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FdA Education and Early Childhood Studies

A foundation degree with two pathways: Early Years Educator, for those passionate about educating young children, and Learning Support, for Teaching Assistants.

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Why choose this course

  1. Integrates theory with practice through work-based experience
  2. Daytime and evening delivery for new and established practitioners
  3. Assessed through leaflets, posters, presentations, essays and reports
  4. Learning Support pathway prepares you to support learners with SEND
  5. A stepping stone to top-up degrees, Masters study or teacher training

Overview

The FdA Education and Early Childhood Studies programme has two distinct pathways. These pathways ensure that the Foundation Degree is comprehensive and responsive to the varied needs of the education sector. They prepare students for a range of roles, enhancing their career prospects and enabling them to make a significant impact on children’s lives. The FdA addresses the growing demand for qualified early years practitioners and to plug the shortage of qualified educators including teachers which subsequently supports the local economy by providing accessible higher education opportunities. Early childhood education is crucial for the development of children and has long-term benefits for society.

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Choose your pathway

Two pathways, one course and one application. Each pathway has its own modules, alongside the core modules everyone takes.

Early Years Educator

The Early Years Educator pathway is aimed at individuals passionate about nurturing and educating young children, as it equips them with the essential knowledge, skills, and competencies to support the developmental needs and early learning experiences of children from birth to age five.

Modules on this pathway

Level 4 / Year 1

  • Play, Creativity and Inquiry
  • Integrating Pedagogy and Curriculum in Early Childhood

Level 5/ Year 2

  • Investigative Approaches to Play
  • Dynamic Pedagogy for Early Years Practice
More about this pathway

This pathway addresses the critical need for qualified professionals who can provide high-quality care and education to young children. It ensures that students gain specialised knowledge and skills to support early childhood development effectively. By focusing on the unique needs of young learners, this pathway prepares graduates to create nurturing and stimulating environments that promote holistic growth. This pathway enhances the professionalism and employability of graduates by embedding key competencies into the curriculum. These competencies include advocating for children’s rights, promoting holistic development, and working collaboratively with families and colleagues. By mastering these areas, graduates are better equipped to meet the demands of the early childhood sector and contribute to best practices in their field. This qualification does not currently provide the student with a licence to practice however this can be achieved at the top up level 6 which student can progress on to following successful completed of the FdA.

See every module, year by year

Learning Support

The Learning Support pathway is aimed at Teaching Assistants, to enable them to apply for the higher-level paid jobs and developing their confidence to eventually apply for Teacher Training on completion of a Top Up programme.

Modules on this pathway

Level 4 / Year 1

  • Applied Research in Educational Technology
  • Integrating Pedagogy, Andragogy and Curriculum in Educational Settings

Level 5/ Year 2

  • Investigative Approaches to Technology
  • Dynamic Pedagogy for Educational Practice
More about this pathway

This pathway is crucial for preparing students to support diverse learners, including those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). It provides the necessary skills to create inclusive learning environments and implement effective support strategies. By focusing on learning support, this pathway ensures that graduates can work alongside teachers to enhance educational outcomes for all students, particularly those who require additional assistance.

See every module, year by year

What you’ll study, level by level

Levels 4 to 5 · 12 modules: 8 core, 4 from your pathway

This course includes the following core modules that all students complete along with some subject specific modules:

  1. Level 4 / Year 1

    • Core modules
    • Foundations of Academic Excellence
    • Childhood Evolution
    • Child Protection and Safeguarding Practice
    • Special Educational Needs, Disability and Inclusion
    • Early Years Educator pathway
    • Play, Creativity and Inquiry
    • Integrating Pedagogy and Curriculum in Early Childhood
    • Learning Support pathway
    • Applied Research in Educational Technology
    • Integrating Pedagogy, Andragogy and Curriculum in Educational Settings

  2. Level 5/ Year 2

    • Core modules
    • Professional Growth and Employability
    • Social Perspectives on Family and Childhood
    • Integrating Trauma Informed Practice into Education
    • Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
    • Early Years Educator pathway
    • Investigative Approaches to Play
    • Dynamic Pedagogy for Early Years Practice
    • Learning Support pathway
    • Investigative Approaches to Technology
    • Dynamic Pedagogy for Educational Practice
Then: where it leads

Occasional changes to modules and course content may take place. Students will be notified when applicable.

How you’ll learn

You’ll learn through workshops, practical and lab sessions and an online learning platform.

  • Workshops
  • Practical and lab sessions
  • Online learning platform
Read more about how you’ll learn

This programme has been designed through the adoption of Transforming Programmes which is aligned to a competencies approach to learning ensuring graduates are fully equipped to enter a graduate workforce.

On the FdA in Education and Early Childhood Studies, the most appropriate teaching and learning approaches are those that emphasise active, experiential, and reflective learning. These methods include directive learning, which allows students to explore and understand concepts through hands-on experience and social interactions, fostering creativity and critical thinking. Collaborative learning is also crucial, as it encourages students to work together, share ideas, and develop communication and teamwork skills. Additionally, reflective practice helps students to critically evaluate their experiences and learning processes, promoting continuous improvement and professional growth. Integrating theory with practice through work-based experience and practical assignments ensures that students can apply their knowledge in real-world settings, making their learning more relevant and impactful. These approaches collectively support a holistic development of skills and knowledge, preparing students for effective practice within the sector.

