Early Years Childhood Studies

This programme is a collaboration between the University of Greater Manchester and The Growth Company, Manchester. While you'll be based at The Growth Company for the duration of your studies, you'll graduate from the University of Greater Manchester.

In December 2024, the University of Bolton was granted permission by the Office for Students (OfS) to change its name to the University of Greater Manchester with immediate effect. While we work to update our systems, you may see both names used in the information we provide.

The University of Greater Manchester's FdA in Early Years Childhood Studies taught by our learning partners at The Growth Company could be your chance to progress your career while developing your academic skills and knowledge. Mostly work-based, this career-focused foundation degree combines the theory of early years and children's learning with the practical experiences you encounter in the workplace.

If you work with young children in early years education or are taking on a substantial voluntary role in the sector, our Foundation Degree in Early Years Childhood Studies at The Growth Company in Manchester could be just what you're looking for. You can develop essential knowledge and understanding of early years and childhood studies while gaining practical on-the-job experience.

Our expert team will help you to gain a solid foundation in early years education and integrate this knowledge with your real-life experiences in the workplace. You'll be able to apply what you learn to practical situations in your working life. You can then reflect on these ideas and experiences to consider how to improve the services you provide to the children in your care and their families.

During your studies, we'll support you in developing your leadership skills and broadening your practical and theoretical early years knowledge. At the end of the course, we hope you'll emerge with the confidence and skills to take on additional responsibilities at work. You may also consider the possibility of further studies, such as our BA (Hons) Early Years and Childhood Studies (top-up) degree course.

Please visit www.gceducationandskills.ac.uk/higher-education/ to find out more about The Growth Company.