Foundation degrees 2024/25

Early Years (QA only), FdA (London South East Colleges)

This course is ideal for you if you work or volunteer in an early years setting and wish to progress your skills or become a teacher. It is a full-time programme offered in partnership with Greenwich

The advantage of this qualification is that it has been developed collaboratively with employers, professionals and institutions. It is vocationally relevant and designed to meet the needs of a diverse workforce. It is a full-time programme offered in partnership with the University of Greenwich

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Duration

2 years full-time

Start month

September; January

Home fees 2024/25

TBC

What you should know about this course

  • Upon successful completion of the foundation degree, students will be awarded the FdA Early Years Education
  • Progression onto a relevant ‘top up’ programme such as the BA (Hons) Childhood Studies Top Up
  • Top up programmes may have a grade point average requirement minimum therefore progression is not automatic 
  • You can apply to complete final year studies at another university, usually in a related subject area and check if they will recognise your Level 4 and Level 5 credits
  • This course leads to employment opportunities within the education sector.

What you will study

View course outline

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Course information is currently unavailable for this programme. Please contact course-info@gre.ac.uk for more information.

London South East Colleges (LSEC)

The course is offered by one of the university's partner colleges.

London South East Colleges (LSEC) has a dedicated University Centre offering university students small class sizes, flexible learning, and high-quality teaching.

About the course team

You will be taught by an academic team that consists of highly qualified academics with a range of expertise and experience.  All our team members hold teaching qualifications and some hold master’s qualifications.  All have experience in delivering research-informed teaching.

Entry requirements

  • 1 A Level in a relevant subject or equivalent such as Level 3 Childcare qualification
  • GCSEs - grades A* - C / 9 - 4 in English and maths
  • We will accept T Levels for entry onto our higher education courses, providing they meet our entry requirements

If you do not have the above UCAS/GCSE requirements but you are a mature student and have appropriate experience, specific knowledge or industry-based qualifications, your application will be welcomed and still considered on a case-to-case basis.

Please note: This course is not for international students.

For more information, contact courseinfo@greenwich.ac.uk or 020 8331 9000.

You can also read our admissions policy.

Further information about entry

  • Two years placement (employed or voluntary) in an early year setting for two days per week throughout the 2 years of the programme. Childminding and nanny roles are not suitable placements for this programme
  • Enhanced DBS clearance which is needed for your work/placement when undertaking the course
  • An interview including a written English test
  • Mature students without formal qualifications may be considered as a result of life and work experience following an entry test
  • You may need to have GCSE Maths at A*-C or level 2 equivalent for further study or employment and so we recommend you take one of these alongside the course if you cannot evidence it already.

Available to overseas students?

No

Can I use Prior Learning?

Find out more on our Recognition of Prior Learning pages.

How you will learn

The following data is based on the compulsory modules for this programme.*

* Compiled from modules taught on 2023-2024 courses.

Teaching

In a typical week learning takes place through a combination of:

Learning takes place through a combination of timetabled learning and independent study.

You can view more information about how each module is taught within our 'What you will study' section.

Seminars and workshops enable you to discuss and develop your understanding of topics covered in lectures in smaller groups. You will also be able to meet your personal tutor. Timetabled learning may fall between 9am and 9pm depending on your courses and tutorials.

Class sizes

Class sizes vary by module. Lectures are normally attended by larger groups, and seminars/tutorials by smaller groups. This can vary more widely for modules that are shared between degrees. All students will have opportunities for 1-to-1 time with their tutors.

Independent learning

Outside of timetabled sessions, you are also expected to dedicate around 30 hours a week to self-study. This may involve further reading and research, preparing coursework and presentations, and preparing for tests and exams. Our facilities are designed to support you in these activities.

We encourage you to join societies and participate in sporting and other activities to engage in the wider life of the university community.

Overall workload

It is a course requirement that you are in a work-based setting for 300 hours per year this works out as around 2 days / 15 hrs per week. This allows you to link theory and practice throughout each module and you will draw directly upon your work-based experiences for most of your assignments. Each 30-credit module is made up of 30 hours teaching normally over a 10-12 week period. In addition, you will need to engage with wider reading, research and preparing module assignments in your own time.

