FdA Early Childhood Studies Foundation Degree

Overview & facilities

Early Childhood Studies is concerned with ideas and practices that are drawn from many disciplines; psychology, sociology, child development, social policy and management. You will be introduced to these disciplines within the context of childcare and educational policies, procedures and practices, including multiagency working in diverse settings. A total of twelve, twenty credit modules are usually completed in two years.

This course is an opportunity to develop a number of transferable skills including; discussion,  presentation, essay and report-writing, problemsolving, team-working, analysing, and using ICT. The
first module is a ‘study skills’ module, enabling students to practise skills with the support of the tutor.

The programme assumes a high level of student participation, and students’ own experiences are seen as a valuable learning tool. There is regular and varied assessment, allowing students to improve their skills.

Content & modules

This programme is run in collaboration with Barnet College and the College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London (CHENEL). At interview you will be invited to select your associate college at which all elements of your tuition will take place.

Students joining the Foundation degree are required to be involved with substantial work experience (approximately 12 hours/week) in a childcare setting. Many of the assignments require integration of college-based learning with practical work experiences. Students are often supported in paying their fees by their employers, the local authority, or may apply for a student loan.

Although the programme is delivered at the partner colleges, students have access to both the college and University facilities. They receive a student card allowing them access to the library, student support and recreational activities at Trent Park and Hendon Campuses. The programme works to maintain a high quality of provision. This is achieved by links with employers, and by gaining employer and student feedback.

Students are invited to regular meetings to feedback with ideas for developing the programme, and are asked to complete Quality monitoring questionnaires.

Level 1

• Study Skills
• Child Development & Effective Communication
• Supporting Transitions and Sharing Information
• Safeguarding Children and Multiagency Working
• Early Years Curriculum
• Managing Quality

Level 2

• Theoretical Perspectives on Child Development
• Applied Sociology: The Child and the Family
• Managing the Curriculum
• Legislation, Policy and Practice inclusion
• Professional Practice

Entry & applying

1 relevant A Level or equivalent Level 3 Childcare and Education, AVCE, Access, CACHE AND at least 1 year full time experience in teaching/ childcare. For mature students, admissions criteria are more flexible and may include those with: Level 2 childcare qualification, extensive experience in childcare or education and can show evidence of ability to study at this level.

All offers are subject to interview.

Apply now

Qualifications accepted

• Access: primary teaching
• level 3 childcare qualification
• CACHE diploma in childcare
• Experience in childcare/teaching (Minimum of 1 year paid for level 3 and above)

For a comprehensive list of qualifications accepted by Middlesex, see further information under entry requirements

English language requirements

You must have competence in English language and we normally require Grade C GCSE or an equivalent qualification. The most common English Language requirements for international students are IELTS 6.0 (with minimum 5.5 in all four components) or TOEFL internet based 72 (with at least 17 in listening & writing, 20 in speaking and 18 in reading).

Middlesex also offers an Intensive Academic English course (Pre-Sessional) that ranges from 5-17 weeks depending on your level of English. Successful completion of this course would meet English language entry requirements. For more information on applying for the pre-sessional please email english@mdx.ac.uk.

UK/EU applicants with existing higher education qualifications

If you have already been awarded a qualification at the same level as the course you are applying for, you may not be eligible for a tuition fee loan, see fees and funding for more information.

Applying

Applications for UK and EU students should be made to UCAS – the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service. The institution code for Middlesex is M80, and the code name is MIDDX. You also need the code for the course you wish to apply for – this is found in the 'at a glance' box above.

International students from outside the EU can make a direct application.  We have a network of regional offices across the world to assist you with your application.  They have worked with people from your region coming to Middlesex before and can help. Read more on international applications

Fees & funding

 Funding from external bodies may be available.

Careers & placements

There is a high success rate on the programme and most students choose to progress onto one of a choice of pathways. For example, successful students may apply to join the third year of the BA Early Childhood or Education Studies Programme, delivered at the University (One year fulltime or 18 months part-time).

Students may also apply to the EYPS programme, delivered through various pathways at the University (Usually over 18 months for Foundation students). Students wishing to progress onto EYPS, or who may
wish to apply for a post-graduate teaching certificate, will need to have GCSE in English and Maths (and Science for teaching) at Grade C or above. Therefore, some students may wish to enrol on separate evening classes in order to try and become further qualified.

The Foundation Degree in Early Childhood is relevant to those working with children 0-7 years, and would be useful for those wishing to work in school nurseries or children's centres, or those wishing to become a senior practitioner, or assistant manager, in the voluntary or private sector.