Early Years, Education and Practice (Work Based)

Develop your career in the early years sector with this work-based foundation degree, supported by our experienced lecturers and close-knit classes. This course starts each September and is awarded by the University of Surrey. This course:

• Is taught one afternoon/evening per week and has full-time status • Allows you to remain employed and study part-time alongside your current role • Is a two-year foundation degree, which can be converted to a full degree by completing a one-year top-up degree • Can help you to update your knowledge and work towards more senior roles or teaching • Is taught by dedicated and supportive lecturers, many with experience in a range of early years and teaching settings • Has previously involved educational trips, including exploring the Reggio Emilia approach to education in Italy and visiting early years centres, schools and local authorities in Finland

Education can be very significant in a child’s life, influencing both how they develop and who they become. This is why working to ensure children achieve to the best of their abilities can be an incredibly rewarding career. Upon graduating you will have the knowledge and skills to work towards a variety of careers, such as room leaders, deputy managers, lead professionals in a setting, outreach workers and NVQ assessors.

At Farnborough, you will be taught in classrooms rather than large lecture theatres. This means your classes here will feel more personal, with plenty of opportunities to ask questions, receive feedback and become friends with your new classmates.

As someone currently employed in the sector, this course provides a unique opportunity to enhance your knowledge and gain skills relevant to your role, with timetables designed to suit employers. During this course you will examine a range of contemporary theories of how children learn and develop, linking and applying what you learn to your own work-based practice.

WHO IS THE PROGRAMME FOR? This degree is suitable for those currently employed within the early years sector who hold a relevant level 3 qualification and want to work towards more senior roles or teaching. Example roles you may currently be working as include Early Years Practitioner or Teaching Assistant.

WHAT WILL I STUDY? During the first year of this degree, you will explore the essential theories of how children develop, as well as the individual and societal factors that play a part. In the second year you will investigate how current theories and understanding can be applied in the workplace to ensure positive outcomes for children. You will also complete a project proposal and literature review. This will provide you with the opportunity to research a topic of special interest and develop skills that will benefit you on an honours degree programme.