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Early Years (with Early Years Educator) Foundation Degree
- Study level:
- Undergraduate
Course summary
Reasons to choose Kingston
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This is the perfect opportunity to achieve Early Years Educator Status.
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This course is recognised as a “full and relevant” qualification by the Department for Education, valued by employers.
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You can earn while you learn. This course combines workplace learning (a minimum of 16 hours per week) with part-time study at a local partner college (1 day a week). Once you complete the course, you’ll have 240 academic credits.
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Our commitment to high quality teaching has been recognised with a Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) Gold rating. The University has received an overall rating of Gold, as well as securing a Gold award in the framework's two new student experience and student outcomes categories.
Those who have Early Years Educator Status from their Level 3 qualification will need to apply for the Early Years Foundation degree course instead (UCAS course code X110).
About this course
If you’ve completed relevant Level 3 qualifications, such as A-levels, Access, T-levels, or BTECs, and would like to specialise in Early Years, this course is ideal for you.
This course covers a wide range of critical and contemporary issues in the field of Early Years education from birth to five, up to eight years of age. It explores the voice of the child, international perspectives, child protection, pedagogical approaches, communication theories and multi-professional practice. You’ll be supported by your critical professional associate and tutor to reflect on your pedagogy with elements of assessed practice.
Partner locations:
Brooklands College (Weybridge campus) (L); Morley College (formerly known as Kensington and Chelsea College) Chelsea Campus (T) or North Kensington Campus (N); Kingston College (K); LETTA Trust (8); Reach Academy Feltham (9); Richmond upon Thames College (R); South Thames College (S); West Thames College (W); Whitefield Academy Trust (X)
Future Skills
Embedded within every course curriculum and throughout the whole Kingston experience, Future Skills will play a role in shaping you to become a future-proof graduate, providing you with the skills most valued by employers such as problem-solving, digital competency, and adaptability.
As you progress through your degree, you'll learn to navigate, explore and apply these graduate skills, learning to demonstrate and articulate to employers how future skills give you the edge.
At Kingston University, we're not just keeping up with change, we're creating it.
Career opportunities
You can top-up this qualification to a full BA (Hons) degree, through one year’s study at Kingston. There are also postgraduate and continuing professional development opportunities to further enhance your career.
Modules
Example modules
-Child Development, Observation and Assessment
-Early Years Pedagogy and Practice
-Effective Communication Skills.
For a full list of modules please visit the Kingston university course webpage.
Assessment method
Teaching includes lectures, work-based learning activities, presentations, tutorials, online learning, workshops and seminars, you will also complete a Portfolio of Assessed Practice (RPPR).
In addition you will be supported by a work-based professional advocate and tutors in your respective institutions. Progress is measured by assignments, demonstration of professional competence in work-based situations, and practical demonstrations that apply the knowledge you have gained. There are no written exams.
Apply by
29 January
This is the equal consideration deadline. You can still apply after this date, but your application may not receive guaranteed consideration.
Application codes
- Course code:
- X120
- Institution code:
- K84
- Campus name:
- Kingston College
- Campus Code:
- K
- Points of Entry:
- Year 1
Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF)
Kingston University has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.
See why these ratings were awarded
What does this TEF outcome mean?
Discover Kingston University
Learn what it's like to study at Kingston University. From key stats to campus highlights, open days, and more - find everything you need to know here.
How to apply
Apply by
29 January
This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.
Application codes
- Course code:
- X120
- Institution code:
- K84
- Campus name:
- Kingston College
- Campus Code:
- K
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
This course may be available at alternative locations, please check if other course options are available.
Course optionsEntry requirements
Qualification requirements
UCAS Tariff - 72 points
We welcome a wide range of qualifications and qualification combinations. We assess each application individually, taking in to account any recent experience (either paid or voluntary) and skills you may have in your chosen field. Don't worry if you can't see your specific qualification listed, just contact our team of experts in the Education Admissions Team at education@kingston.ac.uk.
A level - DDD
A Levels can be combined with other Level 3 qualifications eg. AS levels/Extended Project to achieve 72 UCAS points (subject grades achieved at AS level and taken at A2 do not count).
Health & Social Care subjects (i.e. Psychology, Philosophy and Ethics) are desirable, however, we will consider other subjects at this level provided the candidate has recent experience in an Early Years setting (either paid or voluntary).
