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Early Years and Childhood Studies
- FdA
- 2 Years
- Full-time
- 09/2026
- Undergraduate
- University of Suffolk at East Coast College (Lowestoft)
Course summary
The Foundation degree in Early Years and Childhood Studies is an exciting programme aimed at those working, or wishing to work, with children aged 0- 11 years.
Links between theory and practice will be explored as well as the key issues that impact on children’s development. The changing view of childhood will also be studied as well as the implications of safeguarding for children and practitioners. The course is suitable as a pathway to primary school teaching (you must also achieve GCSE Maths, English and Science). We welcome applications from those working within the childcare sector and from those who may not have child care experience but wish to enter this field. Employment or a voluntary placement is required as part for this course.
Whist this is a full-time course, typically this course generally only requires 1-2 days on campus attendance, supported by self-directed study. This means you can continue to work alongside your studies and balance other commitments.
Modules
Please see our website for module information.
Ways to study this course
Campuses
- University of Suffolk at East Coast College (Lowestoft)
Study options
- FdA • Full-time • 2 Years
Start dates
- 09/2026
Apply by
14 January
This is the equal consideration deadline. You can still apply after this date, but your application may not receive guaranteed consideration.
Application codes
- Course code:
- X315
- Institution code:
- S82
- Campus name:
- University of Suffolk at East Coast College (Lowestoft)
- Campus Code:
- L
- Points of Entry:
- Year 1
Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF)
University of Suffolk has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.
See why these ratings were awarded
What does this TEF outcome mean?
How to apply
Apply by
14 January
This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.
Application codes
- Course code:
- X315
- Institution code:
- S82
- Campus name:
- University of Suffolk at East Coast College (Lowestoft)
- Campus Code:
- L
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
International applicants
Chat to student ambassadors
Discover what it's like to study Early Years and Childhood Studies at University of Suffolk: insights on the course, making friends, personal statement tips, uni prep, and recommended books, podcasts, and videos.
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Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
UCAS Tariff - 80 points
A level - CDD
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - MMP
T Level - P
P (C or above on the core).
Additional entry requirements
- Criminal records declaration (DBS/Disclosure Scotland)
- Other
- Students are required to be in suitable paid or voluntary employment with children for a minimum of 20(FT) hours per week and hold a satisfactory Enhanced CRB or Disclosure & Barring Service check.
Contextual admissions
Universities and colleges consider more than grades when assessing applications and may make offers based on a range of criteria. Learn more about contextual offers.
At the University of Suffolk, we consider the full application as part of determining if you will succeed on our courses. We are therefore flexible where possible and might still be able to accept you if you do not meet your expected grades. As part of this, we make contextual offers, where we consider the factors that might have an impact on achievement. This means that some applicants will receive an offer of one grade below our published entry requirements. Please see our website.
Historical entry grades data BETA
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.
Not enough data available
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.
Student Outcomes
Operated by the Office for Students
Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)
Go onto work and study
The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| Location | Fee | Year |
|---|---|---|
| England | £8220* | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £8220* | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £8220* | Year 1 |
| Wales | £8220* | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £8220* | Year 1 |
| EU | £15090* | Year 1 |
| International | £15090* | Year 1 |
| Republic of Ireland | £15090* | Year 1 |
* This is a provisional fee and subject to change.
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.
Additional fee information
No additional fees or cost information has been supplied for this course, please contact the provider directly.
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Course contact details
Student Centre
Email:studentlife@uos.ac.uk
Phone:01473 338833
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