Richmond upon Thames College | Top Academic and Vocational London College

Early Years Foundation Degree Level 4/5

This sector-endorsed Early Years foundation degree is a two-year higher education degree course, run in collaboration with partner colleges. It enables you to combine academic study with work-based learning. You will develop theoretical and practice-based knowledge for working with young children (birth to the end of reception) in a variety of settings. On successful completion, you can progress to a work-based learning BA(Hons) top-up programme within the same sector.

Click here to download the course information flyer from Kingston University.

This degree is administered and validated by Kingston University.

UCAS applications for this course are open until September. This is a two year course, covering Level 4 in the first year and Level 5 in the second year, and the price shown below is per annum. Fees are set in July each year by Kingston University and it is likely that there will be a small increase for September 2022 intake. Any fee changes will be available and confirmed at interview.

Please note this is a course for adults (19+). Click here for courses for 16-18 year olds.

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Course details, fees and dates

Course Code 22-FL3AC-HSC-1 / 10001

Start Date September

How long is the course? 2 years (34 weeks per annum)

What time does the course start? 4PM

What time does the course end? 9PM

When does the course run? Wed

How much does the course cost? All Fees £6,000*

Are concessions available? No

Examining Body Kingston University

Is an interview required? Yes

Fees*

Please note that fees shown are for 2020. Fees are set in July each year by Kingston University and it is likely that there will be a small increase for September 2021 intake. Any fee changes will be available and confirmed at interview.

Break down of fee are as follows:

Year 1 (level 4): £6,000

Year 2 (level 5 & level 4 repeats): £5,300

Individual unit repeats: £1,325 per module

What you will study

The course covers a wide range of theoretical perspectives and current issues in the field of education and other related sectors, which are relevant for those working in early years settings.

The course also explores international perspectives and latest developments within the field of early years. It provides a route into higher education for experienced and committed early years practitioners, enabling them to progress from a Level 3 qualification, up to a Foundation Degree. It combines work-based practice with theoretical knowledge.

This course enables you to ‘learn as you earn’ by combining a minimum of 16 hours workplace learning with part-time study at a local college.

You will gain 240 academic credits on completion of this course.

How you will be taught

Examples of modules:

– Child Development, Observation and Assessment

– Inclusive Education and Interprofessional Perspectives

– Effective Communication Skills

For a full list of modules, please see the course webpage: kingston.ac.uk/2019eyfd

Your course will be delivered here at RichmondCollege. Teaching includes lectures, work-based learning activities, presentations, tutorials, online learning, workshops and seminars. In addition you will be supported by a work-based professional advocate and tutors.
How the course is assessed

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.

Entry requirments

– Level 3 early year’s qualification (or equivalent) – Normally two years’ experience in an appropriate setting (desirable, but not essential).

– Employment in an appropriate setting (either paid or voluntary) for at least 16 hours per week for the duration of the course.

The selection process involves interview at your chosen college, selection exercises and a current DBS check.

Please see course webpage for further details: kingston.ac.uk/2019eyfd

Progression options

This qualification is valued by employers. It is seen as a mark of professional excellence and expertise.

Once you have successfully completed this foundation degree at Level 5, you can take a further year’s study and top-up your qualification to a BA (Hons) degree at Level 6 at Kingston University.

After you have completed the BA (Hons) top-up, you will be well placed to pursue postgraduate opportunities and enhance your professional development in education and related fields, should you wish.

Many graduates return to Kingston University for postgraduate and continuing professional development studies. These include Early Years Initial Teacher Training leading to Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS), the Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) leading to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).

Please note: to progress to EYTS or QTS, you will need GCSE (A*–C or comparable numeric scores under the newly reformed GCSE gradings) in English Language, Maths and Science.