Foundation Degree in Children's Development and Learning

Home| Early Years and Childcare| PRBH000

Foundation Degree in Children's Development and Learning

Home| Early Years and Childcare| PRBH000

Foundation Degree in Children's Development and Learning

Higher Education

Course Overview

This course is delivered in partnership with the University of Reading and is an ideal opportunity to study for a degree alongside working with children in an Early Years setting or at a school. The course is work-based and the lessons and assessments are designed to benefit your professional development; giving you relevant knowledge and experience to enhance your work with parents, understanding child development and supporting inclusive and diverse practice.

You spend the first two years studying at BCoT one afternoon/evening per week. There is then the opportunity to spend the final year at the University of Reading to ‘top up’ to a full BA (Hons) degree. This course provides the ideal opportunity to work towards a degree alongside relevant employment and is less than the cost of a traditional degree programme at a university. This can lead to a qualified teacher's status and promotion within a nursery or primary school.

The benefits of this course include:

Work towards a degree-level qualification alongside your job.
Learn locally in a comfortable and supportive setting.

Course Content

The course is two years and covers different modules:

Year 1 (Level 4)

Core Modules:

Professional Skills in the Children's Workforce
Theories of Development and Learning
The Child in Society (1)
Working in Partnership with Parents
Learning Spaces

Year 2 (Level 5)

Creativity and Critical Thinking.
Practitioner Research
Child in Society (2)
Supporting Development and Learning for 0-11 years

Optional Modules:

Leadership in the Children's Workforce
International Perspectives

Modules are subject to change but are confirmed at enrolment

Delivered in partnership with the University of Reading. Students spend two years studying at BCoT one afternoon and evening per week from 1.30-8pm, then there is the opportunity to spend the final year at the University of Reading to 'top up' to a full BA (Hons) Degree.

The benefits of this course include:

The first 2 years are half the price of studying a normal degree (£4675 per year as opposed to £9000; please note the final year is costed by Reading as is subject to change)
Work towards a degree-level qualification alongside your part-time job. Learn locally.

Entry Requirement

GCSE: English Language at grade C (4) or Level 2 equivalent
Additionally, students will normally achieve: a Level 3 qualification in a work-related area or equivalent, GCSE Mathematics at grade C (4) or Level 2 equivalent.
Students must be in relevant employment, working or volunteering with children between the ages of 0-11 years for a minimum of 18.5 hours a week, a reference from the setting that supports your application. Students are normally working in early years, primary schools or SEN settings.
At least two years experience (which can be voluntary, or part of a vocational qualification) of working directly within the Children's Workforce, for example, in a registered early years setting or in a school as a teaching assistant.

Please Note:

All applicants will be invited to interview as part of the process. Any applicant who does not quite meet the entry requirement is encouraged to submit their application, which will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Assessment

The course is assessed through assessments, including essays, reports, presentations and an electronic portfolio. There are no exams and as a work based degree you will have a mentor in your work place, who will then assess you through Guided Professional Discussions. You and your mentor will be fully supported by your Link Tutor.

This is a full-time programme and so requires a significant independent study to support learning. Students should expect to spend between 10-15 hours per week in independent study.

Where does this course lead to

Students who successfully complete the Foundation Degree in Children's Development and Learning have a priority place when applying for the full BA (Hons) degree in Children's Development and Learning at the University of Reading. Once this is completed, students often continue studying to undertake a teaching qualification, including Early Years Teacher and Qualified Teacher Status. The opportunity to spend the final year at the University of Reading to 'top up' to a full BA (Hons) degree.

Once achieved this could lead to careers in teaching, play therapy, speech and language therapy, social work or being a specialist in the Early Years sector.

How to Enrol

You can enrol directly on this course if you have the entry requirements. You will be contacted for a short interview with the course tutor before you start the course, and possibly invited into the College for a Taster Day.

If you would like to enrol but do not have the entry requirements or would like any further information, please email sharon.falconer@bcot.ac.uk with your contact details or telephone 01256 306593.