Queen's University Belfast Foundation Degree Early Childhood Studies

General Entry Requirements 

The general entry requirements below identify the minimum qualifications needed to apply for the programme. Other qualifications will be considered on an individual basis on application.  You are required to upload a copy of your qualification certificates to show how you meet the entry requirements for the programme prior to enrolment.  Applications will also require successful completion of the admissions process. 

GCSE/ Level 2 Requirements

• GCSE grade C/4 in English Language, or Level 2 Certificate in Essential Skills - Communication, or equivalent in an approved alternative qualification. 

AND

• GCSE grade C/4 in Mathematics (Level 2 Certificate in Essential Skills - Application of Number, or equivalent in an approved alternative qualification will not be accepted).

AND

• Passes in 4 different subjects (can include English Language and Mathematics as above) at GCSE level (grades A* - C*/9-4), or equivalent in an approved alternative qualification.

Course Entry Requirements

A minimum of 64 UCAS points including:

• 2 A Levels Grade CC OR
• Level 3 Extended Diploma MMM OR
• Level 3 Extended Diploma in CCLD OR
• CACHE Extended Diploma Overall grade C – Children’s Care, Learning and Development OR
• CITY & GUILDS Level 3 Qualification CCLD
• Access course - minimum of 55% including Mathematics and English

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);

Accreditation of Prior Learning 

Alternatively, you can provide evidence of your ability to undertake the programme by meeting the requirements for the Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) process, either through Accredited Prior Certificated Learning (APCL) or Accredited Prior Experiential Learning (APEL).   Further details on APL can be found in the HE Admissions Process section of our website and the HE Accreditation of Prior Learning SOP.

International Students English Language Requirements

International applicants, from Non-Native English speaking countries, must have evidence of English Language Level B2 on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages

• IELTS 6.0 (Academic) (minimum of 5.5 in all skills)
• PTE Academic 51 (minimum of 46 in each part)
• Or equivalent UKVI-approved English Language Test

For further information please contact our International Department at international@serc.ac.uk

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.