Assessment

Students are assessed through a combination of assessment methods depending on the modules chosen.

You can view how each module is assessed within our 'What you will study' section.

Each course has formal assessments which count towards your grade. Some courses may also include 'practice' assignments, which help you monitor progress and do not count towards your final grade.

Feedback summary

We aim to provide feedback on assignments and to release examination results within 15 working days.

Dates and timetables

The academic year runs from September to June.

Full teaching timetables are not usually available until term has started. For any queries, please call 020 8331 9000.

Fees and funding

Your time at university should be enjoyable, rewarding, and free of unnecessary stress. Planning your finances before you come to university can help to reduce financial concerns. We can offer advice on living costs and budgeting, as well as on awards, allowances and loans.

Full time Part time Distance learning
Home TBC N/A N/A
Fees information

Funding your study

There is a range of financial support options available to support your studies, including the Aspire@Greenwich award for study resources that many full-time students will receive.

Discover more about grants, student loans, bursaries and scholarships. We also provide advice and support on budgeting, money management and financial hardship.

Financial support

Although the university aim to minimise any additional costs to students over and above the course tuition fee, there will be some additional costs which students are expected to meet.

You will be required to cover the cost of:

  • Text books
  • Travel to other sites - Where travel to other sites is required, this will be payable by the student
  • Library Fees and Fines - Where students fail to return loaned items within the required time they will be responsible for the cost of any Library Fees and Fines applicable
  • Printing and photocopying - The cost of printing and photocopying undertaken by students to support their individual learning are payable by the student
  • Graduation ceremonies - It is free for the student to attend the ceremony itself. Guest tickets and robe hire / photography are additional costs payable by the student.

Careers and placements

Will I have a work placement?

This is a work-based course with your placement being an essential and integrated part of your study. In the classroom you will study current research, developmental theory, policy and practice related to Early Years and take this back into your industry placement. This means you are continuously linking theory to industry-based practice. Most assignments you will specifically draw upon, and use, the experience gained from your work-setting making first hand use of your new knowledge and skills.

What sort of careers do graduates pursue?

  • Employment in education sectors
  • Progression onto a relevant ‘top up’ programme such as the BA (Hons) Childhood Studies Top Up

Do you provide employability services?

Our services are designed to help you achieve your potential and support your transition towards a rewarding graduate career. The Employability and Careers Service provides support when you are preparing to apply for placements and graduate roles. It includes CV clinics, mock interviews and employability skills workshops. Each School also has its own Employability Officer, who works closely with the industry and will provide specific opportunities relevant to your own course.

Support and advice

Academic skills and study support

Developing your academic skills is embedded in your programme lecturers.  Lecturers will discuss assignments and study skills and you will have access to tutorial support.We also have a Learning Resource Centre with access to extra support materials as well as experienced library staff that understand the academic needs of, HE students.

Support from the department

If you do have additional needs, then we have an Additional Learning Support team that will be able to support you.  We also advise you to speak directly tutors about any additional support you feel that you need so that they signpost you to the correct areas.

Not quite what you were looking for?

We've got plenty of other courses for you to choose from. Browse our foundation degrees or check our related courses below.....

Early years studies at the University of Greenwich

Study how young children develop, learn and think, and find out how to give them the best start in education. You’ll gain an array of practical skills, both on placement and in the classroom.

Visit our early years studies degrees page.

Study Early Years at Greenwich

Our early years degree will give you an understanding of the core values of the early years workforce.

Apply now Book an event 

Early years studies foundation degrees

Early years studies degrees page Subject page Search our early years studies courses All foundation courses

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If you are a UK student or have settled/pre-settled status (EU) and you want to study full-time then you apply through the Universities and Colleges Admission Service (UCAS).

Apply via UCAS

If you are a UK student or have settled/pre-settled status (EU) and you want to study part-time then you can apply directly via our online application form.

Apply directly

If you are from outside the UK, you can apply via UCAS, directly via our online application form or via one of our in-country representatives. If you require a student visa, you cannot study part-time at undergraduate level.

Apply directly Apply via an agent Apply via UCAS

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