Course ID: 174346
Course Year: 24/25
The Foundation Degree in Early Years Practice is a full-time qualification which provides students with the specialist knowledge and skills required within the Early Years sector.
This level 4/5 qualification has been developed in collaboration with Early Years' employers, LJMU and other partner colleges. Work-based learning is a key part of students' learning. Students will use their workplace, including a chosen mentor and everyday duties, as a key learning resource throughout the programme.
Successful completion of the foundation degree may lead to increased promotion opportunities within the Early Years workforce and may also lead to the ability to work at a level recognised by employers as Senior Practitioner.
The Foundation Degree in Early Years Practice is validated by Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU).
The programme handbook for this course is available to applicants online:
Early Years Practice — Foundation Degree (FdA) Programme Handbook (23-24)
The programme specification for this course is also available to applicants online:
Early Years Practice – Foundation Degree (FdA) Programme Specification
Modules studied will include:
You will study six modules across the academic year at Level 4 and Level 5 covering a range of subject areas and contemporary issues within the Early Years sector.
Course content at Level 4 includes:
Course content at Level 5 includes:
How will I be taught?:
Delivery of teaching and facilitation of learning has been designed to provide an appropriate level of challenge and to stimulate personal and academic development. This enables students to progress towards achievement of the programme aims and learning outcomes. Traditional methods such as lectures, tutorials, seminar presentations, debates, discussions and research are complemented by more innovative approaches, such as elements of web-based learning, including the virtual learning environment (VLE), discussion forums and flipped learning.
Teaching methods have been devised to promote academic development as students progress on the course. Students are required to reflect upon their learning on the programme and consider this in light of their own practice or interactions with children, parents and families, other colleagues or agencies through a learning journal as part of the Personal, Professional development module.
Teaching strategies also promote the development of transferable skills appropriate to the academic progression at this level. Examples include: thematic exploration; selection and evaluation of information sources; research skills; critical analysis and evaluation; synthesis of ideas.
Students develop the knowledge and skills needed to work successfully as part of a team. Students also have the opportunity to develop communication skills with children and other professionals and parents/families and will develop skills in presenting a variety of information using a range of information and communication technology (ICT)
Teaching and learning strategies across the programme are designed to encourage and increase independence as a learner whilst maintaining appropriate support.
How will I be assessed?:
Assessment is in accordance with the current assessment regulations which operates within the Academic Framework. These regulations apply to all forms of assessment included in the programme. Please note: it is the student's responsibility to be aware of, and understand, the assessment regulations.
A range of assessment methods are used throughout level 4 and 5 and include reports, essays, presentations individual and seminar, reflective accounts, timed essays, case studies and portfolios.
Additional Costs:
Students may be required to purchase their own materials for any specialist projects they undertake as part of the course.
Qualifications
Foundation Degree in Early Years Practice
Please note: this course will only run when it has a sufficient number of applicants.
Graduation
Students will attend Graduation with Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU) and also with The City of Liverpool College.
Fees
Fees for the course will be paid directly to the City of Liverpool College.
The Foundation Degree in Early Years Practice provides students with the specialist knowledge and skills required within the Early Years sector. Part of this qualification is based around work- based learning.
The Academy Bakery is located on the Duke Street campus, producing a range of first class baked goods daily. These include artisan breads, patisserie and biscuits, as well as special occasion/novelty cakes by award-winning master-bakers. Students are offered a range of discounts throughout the year.
The Academy BakeryDuke Street is also home to The Academy Hair and Beauty salons. They offer generous student discounts on a wide range of hair and beauty treatments, at a fraction of high-street prices. These include styling, cutting, perming, highlights, facials, manicures, electrolysis and traditional and homeopathic massage.
The Academy SalonsDuke Street campus is also home to the College’s Academy Restaurant. Often referred to by it’s customers as Liverpool’s hidden gem, the restaurant serves top class cuisine, at highly competitive prices. Food is expertly prepared by professional chef/tutors and young chefs in training and offers students a range of discounts at different times of the year.
The Academy RestaurantWhen you become a student of the College you’ll receive full access to Microsoft Office 365. This allows you to install the software on your own computer and other devices at home, completely free of charge.
The college has excellent sports and fitness facilities at its Roscoe Street campus. Students pay a one-off membership fee for all year round usage of weekly supervised gym sessions, as well as access to a number of sporting clubs and events.
Contact us to discuss your application or find out more:
: 0151 252 3000,• A level 3 full and relevant qualification (as listed by the DfE) in childcare. A full list of relevant qualifications is found at: http://www.education.gov.uk/eypqd/level5.shtml
• GCSE in English at grade C/4 or above or equivalent (e.g. Level 2 Key Skills Communication; Level 2 Functional Skills)
Candidates without GCSE English (grade C/4 or above) will be required to write a short essay at the time of interview to demonstrate the ability to understand and make use of written material to ensure they are able to communicate clearly and accurately in spoken and written English.
• A satisfactory reference from their employer or voluntary organisation, which indicates support for the student in undertaking the Foundation Degree and in providing a mentor to support the student with their work-based learning.
In addition to above, for those qualifying at level 3 prior to September 2017:
• At least two years recent/relevant experience working with children in either paid or voluntary employment
• Evidence from employer or voluntary organisation of a recent, clear DBS check (i.e. completed in the 12 months prior to start of programme).
In addition, for those qualifying at Level 3 after September 2014:
• A work-based placement within a good Early Years establishment for a minimum of 300 hours. N.B. Support can be provided in finding an appropriate placement once a ‘conditional’ place on the course has been offered.
N.B. For students whose education has not been in English, evidence will be required of proficiency in English.
Typically, applicants will need to have achieved: Band 6.5 in the IELTS (International English Language Testing Scheme), and/or TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) score of 580 or above (completed within 2 years of date of application to the Foundation Degree).
Applicants should hold a total UCAS Tariff points score from relevant qualifications of at least 96 points.
If you are unsure of the entry requirements, or if you don't meet the criteria, please contact our Careers Advice and Guidance team who will be happy to help you find the best option for you. Email careersadvice@liv-coll.ac.uk or call 0151 252 3607.
This course is only available to learners aged 18 and over. Fees are payable by all students unless sponsored by an employer, but you may qualify for a student loan through Student Finance England towards the cost of your course and living costs. Find out more at https://www.gov.uk/student-finance, or contact our HE team at HEoffice@liv-coll.ac.uk.
Fee for24/25 is 8300.00
In future years we anticipate increasing this fee in line with the annual inflation level (capped at RPI All Items Excluding Mortgage Interest (RPIX)).