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Early Years - FdA

Currently viewing course to start in 2024/25 Entry. Switch to 2023/24 Entry

Are you passionate about working with young children in public, private, voluntary and independent childcare, early years or education settings? Perhaps you already work within the early years sector and would like to upskill or considering advanced practice....

  • School School of Education and Social Work
  • Faculty Faculty of Health, Education and Life Sciences

This course is:

Overview

Are you passionate about working with young children in public, private, voluntary and independent childcare, early years or education settings? Perhaps you already work within the early years sector and would like to upskill or considering advanced practice.

The Foundation degree in Early Years aims to develop the skills and knowledge for you to develop your professional practice and support your career aspirations. The foundation degree is a recognised qualification in the sector and can also be a stepping stone to higher level and degree studies. Many students join an honours degree at level 6 (final year) on completion of the foundation degree.

This course is open to International students.

What's covered in this course?

The course is carefully designed to offer appropriate skills and knowledge relating to professional practice, and the application of work-based experience. It also focuses on your self-development and independent learning, as well as team work and your ability to manage others.

Skills and knowledge acquired from your modules combine to give you a thorough appreciation of a child’s social and emotional development, covering issues of language, literacy and numeracy, knowledge and understanding of the world, and physical and creative development.

Applying your knowledge in real Early Years settings is a vital part of your learning, and you need to complete 720 hours of work placement during the course. As a working, part-time student, you normally achieve this through your professional commitments; if you study full-time, you get all the support you need to find a suitable work placement.

Why Choose Us?

  • Studying in small groups, trainee Early Years practitioners get the chance to enhance skills and professional standing, while aspiring entrants to the profession enjoy a practical, hands-on introduction to key issues
  • The part-time route offers flexibility to fit studies around your weekly commitments
  • Although based at South and City College Birmingham (Digbeth campus), you have full use of facilities at any of the University sites and will feel part of our supportive student community
  • This course supports the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), ensuring you can deliver provision that complies with EYFS learning and development requirements
  • Ofsted rates South and City College Birmingham as a 'Beacon Status' college, making it one of only a few UK training providers to achieve the government's Training Quality Standard in three or more sectors
  • The College also has Customer Service Excellence status, showing the importance placed on student satisfaction

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Entry Requirements

These entry requirements apply for entry in 2024/25.

All required qualifications/grades must have been achieved and evidenced at the earliest opportunity after accepting an offer to help confirm admission and allow for on-time enrolment. This can also include other requirements, like a fee status form and relevant documents. Applicants can track their application and outstanding information requests through their BCU mySRS account.

We accept a range of qualifications, the most popular of which are detailed below.
Essential Requirements

48 UCAS tariff points from A/AS Level

Level 2 qualifications
GCSE GCSE English Language or English Literature and GCSE Maths at grade C/4 or above. If you do not have these or are not undertaking them, we accept other Level 2 equivalents, or we may ask you to pass BCU's GCSE equivalency tests.
Irish Leaving Certificate (Ordinary Level) See level 3 entry requirements under Irish Leaving Certificate for full details.
Scottish National 5 English Language or English Literature and Maths at grade C or above. If you do not have these or are not undertaking them, we accept other Level 2 equivalents, or we may ask you to pass BCU's GCSE equivalency tests.
Plus one of the following Level 3 (and above) qualifications
A level and Advanced VCE
  • DD / 48 UCAS points
  • A maximum of 2 subjects are considered. These can be other A-levels or level 3 equivalents
AS and AS VCE
  • 48 UCAS points
  • These can be a combination of AS and other A-levels or level 3 equivalents
Access to HE Diploma
  • Education subjects preferred but other subjects also considered
  • • Pass with minimum 18 Merits/Distinctions at Level 3, also including GCSE English Language and Maths equivalence if not held separately
  • Pearson BTEC National Extended Diploma (2016 – present)
  • Pearson BTEC Extended Diploma (QCF) (2010 - 2016)
  • BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (2002 – 2010)
  • PPP / 48 UCAS points
  • Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (2016 – present)
  • Pearson BTEC Diploma (QCF) (2010 – 2016)
  • BTEC Level 3 National Certificate(2002 – 2010)
  • 48 UCAS points
  • Considered with one A-level or an equivalent level 3 qualification
  • Pearson BTEC National Foundation Diploma (2016 to present)
  • Pearson BTEC 90-Credit Diploma (QCF) (2010 - 2016)
  • 48 UCAS points
  • Considered with one A-level or an equivalent level 3 qualification
  • Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (2016 – present)
  • Pearson BTEC Subsidiary Diploma (QCF) (2010 - 2016)
  • BTEC Level 3 National Award (2002 - 2010)
  • D / 48 UCAS points
  • Considered with A-levels or equivalent level 3 qualification(s)
  • Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Certificate (2016 - present)
  • BTEC Level 3 Certificate (QCF) (2010 - 2016)
  • 48 UCAS points
  • Considered with A-levels or equivalent level 3 qualification(s)
  • NCFE CACHE Level 3 Diploma in Child Care and Education
  • NCFE CACHE Level 3 Diploma in Childcare and Education (Early Years Educator) (from September 2014)
  • NCFE CACHE Technical Level 3 Diploma in Childcare and Education (Early Years Educator)
  • 48 UCAS points
  • Considered with A-levels or equivalent level 3 qualification(s)

