STUDY

Undergraduate

FdA Early Years and Childhood Studies

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Institution code: S82
UCAS code: X315
Start date: September 2025
Duration: Two years full-time
Location: East Coast College (Lowestoft)
Typical Offer: 80 UCAS tariff points (or above), CDD (A-Level), MMP (BTEC), Pass A*-C (T level)
Institution code: S82
UCAS code: X315
Start date: September 2025
Duration: Two years full-time
Location: East Coast College (Lowestoft)
Typical Offer: 80 UCAS tariff points (or above), CDD (A-Level), MMP (BTEC), Pass A*-C (T level)

Overview

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.

Course Modules

Full downloadable information regarding all University of Suffolk courses, including Key Facts, Course Aims, Course Structure and Assessment, is available in the Definitive Course Records.

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The module will enable you to deliberate some of the most recent issues, theories, and concepts in developmental Psychology. It will enhance your understanding of child development and behaviour within a broadening context and encourage identification and consideration of the determinant factors.

This module provides you the opportunity to develop a range of personal and academic skills in order to support your studies and enhance you future personal and career development. It recognises the importance of effective study and communication skills for the continuing success of the student throughout the programme. These skills are highly valued by employers who expect graduates to use them to support their work with children and in their wider professional activities.

This module will focus on safeguarding and child protection legislation and procedures as well as how to keep children aged 0-18 years safe, including cyber technology. This will involve covering relevant legislation, and the impact this legislation has on practice. 

This module provides you the opportunity to explore issues regarding literacy and numeracy, which are essential skills and the foundation of learning in any setting. You will examine current government guidelines on literacy and numeracy and the impact on their practice.

You will understand how critical the earliest years are for future emotional well-being and mental health and the vital role of play approaches to support learning and emotional wellbeing. You will understand the different play and wellbeing approaches through different developmental stages and in a range of environments and be introduced to key play theories and techniques that can be used with children in a variety of settings.

This module enables you to build upon the knowledge acquired at level 4 However, at level 5 you need to be able to critically apply current theory and research to your everyday practice in order not only to enhance it, but to critique it. The module will enhance your ability to critique ideas in other modules, as well as to prepare them for level 6.

This module will focus on developing current practice building on the knowledge and expertise gained in the first year. You will undertake a display within your setting as part of the continued improvement of general skills required to work with children. The development of resources and activities to improve an area of practice, and the learning of the child, which is relevant for both your own needs and the requirements of the setting will further enhance practice.

This module is designed to enable you to develop a critical understanding of formal methods of enquiry and select and justify appropriate methods of investigation. It is intended to introduce you to both the theoretical and applied aspects of educational and social research.

The module will consider inclusion and the advantages and challenges that this brings to the sector. Consequently, this module aims to investigate the value and beliefs systems applicable to the children’s workforce. You will reflect upon your own values and how they impact on your professional role. The module will also include an examination of organisational structures and systems and the values therein, and a reflection of a practitioner’s role within a variety of organisations.

This module is designed to develop knowledge and understanding about behaviour including a range of causal factors and its potential impact on learning and the learning environment. You will explore the value of peer, community and civic attitudes and gain insights into what is considered to be appropriate or inappropriate behaviour in relation to age, while investigating strategies, policies and procedures used in modifying behaviour.

Entry Requirements

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Career Opportunities

On completion of your foundation degree you will be able to progress within the field of children’s care, opportunities exist in:

  • Schools
  • Playgroups
  • Nurseries
  • Social care
  • Voluntary organisations

You may wish to further your studies onto the BA (Hons) Early Years & Childhood Studies (Progression Route).

Fees and Funding

UK Full-time Tuition Fee

£8,220

per year
UK Part-time Tuition Fee

£1,370*

per 20 credit module
International Full-time Tuition Fee

£15,090

per year

*Please contact Student Centre for further information on part-time fees

Further Information

At University of Suffolk, your tuition fees provide access to all the usual teaching and learning facilities that you would expect. However, there may be additional costs associated with you course that you will need to budget for.

UK fees and finance UK bursaries and scholarships International fees and scholarships

How to Apply

To study this course on a full-time basis, you can apply through UCAS. As well as providing your academic qualifications, you’ll be able to showcase your skills, qualities and passion for the subject.

Apply Now Further Information on Applying
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