FD (Arts) Early Years Services

Overview

Transform your passion for working with young children into a recognised qualification. This part-time program is designed for working professionals in the early years sector, our flexible part-time study allows you to balance your education with your career. You'll focus on children from conception to age eight, developing critical reflection and analytical skills essential for success in this field. Our comprehensive curriculum covers key areas including child protection, health and wellbeing, multi-agency working, and child development.

Award

FD (Arts)

Start date(s)

15 September 2025

UCAS Code

Course specifications

View course spec

Course length

Part-time (3 years)

Campus location

City of Wolverhampton College, The Bournemouth and Poole College, London Early Years Foundation, Telford College, Sandwell College

School

School of Education

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Why choose this course?

The Foundation Degree in Early Years Services is designed to help you to develop the skills, knowledge, and confidence to succeed in your studies with the University of Wolverhampton at degree level. The Foundation Degree in Early Years Services is part-time and designed for professionals currently working within early year’s workforce but who lack a qualification at degree level. The course is delivered by our partners at City of Wolverhampton College, Bournemouth and Poole College, London Early Years Foundation, Sandwell College and Telford College. As a student on this course, you will develop the skills and knowledge required to work with children from conception to eight years, their families and the services that support them.

What happens on the course?

Throughout the course there is an emphasis on developing your personal and professional attributes.

At level 4 you will have opportunities to develop your knowledge and skills of early years theory and practice.

At level 5 you will begin to develop your critical capabilities through the selection, analysis and combining of relevant perspectives and be able to justify different positions on matters relating to early childhood studies. Modules in the second year (level 5) focus on the following topics:

Course Modules

Year 1

• Child Development
  • Module: 4CF002
  • Credits: 20
  • Period: 1
  • Type: Core
• Introduction to LEYF Pedagogy
  • Module: 4CF014
  • Credits: 20
  • Period: 1
  • Type: Core
• Role of Play in Childhood
  • Module: 4CF012
  • Credits: 20
  • Period: 1
  • Type: Core
• Safeguarding and Multi-Agency Perspectives
  • Module: 4CF005
  • Credits: 20
  • Period: 1
  • Type: Core
• The Reflective Practitioner
  • Module: 4SN002
  • Credits: 20
  • Period: 1
  • Type: Core

Year 2

• Becoming a Researcher
  • Module: 5ED002
  • Credits: 20
  • Period: 2
  • Type: Core
• Communication, Language and Literacy in Early Childhood
  • Module: 5CF011
  • Credits: 20
  • Period: 2
  • Type: Core
• Health in the Early Years
  • Module: 5CF016
  • Credits: 20
  • Period: 2
  • Type: Core
• Understanding Children's Worlds
  • Module: 5CF013
  • Credits: 20
  • Period: 2
  • Type: Core

Year 3

• Developing Critical Reflection and Practice
  • Module: 5CF004
  • Credits: 20
  • Period: 3
  • Type: Core
• Young Lives, Parenting and Families
  • Module: 5CF017
  • Credits: 20
  • Period: 3
  • Type: Core

Potential Career Paths

Successful completion of this course could lead to Early Years Teacher Status, primary teaching, social work, health education, early year’s management, children’s information services, play services and community family support work. You have progression to the final stages of an Honours degree at the University, such as the BA (Hons) in Childhood Studies. You will also develop and consolidate a range of employability skills, including sharing information, working with and in groups, presenting information, digital literacy and critical thinking skills.

Additional Information

Everything you need to know about this course!

Why Wolverhampton?

A range of employability skills is built into this programme in order that you develop and refine attributes that will be beneficial to you in the workplace, such as sharing information with others, working in groups, literacy and oral skills, leadership, using critical thinking, and becoming a reflective practitioner.

Successful completion of this course can lead to progression onto the BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies at level 6. Upon gaining your BA (Hons) you may also choose to apply for Graduate Employment Based Early Years Teacher Training with the University of Wolverhampton or undertake a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) in Primary Education. You could also choose to apply for a Master’s Degree in Social Work or Education or undertake a Post Graduate teaching Certificate in Adult Education or Post Compulsory Education.

There are also a range of potential careers opportunities:

• Early year’s management
• Early years practitioner
• Children’s information services
• Community family support worker
• Early Year’s consultant
• Health play specialist
• Learning mentor
• Play therapist
• Voluntary organisations such as NCB, NSPCC, Barnardo’s

What skills will you gain?

