Program Overview

Early Years Education FdA

Overview

This is a work-based early years degree, on which you'll attend St Mary's one day a week whilst employed in work with children and young people for at least half of the week (in either a paid or voluntary capacity).

Course Details

• Start date: September
• UCAS code: X110
• Duration: 2 years
• UCAS points: N/A

Course Content

The course provides opportunities for people working directly with children, or those working in other educational support roles, to build their knowledge and experience through study at higher education level. The degree, which will help to enhance your understanding of your current professional role, can be completed in a minimum of two years part-time study.

Why St Mary's

Successful completion of this early years degree leads to the award of a foundation degree in Early Years Education. There is then an opportunity for you to progress to one of our enhancement undergraduate degrees:

• BA (Hon) Primary Education (Work-based Route) (one year)
• BA (Hon) Primary Education (Work-based Route) with QTS (two years)
• BA (Hon) Primary Education (Work-based Route) with QTS specialising in SEND (two years)

Modules

These modules are the modules that were available to students in the 2024/25 academic year and are illustrative of what may be offered for 2025/26.

• Year 1:
  • Understanding the Early Years (Core)
  • Using and Applying Technology within the Early Years Environment (Core)
  • Professional Development Part 1 (Core)
  • Personal, Social and Emotional Development (Core)
  • Learning through Play in the Early Years (Core)
  • Working in Partnerships (Core)
  • Classroom Management in the Early Years (Core)
  • Communication and Language Literacy (Core)
• Year 2:
  • Professional Development Part 2 (Core)
  • Changing Policy and Practice in Early Years Education (Core)
  • Mathematics, Knowledge and Understanding (Core)
  • Physical Development (Core)

Entry Requirements

• N/A
• We are committed to recruiting trainee teachers who have the 'ability to work in a way that promotes the safety and wellbeing of children and young people.' The interview process will cover the suitability of applicants to work with children and young people.
• An A Level, NVQ Level 3 or equivalent is required.
• You must have been employed in a primary school or an Early Years Foundation Stage setting (in either a paid or voluntary capacity) for a minimum of 2.5 days per week for at least one year. You will need to continue to be employed in this capacity during the programme.
• GCSE grade 4/C (or equivalent) in English Language is also required.
• We offer GCSE equivalency tests for those who need to improve their GCSE grades.

Fees & Funding

• Tuition fees:
  • Home: £7,260
  • International: £17,100
• Funding Information: Please note: these fees are annual and may increase as detailed in our tuition fee variation disclaimer.
• Additional costs: Your tuition fees will cover the cost of all mandatory elements of your programme. Additional costs could be incurred depending on optional modules chosen and other projects undertaken.
• Scholarships: Find out more about our range of scholarships and bursaries available to undergraduate students.
• Living costs: A guide to your living costs has been created by our Student Funding Team.

How the Degree is Taught

• Contact time: 84%
• Independent study: 16%
• Teaching methods: You'll be taught on our beautiful and historic campus located in Twickenham, London. The course is taught using a range of teaching methods including presentations, discussions, small group work, observations and practical work-based activities.
• Assessment methods: All assignments are designed to develop your knowledge, understanding and use of transferrable skills in teaching children, linking the theory with the practical.
• Feedback: We adhere to the university’s policy of providing feedback on assessments within 15 working days.

Career Opportunities

• Who should study a foundation degree in early years? If you're currently in a career in early childhood education this early years foundation degree will be suitable for you. This includes anyone working as:
  • Teaching assistants
  • Student Learning Assistants (SLAs)
  • Higher Level Teaching Assistants (HLTAs)
  • Early Years or Special Educational Needs Practitioners
• Early years jobs: Early Years Teacher, Early Years Room Leader, Early Years Unqualified Teacher, Early Years Teaching Assistant, Reception Teaching Assistant, Early Years Nursery worker, Early Years Practitioner, EYFS Practitioner.