Early Childhood Studies
The Foundation Degree will provide you with the opportunity to develop a thorough knowledge and understanding of early years and related issues, enabling you to become a competent and well qualified Early Years Practitioner. The Foundation Degree will give you a nationally recognised qualification and evidence of your ability to work in the Early Years sector.
| Award Name | Degree - Foundation at UK Level 5 |
|---|---|
| NFQ Classification | |
| Awarding Body | Queens University Belfast |
| NFQ Level |
| Award Name | NFQ Classification | Awarding Body | NFQ Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Degree - Foundation at UK Level 5 | Queens University Belfast |
Duration
2 years full-time.
Entry Requirements
Irish Leaving Certificate Requirements
Please email registry@stran.ac.uk if you require further information on entry requirements or the admissions process for the Foundation Degree Early Childhood Studies.
In the event of over subscription to the course, and if you meet the entry requirements specified above, entrance requirements will be enhanced at shortlisting stage.
An offer of a place on this course will be conditional until satisfactory completion of an Access NI criminal records check and if appropriate, a Social Services check.
Careers / Further progression
Progression Opportunities
Please note that progression to a postgraduate teaching qualification in Northern Ireland requires Learners to have GCSE English, Maths and Science at grade C or above or specified equivalent qualifications.
Further information about the BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies degree programme at Stranmillis can be found here: https://www. stran.ac.uk/courses/undergraduate
Students can also progress to the BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies programme at the Omagh Campus of South West College.
Further information
Total Annual Fee £2,700.
Application to this programme is via UCAS and is not done directly with SWC (see "Application Weblink" below). UCAS Code LX53.
Students should choose SWC as the desired campus. Enhanced Access NI disclosure is required and costs £35. During your course you may be required to purchase course text books and incur additional costs for printing, photocopying and binding. The overall additional costs incurred to support your studies may be in the region of £250 per year. *The fees quoted are payable for each year.
Start Date: 11/09/2023.
The Foundation Degree will provide you with the opportunity to develop a thorough knowledge and understanding of early years and related issues, enabling you to become a competent and well qualified Early Years Practitioner. The Foundation Degree will give you a nationally recognised qualification and evidence of your ability to work in the Early Years sector.
Your Course
This course will be run over 2 years and will consist of 15 hours per week in College and 10 hours per week work placement. You will study a total of 12 modules. Students are required to complete 300 hours of childcare placement, working with children 0-8 years each academic year.
You will study 12 modules in total for example: Skills and Strategies for Managing Behaviour; Child Protection; Quality Provision; Supporting Children with Additional Needs; Language and Communications; Professional Practice; Learning Through Play; and Anti-Discriminatory Practice.
Optional Modules:
You will study one optional module in each academic year. These are:
Shared Perspectives of the Young Child and Working with Babies.
Assessment methods include assignments, case studies, practical exercises, presentations, examinations and placement assessments.
Course Coordinator
Roisin.McGrath@swc.ac.uk