Queen's University Belfast Foundation Degree Early Childhood Studies

Contact Hours per week

• 6 hours class time (one afternoon and evening a week) to include practical classes, lectures, workshops or tutorials. 

Personal Study

• You will also be required to dedicate time for study and preparing assessments outside of your timetabled classes.

Work placement

• Minimum 2 days per week across both semesters in an early years setting (0-8 years). 
• You will be visited in setting by your Professional Practice tutor.

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