Early Years (Foundation Stage) Foundation Degree 2012 Entry

** The University of Gloucestershire Fd Early Years award will be delivered solely by and at our partner colleges - Gloucestershire College and Norland College - from September 2012 intake, subject to validation.**

Foundation Degree

If you love working with children and are keen to develop your skills and qualifications, then this course can help you build a brighter future.

By giving existing practitioners the chance to reflect on and analyse their working practices, this work-based course explores different theories of child development in light of current research. It also brings the role of early years practitioners within contemporary issues into the spotlight. Working with families and children, finding out more about how the community supports them, and looking closely at leadership and mentoring all give you the skills you need to embrace additional responsibilities.

The degree enables committed and hardworking early years practitioners and teaching assistants to gain recognition for advanced skills with children. The senior practitioner represents an important role in early years and enables you to enhance your professional development.

Get a headstart and gain credit for previous study and/or experience as formal certificated qualifications may exempt you from certain modules. Work experience can also be accredited, although this may have to be displayed in a formal assessment.

Some of our modules

Child Development (0-8)
Studying Children (0-8)
Studying Early Childhood
Children’s Language and Literature
Children’s Wellbeing
Learning and Personal Development

Benefits

attendance one day per week to minimise time away from job and family life
assessment is built around reflective and reflexive practices
progression onto the BA in Early Childhood Studies and Early Years Professional Status

Career paths

senior practitioner
setting leader
family support worker
early years professional

Are there any placements for this course?

All students are expected to be working in the sector for the duration of the course.

How will the course be assessed?

Coursework, presentations, online discussions, group work, case studies and observations.

Entry requirements

minimum of two years experience in relevant employment or at least the equivalent of a half-time post, or organised voluntary work
employed (or undertaking voluntary work) in the sector for the duration of the course
applicants will need a satisfactory enhanced Criminal Records Bureau Disclosure processed through the university

Location

Norland College Bath

Gloucestershire College

Contact

For advice and guidance contact:
Course Administrator
Tel: 01242 714733
Email: lmeredith@glos.ac.uk

Profile: Joanne George

"As a mature student going back to study after 18 years was a daunting task however the support and guidance has inspired me to continue."

Early Years (Foundation Degree)

The University of Gloucestershire was my first choice because it was the nearest University offering the foundation degree and it suited my needs as a working mother. Once I had completed this degree and decided to continue my studies there was no question of changing to another university, the support and guidance that I have received from tutors and mentors has been outstanding and has given me the confidence and self belief to continue

The university is extremely well set out, with a fantastic learning centre at Francis Close Hall. All staff are very helpful and really take the time to help. The tutors on the early childhood studies course are very inspiring, extremely knowledgeable and most importantly take the time to get to know about each individual student and their individual needs allowing students to feel valued and listened to.

As a mature student going back to study after 18 years was a daunting task however the support and guidance has inspired me to continue. I feel that I have learnt so much and not only have I continued my own professional development but have inspired positive change in the setting that I work. The high points of my study have also been the most nerve racking!! Writing assignments and getting the results are both challenging and rewarding and the feeling that you have achieved is fantastic.

I am enjoying developing my knowledge about a subject which I feel very passionate about also sharing this in the setting that I work to improve standards for the children in our care

Apart from furthering my academic qualifications I believe that I will gain confidence in the knowledge that I can lead and manage others in the early years sector to bring about positive change for all.

I only ever take on one term at a time, being a mother, working and studying is a challenge and who knows what is around the corner. In an ideal world I would love to share my knowledge with others in a mentoring role delivering the messages that I have learnt and empowering others to make changes.

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