A blended learning approach to the programme is proposed, which will meet the needs of the demographic of students to ensure the programme is inclusive and supportive of diversity. Delivery will be offered both daytime and evening to meet the needs of students who are new to practice or already established and employed in the sector. Assessment workshops via teams will be held, which will support student engagement and accessibility. Creating an inclusive teaching and learning environment involves thoughtful design, delivery, and content that reflect and respect the diversity of students’ backgrounds and experiences. Inclusive teaching strategies will use a variety of teaching methods to cater to different learning styles and backgrounds. This includes collaborative learning, discussions, and hands-on activities. A range of assessment methods that underpin the development of knowledge, understanding and transferable skills will be developed as part of this programme. The assessment strategies are aligned to the programme competencies. Students will be assessed using a variety of digital methods ie: leaflets, posters and presentations, as well as written essays and reports as it is recognised that students learn differently and apply knowledge and understanding in different ways. Incorporating a variety of assessment methods supports inclusivity and ensures all students have opportunities to succeed.

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Where it can take you

Completing a Foundation Degree in Education and Early Childhood Studies opens up a wealth of career opportunities in the education and childcare sectors. The qualification will equip students with a solid understanding of child development, educational theories, and practical skills essential for working with children 0-18 years. The high-quality learning experiences within the FdA support the development of students’ transferable skills and graduate attributes needed for successful career progression.

  • Senior/Lead Nursery Practitioner
  • Pre-School Leader
  • Play Leader
  • Room Leader/Section Leader
  • Deputy Manager
  • Setting Manager
Read more about careers and progression

Careers are varied within the sector and students may take several routes depending on their specific aspirations. Many of our graduates wish to work with children and their families within education, health or care sectors, whereas others may progress into posts within local authorities which could involve the development of local strategy and policy. Career progression may include:

This Foundation Degree also serves as a stepping stone for further studies, enabling students to advance their careers and take on more senior roles within the field. With this in mind the School of Health, Education, Well-being and Sport has developed top up programmes through TP that would suit the progression of the FdA Education and Early Childhood Studies. These are 1 year programmes. The programmes include:

  • BA (Hons) Education and Early Childhood Studies Top Up
  • BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies Top Up (Distance Learning)
  • BA (Hons Special Educational Needs, Disability and Inclusion Top Up (Distance Learning)

Once completed, students may consider progressing to Masters study whilst other students may wish to pursue Teacher Training. Teacher training programmes provide hands-on teaching practice, mentorship, and the necessary qualifications to become a qualified teacher. This can be particularly attractive for those passionate about making an immediate impact in the classroom and contributing to the education system.

Suggested progression programmes following completion of a relevant Top Up programme include:

  • Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)
  • Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS)
  • Early Years Initial Teacher Training (EYITT)
  • Certificate in Education (CertEd)
  • Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE)

While we do not offer all teacher training programmes at DNCG, we arrange for representatives from various institutions to come in and speak to students about different progression routes.

Found where you fit?

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Entry requirements

32UCAS points

32 UCAS Tariff Points in a relevant area(s) of study (eg. Level 3 Diploma in Childcare). Must be employed or be prepared to secure a voluntary work placement within the sector.

Those students who are proposing to advance to Teacher Training (upon completion of Level 6) will be advised of the requirement to gain Level 4/C in English, Mathematics and Science, though this is not an entry requirement to the programme.

In line with the widening participation (WP) and lifelong learning strategy, we also welcome applications from people of any age who might not meet the standard entry criteria, but we would expect to see evidence of continuing academic and/or professional development and a capacity to pursue the course successfully. It is important to state that any WP applicants will receive advice and guidance regarding employment opportunities as this programme will not provide them with a licence to practise in an early years setting. We are here to help. Please get in touch to find out more.

Fees and funding

£8,190

a year for UK students

Financial support

UK students can take out a tuition fee loan to cover the cost of their course and a maintenance loan to cover living costs.

We also have a range of other financial support available.

Additional costs

Your Tuition fees cover most costs associated with your course (including registration, tuition, and assessment).

There may be some extra costs that you might need to make, or choose to pay, for example:

  • Books (you’ll have access to books from your module reading lists in the HE library, but you may wish to buy your own copies)
  • Printing and photocopying
  • Trips and enhancement opportunities
  • You may be required to pay for an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check if you are not in possession of a current one or registered on the update service.

Questions about funding?

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or call 01724 281111, option 2

Your next step

Apply now, come and see us first, or ask us anything.

Ready to apply?

Applying to more than one university? Apply through UCAS. Only applying to us? Apply direct.

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Open Event – 7th January 2027Thursday 7 January 2027, 4:30pm to 6:30pm

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What happens after you apply

1

You apply

UCAS gives you an applicant ID to track your application. Apply direct and we’ll reply by email.

2

You hear back

Responses usually arrive between November and May: an unconditional offer, a conditional offer, or an unsuccessful application.

3

You get ready to start

Before you enrol we’ll need photo ID and copies of your certificates. Apply for Student Finance early.

Read our full guide to applying

Quick reference for careers advisers

Level

Level 5

Duration

2 years

Study mode

Full-time

Awarding body

University of Hull

UCAS code

X100

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