Queen's University Belfast Foundation Degree Early Childhood Studies
PLEASE NOTE THAT THE 24/25 Y10665 COURSE IS CLOSED This course delivered in partnership with QUB and Stranmillis University College is suitable for those who wish to work in an Early Years setting. The course is delivered through a combination of classroom teaching and practical work placements. Both elements are a compulsory part of the course. There is a focus on helping you to develop the knowledge, skills and values necessary for employment and professional development with the Early Years sector. Please email Caroline Smyth (csmyth@serc.ac.uk) Lisburn campus or Sarah Darragh sdarragh@serc.ac.uk (Ards campus)if you require further details.
Alternative Years
You are viewing the 2024/25 version of this course, it is also available in the following years:
View 2025/26 Course View 2025/26 CoursePLEASE NOTE THAT THE 24/25 Y10665 COURSE IS CLOSED
Course Structure: These include topics such as:
- Child Development
- Historical Overview
- Professional Practice 1
- Learning through Play
- The Acquisition of Language and Communication Skills
- Quality Provision in the Early Years
- Safeguarding Children
- Developing Skills and Strategies for Managing Children’s Behaviour
- Professional Practice 2
- Working with Children with Additional Needs
- Anti-Discriminatory Practice and Inclusion in the Early Years Environment
- Science and Technology in the Early Years
Modules may be subject to change
Applicants must satisfy the general University entry requirements as specified in the University Calendar of General Regulations, which includes GCSE English and Mathematics at Grade C or above (Level 2 Essential Skills in Communication is acceptable in lieu of a grade C in GCSE English Language, however Level 2 Application of Number cannot be substituted for GCSE Mathematics
And, at least one of the following:
A LEVEL
CC
BTEC EXTENDED DIPLOMA
MMM
CACHE EXTENDED DIPLOMA
Overall grade C – Children’s Care, Learning and Development
CITY & GUILDS
Level 3 Qualification CCLD
IRISH LEAVING CERTIFICATE REQUIREMENTS
H5H5H5H5 to include English and Mathematics
(a) Credit may be given to a maximum of 80 CATS points (4 modules at level 1). Credit transfer will not be permitted for study undertaken earlier than three years prior to entry.
(b) Candidates must demonstrate access to an appropriate setting (0-8 years);
Each Consortium College will take responsibility for vetting each student. An offer of a place on this course will be conditional until satisfactory completion of an Access NI criminal records check and if appropriate, a Social Services check.
In the event of over subscription to the course, and if you meet the entry requirements specified above, entrance requirements will be enhanced at shortlisting stage.
Please email registry@stran.ac.uk if you require further information on entry requirements or the admissions process for the Foundation Degree Early Childhood Studies.
Assessment:
Students are assessed using a range of different methods. These include examinations, coursework, Project Based Learning, presentations, practical, posters, leaflets, role-play, and case studies. This is dependent on the requirements of each unit of study. Oral, written and online feedback will be provided during your course to help improve and monitor performance.
On successful completion of the course, you will graduate from Queen's University Belfast with a Foundation Degree in Early Childhood Studies. Those students who achieve the standard required by Stranmillis University College may be able to progress to Stage 2 of the full-time or part-time BA (Hons) Degree in Early Childhood Studies.
You may be required to have an enhanced Access NI check completed which will cost £32.
Course fees are payable on each year of the Programme.
Course Structure: These include topics such as:
- Child Development
- Historical Overview Professional Practice 1
- Learning through Play
- The Acquisition of Language and Communication Skills
- Quality Provision in the Early Years
- Safeguarding Children
- Developing Skills and Strategies for Managing Children’s Behaviour
- Professional Practice 2
- Working with Children with Additional Needs
- Anti-Discriminatory Practice and Inclusion in the Early Years
- Environment Science and Technology in the Early Years
Modules may be subject to change
Alternative Years
You are viewing the 2024/25 version of this course, it is also available in the following years:
View 2025/26 Course View 2025/26 CourseEnquiries Information
For more information or help with this course send us an enquiry and a member of our team will get back in touch.
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Alternative Years
You are viewing the 2024/25 version of this course, it is also available in the following years:
View 2025/26 Course View 2025/26 CourseCustomer Enquiries
Need more information or have a question about this course? Send us a message below and we will get in touch.
Start New EnquiryTerms & Conditions
Students will be required to comply with SERC's Terms & Conditions of study.
We strive to ensure the description of courses on SERC's website and in publications is accurate. However, for various reasons there may be occasions when the College may need to change arrangements or be unable to deliver classes due to circumstances such as reduced funding. If there are insufficient numbers applying for a course it may not be viable to deliver the class.
Courses are continually reviewed to take advantage of new teaching approaches and developments in research, industry and the professions. Please be aware that modules may change for your year of entry. The exact modules available and their order may vary depending on course updates, staff availability, timetabling and student demand. Please contact the course team for the most up to date module list.
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