with a focus upon children and families.

Just some of the future careers for graduates after completing the course include:

HLTA (Higher Level Teaching Assistant) Play Therapist Early Years / Primary School Teacher Education / Nursery Management Special Needs Coordinator Family Support Worker Children’s Centre Management Education Welfare Officer Social Worker Learning Mentor Note that some careers may require further study or experience beyond the Foundation Degree.