FdA Early Years Studies Foundation Degree (Level 5) — Part-time
Course outline
This course is designed for people working in the early years’ sector and wish to progress to work as a senior practitioner or on to an early years’ teacher training course.
It is a flexible, work-based programme, designed to allow you to continue to work whilst studying and has been developed in association with local employers and professional bodies. This sector-endorsed course is ideal to progress your career if you’re currently a childminder, teaching assistant in the foundation stage, nursery nurse, nursery manager or learning support assistant.
During the course, you’ll need to work for at least ten hours per week in an early years’ post.
A statement of support and commitment from your employer/ mentor stating that they will be able to meet the full range of roles and responsibilities in the workplace will be needed.
Modules may include:
- Study skills and current initiatives
- Personal development and professional practice
- Play, children’s early learning and the curriculum
- Anti-discriminatory practice
- Observation and assessment
- Child development and well-being
- Safeguarding children
- Meeting individual needs
- Managing behaviour
- Working with parents and carers to support children
- The curriculum in action
- Managing your professional role
The course will build on your existing knowledge of children’s development and learning, as well as developing your understanding of current policies and practice in early years’ settings. You’ll also acquire professional and practical skills such as planning, assessment and teamwork.
Nottingham College is proud to have been awarded the Teaching Excellence Framework Bronze Award for high quality student experience and outcomes. You can read more about this on the Office for Students website.
How to apply for this course
Apply online to start in 2025/26.
Want to find out more first?
Would you like more information? Email our HE team.
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Location:
111 Canal Street
Nottingham NG1 7HB |
Date:Start: Monday 22nd September 2025 |
Fees / reductions:Tuition fee: £5,500 |
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Course code: C000546 / Q003044 |
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| Qualification | Foundation Degree in Early Years Studies FdA |
|---|---|
| Duration | 3 years |
| Level | Level 5 |
| Entry requirements | You will need a minimum of 48 UCAS points from:
A level 3 qualification in Early Years, Childcare and Education or Supporting Teaching and Learning is most desirable. Other combinations of qualifications and experience will also be considered, as will Level 3 qualifications not currently listed on the UCAS tariff. We would expect students to be working at (or to demonstrate competency at) Level 2 or above in English/literacy and maths/numeracy. You’ll be invited to an interview and asked for suitable references. Mature applicants with relevant professional experience and/or qualifications are welcome to apply. |
| Teaching & assessment | Your work will be assessed on a continuous basis through reports, presentations and essays. |
| Progression | You could continue your studies to obtain a full degree, and then, if you wish, progress to Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS) or Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). |
| Additional information | This course is validated by Nottingham Trent University.
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