• You will be able to develop your knowledge of, and reflect upon, a range of early years ideas and principles and consider the way in which those principles have developed importance in relation to developing high quality early years practice to meet the needs of children and families.
• You will be able to apply ideas and principles to the expected pattern of children’s development from conception, play, pedagogical approaches, creative planning of learning opportunities, the curriculum, the learning environment, assessment and the application of those principles in an employment context
• Act as an advocate for children, families and communities including promoting children’s welfare, safety needs, rights, diversity, equity and inclusion in the UK and globally.
• Develop your knowledge of the main methods of enquiry in the early years and the ability to evaluate critically the appropriateness of different approaches to solving problems
• Become a reflective practitioner when questioning key theories, principles and issues of early year’s policy and to propose solutions
• Develop your written and oral communication skills so you can communicate clearly for a range of purposes including the ability to reflect on your own value systems.
• Become digitally literate
• Develop employability qualities and transferable skills in terms of personal responsibility and decision-making to be able to assume significant responsibility within organisations.

Course Fees and Finance

Location | Mode | Fee | Year ---|---|---|--- Home | Part-time | £4110 per year# | Home | Part-time | £4237 per year# |

The University is committed to a transparent fee structure, with no hidden costs, to help you make an informed decision. This includes information on what is included in the fee and how fees are calculated and reviewed

Undergraduate part-time fees for 50% rate of study

Entry Requirements

• You must hold a Level 3 Childcare related qualification, for example, NVQ Level 3 Diploma, NNEB, CACHE Level 3 Diploma in Childcare and Education, BTEC L3 National Diploma in Childcare and Education.
• You must be able to provide a satisfactory employer reference evidencing that you have been employed or have experience for a minimum of one year working with children and families, or in a long term voluntary placement. Please see for guidance).
• You must be able to supply the College you will be attending with an up to date Enhanced DBS Police Check.

Funding

• Tuition Fees Loan(Home Fee Status):
  • Most students will be able to apply for a loans to pay for these subject to eligibility. To find out more information please refer to the government Student Finance website.
• Changes for EU students:
  • The UK government has confirmed that EU students starting courses from 1 August 2021 will normally be classified as having Overseas Fee status. More information about the change is available at UKCISA:
• EU citizens living in the UK with 'settled' status, and Irish nationals living in the UK or Ireland, will still be classified as Home students, providing they meet the usual residency requirements, for more information about EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• Self-funding:
  • If you don’t want to take out a loan to pay your fees or if you aren’t eligible to receive a loan, you might want to take advantage of the University’s scheme to pay by instalments: See How to pay.
• Your employer, embassy or organisation can pay for your Tuition fees:
  • If your employer, embassy or organisation agrees to pay all or part of your tuition fees; the University will refer to them as your sponsor and will invoice them for the appropriate amount.
• Financial Hardship:
  • Students can apply to the Dennis Turner Opportunity Fund. for help with course related costs however this cannot be used for fees or to cover general living costs.
• Bursaries and Scholarships:
  • In addition the University also offers a range of Bursaries and Scholarships packages
  • You can find more information on the University’s Funding, cost, fee and support pages.

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Acquired Language Impairments: Course Details

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Degree Overview

This professional development course aims to deepen participants' theoretical understanding of aphasia and, for practicing professionals, demonstrate its practical application. The program encourages integrating language processing theory with both assessment and therapy approaches within the field. Through a comprehensive curriculum, this course explores:

• Specific issues in aphasia, including conversational flow
• Specific intervention programs
• Innovations and technological advancements in aphasia therapy
• Neuroimaging and neural bases of language disorders
By emphasizing critical and reflective thinking, the program promotes deeper engagement and analysis of relevant literature alongside practical applications within a clinical setting. Participants will gain an in-depth knowledge of current research surrounding Acquired Language Impairments, drawing upon research conducted both at City, University of London and other leading research centers.

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Course duration:

11 weeks

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Starting dates:

• January 30, 2024
• April 2024 (for further details, contact us)

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Fees:

• UK/EU Students: £1,125
• International Students: £1,405

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(Degree Overview:

The course provides participants with an opportunity to enhance their theoretical understanding of the language disorder aphasia, while for professionals, it also offers the chance to explore practical applications.)

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Outline

Throughout the 11-week program, participants will delve into various aspects of Acquired Language Impairments:

• Lexical Impairments: This module focuses on the theoretical underpinnings of lexical processing deficit, as well as assessment and therapy methods associated with it.
Participants will gain an understanding of different approaches to remediation.
• Impairments of Sentences and Discourse: This module examines theoretical frameworks surrounding impairment of sentences and discourse construction, along with assessment and therapeutic approaches to address these challenges.
Participants explore different intervention techniques for remediation.
• Outcome Measurement in Aphasia Therapy: This key aspect of the course delves into methods and tools to evaluate the effectiveness of intervention programs and track patient progress.
• New Approaches in Aphasia Therapy: This module focuses on emerging technologies and innovative methodologies within the field of Aphasia therapy.
Participants gain insights into novel treatment approaches and their potential for enhancing recovery.
• Psychological Consequence of Aphasia: This module explores the emotional and psychological impacts associated with Aphasia, promoting an empathetic and holistic understanding of the disorder.
• Neuroimaging and the Neural Basis of Language Disorders: This advanced section examines the neural mechanisms underpinning language impairments, utilizing neuroimaging techniques to gain deeper understanding of the neurological underpinnings of Aphasia.

