Program Overview

Introduction to the Early Years Foundation Degree

The Foundation Degree in Early Years is designed to develop the skills and knowledge necessary for a career in the early years sector. This program is ideal for those who are passionate about working with young children in various settings, including public, private, voluntary, and independent childcare, early years, or education environments.

Course Overview

The Early Years Foundation Degree aims to enhance professional practice and support career aspirations in the early years sector. It is a recognized qualification that can also serve as a stepping stone to higher-level and degree studies. Many students who complete this foundation degree go on to join an honors degree at level 6 (final year).

What's Covered in This Course?

The course is carefully designed to offer appropriate skills and knowledge relating to professional practice and the application of work-based experience. It focuses on self-development, independent learning, teamwork, and the ability to manage others. The program covers a thorough appreciation of a child's social and emotional development, including issues of language, literacy, and numeracy, knowledge and understanding of the world, and physical and creative development.

Entry Requirements

To be eligible for the Early Years Foundation Degree, applicants must meet the following essential requirements:

• 48 UCAS Tariff points.
• GCSE and other level 2 requirements: This course does not require evidence of GCSE qualifications.
• A Level, BTEC, and other level 3 requirements:
  • A Level: 48 UCAS Tariff points from three A Levels, grades DD (or equivalent).
  • Pearson BTEC (Diploma / Extended Diploma / Extended Certificate): 48 UCAS Tariff points, with specific requirements for diplomas and extended certificates.
  • T Level: Pass overall (E or above on the core), accepted subjects include Education.
  • Access to HE Diploma: Pass with 60 credits, 45 credits at level 3, with preferred subjects in Education.
  • OCR Cambridge Technical qualifications: 48 UCAS Tariff points.
  • NCFE CACHE Level 3 qualifications: 48 UCAS Tariff points, with accepted subjects including Childcare and Education.
  • WJEC Level 3 qualifications: 48 UCAS Tariff points, considered with two A Levels or equivalent level 3 qualifications.
  • Irish Leaving Certificate (Highers): Minimum of 48 UCAS Tariff points, achieved in five Higher level subjects.
  • Scottish Higher / Advanced Higher: 48 UCAS Tariff points from three Advanced Highers (DDD) or two Advanced Highers (DD) plus two Highers (DD).
  • Welsh Baccalaureate: 48 UCAS Tariff points, considered with two A Levels or equivalent level 3 qualifications.

International Qualifications

For applicants with international qualifications:

• International Baccalaureate Diploma: Obtain a minimum of 24 points overall.
• EU / International students: Please see your country page for further details on equivalent qualifications. In addition to academic entry requirements, international and EU students will also require IELTS 6.0 overall with no less than 5.5 in each band.

Fees and How to Apply

UK Students

• Mode: Full-time or Part-time.
• Duration: 2 years (Full-time), 3 years (Part-time).
• Fees: £7,995 in 2026/27 for Full-time, £5,330 in 2026/27 for Part-time.
• Application: Apply via UCAS for Full-time, Apply Online for Part-time.

International Students

• Mode: Full-time.
• Duration: 2 years.
• Fees: £7,995 in 2026/27.
• Application: Apply Online.

Course in Depth

Course Structure

The Foundation Degree program emphasizes developing skills and academic knowledge. The course focuses on key areas including self-development, independent learning, team working, managing others, critical application of professional practice, and application of work-based experience.

Course Breakdown

The course is divided into two years, with compulsory modules for each year:

• Year One: Introducing professional practice, Safeguarding children, Learning through play, Observing children's holistic development, Early years curricula.
• Year Two: Developing professional practice, Early years research as a driver for change, Fostering children's mental health and well-being, Promoting inclusion and parental partnerships, Social construction of the child.

Employability

This course enables students to enhance their career in the early years sector, potentially leading to child care management positions in various settings. Students need to evidence 720 hours of work placement during the course, which can be achieved through professional commitments for part-time students or supported work placements for full-time students.

Facilities and Staff

The course runs at South & City College Birmingham's Digbeth Campus, providing students with access to necessary facilities for their studies.