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The Foundation Degree in Early Childhood Studies is aimed at those individuals that are already working in early years settings on either a paid or voluntary basis.
The programme will develop your knowledge of the theoretical principles and contemporary issues that underpin early years practice. It provides you with the opportunity to develop confidence and an understanding of the wider social, political and economic issues related to the care and development of young children.
It will also develop the skills and attributes needed to further your career prospects and development in such roles as early years practitioner, room leader, SENCO, early years community connector or family hub support worker, ultimately leading to a supervisory or management role. The programme of study has a mandatory requirement of employment or placement to ensure that you have the opportunity to apply theory and concepts learned in the classroom environment to practice.
Blackpool and the Fylde College remains committed to providing a highly responsive curriculum that is employment- and future-focused and will enable you to develop the essential knowledge and skills that will prepare you for future success in work and life.

This Higher Technical Qualification is approved against occupational standards decided by employers.
Learn more about Higher Technical QualificationsModules at level 4
Module title Code Credits Optional
The History of Early Education from Pioneers to Contemporary Practice SM4MD180 20 No
Applying and Reflecting on the Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stages Eyfs SM4MD181 20 No
Safeguarding in the Early Years SM4MD182 20 No
Challenging Inequalities in Childrens Lives SM4MD183 20 No
Sustainability Education and Action for Change SM4MD184 20 No
Academic Skills Health and Education SM4MD203 20 No
Modules at level 5
Module title Code Credits Optional
Work Based Learning SM5MD238 20 No
Critical Issues in Early Childhood Health SM5MD239 20 No
Working with Families a Multi Agency Approach SM5MD240 20 No
Child Development and Early Years Practice SM5MD241 20 No
Developing Skills and Strategies for Managing Childrens Behaviour SM5MD242 20 No
Social Policy SM5MD243 20 No
Assessment Method Level 4 Level 5
Coursework 52% 70%
Exam 0% 0%
Practical 48% 30%
The following entry points are available for this course:
You will be required to be employed (paid/voluntary) within an early years setting whilst on course and thereafter for a minimum of 256 hours each year (average 8 hours per week over 32 weeks). You will also be required to supply a letter of support from your employer at enrolment.
Find out more about qualification requirements for this course.
This section shows the range of grades students (with UK A-Levels or Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diplomas) who received offers were previously accepted with (learn more). It is designed to support your research but does not guarantee whether you will or won't get a place. Admissions teams consider various factors, including interviews, subject requirements, and entrance tests. Check all course entry requirements for eligibility.
We are unable to show previous accepted grades for this course. This could be because the course is new, it's a postgraduate course, there isn't enough historical data, or the provider has opted out of sharing their entry grades data for this course - learn more.
| Location | Fee | Year |
|---|---|---|
| England | £9790 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £9790 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £9790 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £9790 | Year 1 |
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.
There are no additional costs associated with the programme although a laptop is recommended to support your studies. You may be required to pay for a DBS where you secure a voluntary or paid employment.
Please note: our course fees are accurate at time of publishing. However, government information may change at short notice and we reserve the right to update our fees accordingly.
Ashfield Road
Bispham
Blackpool
FY2 0HB
Visit our website Visit our course page
Email:admissions@blackpool.ac.uk
Phone:01253 504322
At Blackpool and the Fylde College