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Course Schedule:

• January - April 2024 (specific schedule available upon request)
• Tuesdays (3-hour sessions)

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(Outline:

The course offers a comprehensive program exploring different aspects of Acquired Language Impairments, encompassing theoretical foundations, assessment, therapy approaches, new innovations, psychological impacts, and the neural basis.)

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Assessment

The Acquired Language Impairments course emphasizes the practical application of theoretical knowledge and critical reflection of relevant literature, which is assessed through the following:

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Oral Presentation

Participants present a detailed plan for a remediation program based on course learnings and scholarly resources. This evaluation assesses participants' ability to:

• apply theoretical frameworks to design practical intervention programs
• present ideas with clarity and confidence
• integrate language processing models and social considerations within the framework of Aphasia therapy.

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Literature Review

This written assignment critiques current research within Acquired Language Impairments. The review assesses:

• critical evaluation and synthesis of scholarly literature
• effective communication of research findings and insights
• integration of critical thinking into applied clinical practices

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(Assessment:

The course adopts two methods to assess participant learning and engagement, an oral presentation focusing on applying theoretical knowledge in a practical context, and a literature review evaluating and synthesizing relevant research within the field. )

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Teaching

The Acquired Language Impairments program features weekly sessions lasting three hours each. These interactive classes employ a diverse range of teaching methods to foster active participation and knowledge acquisition, including:

• Lectures: Expert instructors provide insightful presentations on theoretical frameworks, research findings, and current advancements within Aphasia therapy.
• Literature-Based Discussions: Participants actively discuss seminal literature and current research within the field, facilitating the development of critical analysis and synthesis of research findings.
• Group Exercises: Collaborative work fosters deeper understanding through exercises designed to apply theoretical concepts in practical contexts, encouraging critical thinking and teamwork within the field of Aphasia therapy and treatment.

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(Teaching:

The course utilizes various teaching methods, encompassing lectures, literature-based discussions, and interactive group exercises, which facilitate active learning, critical reflection, and application of knowledge.)

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Other

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Course Benefits:

Successful completion of the Acquired Language Impairments course awards 15 credits, which can be applied towards a postgraduate Diploma or MSc qualification within the field.

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(Other:

Participants who successfully complete the course earn 15 credits, contributing toward a postgraduate Diploma or MSc qualification within the field of Acquired Language Impairments.)

University of Wolverhampton

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Overview:

The University of Wolverhampton is a public university located in Wolverhampton, England. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses, as well as degree apprenticeships and CPD short courses. The university is known for its strong focus on student support and its commitment to providing a high-quality learning experience.

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Services Offered:

The University of Wolverhampton offers a variety of services to its students, including:

Academic Support:

The university provides academic support services such as tutoring, writing workshops, and study skills development.

Student Support:

Students have access to a range of support services, including disability support, mature student support, and career guidance.

Accommodation:

The university offers a variety of on-campus accommodation options, as well as information and support for finding off-campus housing.

IT Services:

Students have access to a range of IT services, including computer labs, Wi-Fi, and online learning platforms.

Library:

The university library provides access to a wide range of resources, including books, journals, and databases.

Gym:

The university has a gym with a variety of facilities, including a fitness center, swimming pool, and sports courts.

Students' Union:

The Students' Union provides a range of services and activities for students, including social events, clubs, and societies.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

Students at the University of Wolverhampton can expect a vibrant and supportive campus environment. The university has a strong sense of community, with a variety of clubs, societies, and events to get involved in. The university also has a number of facilities and services to support student life, including a gym, a Students' Union, and a library.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Strong Student Support:

The university is known for its strong focus on student support, with a range of services available to help students succeed.

Affordable Living:

The university offers a variety of affordable accommodation options, as well as information and support for finding off-campus housing.

High-Quality Learning Experience:

The university is committed to providing a high-quality learning experience, with experienced lecturers and modern facilities.

Strong Graduate Outcomes:

A high percentage of the university's graduates are employed or in further education within 15 months of graduation.

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Academic Programs:

The University of Wolverhampton offers a wide range of academic programs, including:

Arts, Business, and Social Sciences:

The university has a strong reputation in these fields, with programs in areas such as creative industries, social science, humanities, business, and law.

Education, Health, and Wellbeing:

The university offers a variety of programs in these fields, including education, nursing, midwifery, psychology, health and society, and sport.

Science and Engineering:

The university has a strong reputation in these fields, with programs in areas such as architecture, built environment, engineering, computing, mathematical sciences, life sciences, and pharmacy.

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Other:

The university has a strong commitment to research, with a number of research centers and institutes. The university also has a strong international focus, with a number of programs and services for international students.