NCFE CACHE Level 3 Extended Diploma for Children’s Care, Learning and Development (Wales and Northern Ireland)

  • E / 48 UCAS points
  • Considered with A-levels or equivalent level 3 qualification(s)

NCFE CACHE Level 3 Extended Diploma for the Children and Young People’s Workforce

  • E / 48 UCAS points
  • Considered with A-levels or equivalent level 3 qualification(s)
  • NCFE CACHE Level 3 Diploma in Early Years Education and Care (Early Years Educator)
  • NCFE CACHE Technical Level 3 Diploma in Early Years Education and Care (Early Years Educator)
  • D / 48 UCAS points
  • Considered with A-levels or equivalent level 3 qualification(s)
  • NCFE CACHE Level 3 Extended Diploma in Health and Social Care
  • NCFE CACHE Technical Level 3 Extended Diploma in Health and Social Care
  • 48 UCAS points
  • Considered with A-levels or equivalent level 3 qualification(s)

International Baccalaureate Diploma

  • Obtain a minimum of 24 points overall with grade 4 or above
  • For students who do not already hold a GCSE in Mathematics at Grade C/4 or above grade 5 in Maths (Standard Level) from the IB Diploma will be accepted
  • For students who do not already hold a GCSE in English Language at Grade C/4 or above Standard Level English Language (not literature) English A - Grade 4 or above or English B - Grade 5 from the IB will be accepted

Irish Leaving Certificate (Highers)

  • Pass the Irish Leaving Certificate with a minimum of 48 UCAS tariff points, achieved in four Higher level subjects. This must include Maths and English Language taken at either Ordinary level (minimum grade O1-O4 (or A-C/A1-C3)) or Higher level (minimum grade H1-H7 (or A-D/A1-D3 up to and including 2016))

OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma

  • PPP / 48 UCAS tariff points

OCR Cambridge Technical Diploma

  • 48 UCAS tariff points
  • Considered with one A-level or an equivalent level 3 qualification
  • OCR Level 3 Cambridge Technical Foundation Diploma (2016 - present)
  • OCR Level 3 Cambridge Technical Subsidiary Diploma (until-2016)
  • MM / 48 UCAS points
  • Considered with one A-level or an equivalent level 3 qualification
  • OCR Level 3 Cambridge Technical Extended Certificate (2016 – present)
  • OCR Level 3 Cambridge Technical Introductory Diploma
  • D / 48 UCAS points
  • Considered with one A-level or equivalent level 3 qualification(s)
  • Either the OCR level 3 Cambridge Technical Extended Certificate or one of the accompanying A-levels / level 3 equivalents
OCR Cambridge Technical Certificate
  • 48 UCAS points
  • Considered with A-level or an equivalent level 3 qualification

Scottish Higher/Advanced Higher

  • A minimum of 48 tariff points achieved from either five Highers, one Advanced Higher or a combination of two Highers offered with two Advanced Highers
  • Where only Highers have been taken a minimum of grades DDDDD are required
  • Where an Advanced Higher has been taken a minimum of grade B is required
  • Where a combination of Highers and Advanced Highers have been taken you must achieve grades of DD in two Advanced Highers plus grades of DD in two Highers

T-Levels

  • 48 UCAS points (Merit overall)
  • Must be in either Education related subject

Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate - Skills Challenge Certificate (first teaching September 2015)

  • 48 UCAS points
  • Considered with A-levels or equivalent level 3 qualification(s)

Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Diploma – Core (awarded until 2016) ESW/KS Combined component

  • 48 UCAS points
  • Considered with A-levels or equivalent level 3 qualification(s)
  • WJEC Level 3 Applied Diploma (graded A* - E)
  • WJEC Level 3 Applied Diploma (graded D* - P)
  • 48 UCAS points
  • Considered with A-levels or equivalent level 3 qualification(s)
WJEC Level 3 Diploma in Criminology (QCF)
  • 48 UCAS points
  • Considered with A-levels or equivalent level 3 qualification(s)
Other qualifications
If you have a qualification that is not listed in the table please refer to our full entry requirements on UCAS.

Further guidance on tariff points can be found on the UCAS website.
  •  Extra Information EU/International students
IELTS 6.0 overall with 5.5 minimum in all bands
International Baccalaureate Diploma (or equivalent, including internationally accredited Foundation courses). 24 points overall
Country-specific entry requirements and qualifications.
  •  

International students who cannot meet the direct entry requirements can begin their degree studies at Birmingham City University International College (BCUIC).
Successful candidates will be required to obtain an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance via the Faculty.
Places will be offered on the programme after applicants have attended an introductory workshop and successfully completed a full disclosure via the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).
We welcome applications from mature students and from all members of the community under-represented in education.