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - MMP
Health & Social Care, Education and Early Years subjects are desirable, however, we will consider other subjects at this level provided the candidate has recent experience in an Early Years setting (either paid or voluntary).
Access to HE Diploma - D: 3 credits M: 18 credits P: 24 credits
Pass Access to HE Diploma with 60 credits: 45 at Level 3 and 15 at Level 2 equating to a minimum of 72 UCAS points. Typical level requirements indicated.
Health & Social Care, Education and Early Years subjects are desirable, however, we will consider other subjects at this level provided the candidate has recent experience in an Early Years setting (either paid or voluntary).
Scottish Higher
Please contact education@kingston.ac.uk for advice on your Scottish qualifications.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - DM
Health & Social Care, Education and Early Years subjects are desirable, however, we will consider other subjects at this level provided the candidate has recent experience in an Early Years setting (either paid or voluntary).
GCSE/National 4/National 5
It is desirable, but not required for you to have a minimum of Level 2 Maths and English qualifications as defined by the Department for Education on the published Early Years Qualifications List.
To count in the ratios at level 3, staff holding an Early Years Educator qualification must also have achieved a suitable level 2 qualification in English and Maths as defined by the Department for Education on the published Early Years Qualifications List.
For further information please see both links below:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/early-years-qualifications-finder
https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
T Level - P
Technical Qualification in Education and Childcare or related subject and/or equivalent.
We will also consider the following Level 3 qualifications:
NVQ Level 3 in an Early Years, Health and Social Care or related subject and/or equivalent, working with children aged 0-8 years.
CACHE: Level 3 Diploma in Early Years, Playwork, Children and Young People
Entry is normally at Level 4 with A-level or equivalent qualifications. Transfer from a similar course is possible at Level 5 with passes in comparable Level 4 modules, however, this is at the discretion of the course team.
Employment in a setting in either paid or voluntary capacity for a minimum of 16 hours per week for the duration of the programme.
It is normally expected that candidates should have recent experience in an Early Years setting prior to undertaking the Foundation Degree. However, Kingston University is committed to widening participation and encourages potential applicants who may not have ‘typical’ qualifications and/or experience to contact the Admissions Team at education@kingston.ac.uk for advice.
Additional entry requirements
- Criminal records declaration (DBS/Disclosure Scotland)
- Candidates must have an enhanced Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) in Child Workforce check before they can start the course.
- Health checks
- Candidates will need to complete a medical pro forma.
- Interview
- All candidates will be interviewed as part of the application process and will have to identify a Critical Professional Associate (Mentor) in the workplace who is qualified to Level 6 in a related field and who is willing to carry out workplace assessments. A mandatory training for the Critical Professional Associate will be provided by the university.
Contextual admissions
Universities and colleges consider more than grades when assessing applications and may make offers based on a range of criteria. Learn more about contextual offers.
When assessing your application, we’re looking for evidence of your ability, potential, passion for your subject and the skills and experience you have to evaluate your suitability for a course.
Our course entry requirements include tariff ranges. We vary the required UCAS Tariff points in our offers as we consider each application individually and use a number of factors to build an offer that is tailored to you, this includes your personal statement and predicted grades.
Historical entry grades data
This section shows the range of grades students were previously accepted with - learn more. It is designed to support your research but does not guarantee whether you will or won't get a place. Admissions teams consider various factors, including interviews, subject requirements, and entrance tests. Check all course entry requirements for eligibility.
Not enough data available
We are unable to show previous accepted grades for this course. This could be because the course is new, it's a postgraduate course, there isn't enough historical data, or the provider has opted out of sharing their entry grades data for this course - learn more.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| Location | Fee | Year |
|---|---|---|
| England | £7000 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £7000 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £7000 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £7000 | Year 1 |
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.
Additional fee information
For international fees, please visit:
https://www.kingston.ac.uk/undergraduate/fees-and-funding/fees/
Please visit the provider course webpage for further information regarding additional course costs.
Kingston University
River House
53-57 High Street
Kingston upon Thames
KT1 1LQ
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Course contact details
Admissions Enquiries
Email:admissionsops@kingston.ac.uk
Phone:02033089932
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