Fees & How to Apply

Please select your student status to view fees and apply
  • UK Student
  • International Student

UK students

Annual and modular tuition fees shown are applicable to the first year of study. The University reserves the right to increase fees for subsequent years of study in line with increases in inflation (capped at 5%) or to reflect changes in Government funding policies or changes agreed by Parliament. View fees for continuing students.

Award: FdA

Starting: Sep 2024

  • Mode
  • Duration
  • Fees
  • Part Time
  • 3 years
  • £5,000 in 2024/25

International students

Annual and modular tuition fees shown are applicable to the first year of study. The University reserves the right to increase fees for subsequent years of study in line with increases in inflation (capped at 5%) or to reflect changes in Government funding policies or changes agreed by Parliament. View fees for continuing students.

Award: FdA

Starting: Sep 2024

  • Mode
  • Duration
  • Fees
  • Full Time
  • 2 years
  • £7,500 in 2024/25

The University reserves the right to increase fees in line with inflation based on the Retail Prices Index or to reflect changes in Government funding policies or changes agreed by Parliament up to a maximum of five per cent.

Part-time applications 

Applications for the part-time option should be made direct to South and City College Birmingham:

Phone: +44 (0)121 694 5000
Email: admissions@sccb.ac.uk
Web: www.sccb.ac.uk

Guidance for International students

There are three ways to apply:

1) Direct to the University

You will need to complete our International Application Form and Equal Opportunities Form, and submit them together with scan copies of your original academic transcripts and certificates.

2) Through a country representative

Our in-country representatives can help you make your application and apply for a visa. They can also offer advice on travel, living in the UK and studying abroad.

3) Through UCAS

If you are applying for an undergraduate degree or a Higher National Diploma (HND), you can apply through the UK’s Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).

You can request a printed form from your school or nearest British Council office. You will be charged for applying through UCAS. Birmingham City University’s UCAS code is B25 BCITY.

Personal statement

Your personal statement is a highly important part of your application. It gives you a crucial opportunity to say why you’re applying and why the institution should accept you.

Here are the key areas you’ll need to address:

Course choice

Why does this course appeal? What areas are of particular interest?

Career plans

If you have a specific career in mind, say how your chosen course will help you pursue this goal.

Work experience

Mention any work that is relevant to your subject, highlighting the skills and experience gained.

School or college experience

Highlight skills gained at school/college, eg summer schools or mentoring activities.

Non-accredited skills or achievement

eg Duke of Edinburgh Award, Young Enterprise scheme.

You should also mention your future plans – if you’re planning to take a year out, don't forget to give your reasons. Talk about any subjects you’re studying that don’t have a formal assessment and any sponsorships or placements you’ve applied for. And don't be scared to add in details about your social, sports or leisure interests.

Get more information on writing personal statements.

Course in Depth

Download course specification

Download now

Course structure

The emphasis of this Foundation Degree programme is on developing skills and academic knowledge as vehicles for learning. The course focuses on the following key areas:

  • Self-development and independent learning
  • Team working and managing others
  • Critical application of professional practice
  • Application of work-based experience/evidence

All modules are compulsory and are generic to early years practice.

Full-time students are expected to attend college during the day, while the part-time course and teaching is organised to enable students to fulfil work commitments. Typically, teaching takes place in the evenings and at weekends.

Course breakdown

Year One

In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits):

Introducing professional practice 40 credits

Safeguarding children 20 credits

Learning through play 20 credits

Observing children's holistic development 20 credits

Early years curricula 20 credits

Year Two

In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits):

Developing professional practice 40 credits

Early years research as a driver for change 20 credits

Fostering children’s mental health and well-being 20 credits

Promoting inclusion and parental partnerships 20 credits

Social construction of the child 20 credits

Employability

Employment opportunities

This course enables you to enhance your career in the early years sector. This could be into child care management positions in a variety of settings, such as day nurseries, primary schools, children's centres and health centres.

Placements

Students need to evidence they have completed 720 hours of work placement during the course. Generally, part-time students will already be working in an early years setting while studying for their FdA. Full-time students will be supported on work placement.

More about our placement opportunities

International

Birmingham City University is a vibrant and multicultural university in the heart of a modern and diverse city. We welcome many international students every year – there are currently students from more than 80 countries among our student community.

The University is conveniently placed, with Birmingham International Airport nearby and first-rate transport connections to London and the rest of the UK.

Our international pages contain a wealth of information for international students who are considering applying to study here, including:

Facilities & Staff

Facilities

This course runs at South & City College Birmingham's Digbeth Campus.

Find out more about Digbeth Campus