STUDY

Undergraduate

FdA Early Years and Primary Practice

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Course options: Distance Learning
Institution code: S82
UCAS code: X313
Start date: September 2025
Duration: Two years full-time, four years part-time
Location: Ipswich
Typical Offer: 80 UCAS tariff points (or above), CDD (A-Level), MMP (BTEC), Pass A*-C (T Level)
Course options: Distance Learning
Institution code: S82
UCAS code: X313
Start date: September 2025
Duration: Two years full-time, four years part-time
Location: Ipswich
Typical Offer: 80 UCAS tariff points (or above), CDD (A-Level), MMP (BTEC), Pass A*-C (T Level)

Overview

“We must look to the children as a vehicle for bringing change to humanity” Maria Montessori

It has been noted in several contexts that children of today will become leaders of tomorrow. Thus, all those that work with, care for, and support children’s holistic development from 0-12 years of age, have a great responsibility to undertake. If you share our passion for ensuring that all children are supported to reach their full potential through an appropriate and inclusive curriculum, then you must also acknowledge the need for practitioners to understand the key theories that support and underpin all children’s learning and development through a reflective approach. Take this journey with us to explore a range of associated disciplines as together we explore the links between theory and practice in informing your knowledge and skills, and ultimately, in enhancing your own continued professional development/practice whilst working with children.    

The course can be undertaken as full time by applying to UCAS, part time or distance learning by applying via our website. The Foundation Degree Early Years and Primary Practice (FdA EYPP) is an employment related higher education qualification which offers anyone working with children between 0-12 years of age, a mix of work-related specialist skills and academic study. The course provides you with an opportunity to enhance your knowledge and understanding of theoretical ideas associated with the care, learning and development of young children between 0-12 years of age and to develop your ability to apply your knowledge to enhance all aspects of your practice. The course develops the values and beliefs necessary for those working in the Early and Primary Years with the essential knowledge and understanding of regulatory and legislative frameworks in supporting children’s development. Each course module will develop your ability to explore, discuss, analyse, evaluate, and develop your practice regarding theory, research, policy and recognised good practice.  Distance learning is available by applying direct on our website. 

Upon successful completion of the FdA EYPP degree course, you then also have the opportunity to progress onto the BA (Hons) Early Years and Primary Practice (progression route), an excellent pathway into teacher training. Around 90% of our FdA EYPP degree graduates choose to progress onto the BA (Hons) EYPP degree course as many aspire to become Primary school teachers. Yes, the above is correct, (two graduations) upon successful completion of the FdA EYPP (two years) you will graduate with a foundation degree, followed by one further year of study for the BA (Hons) EYPP and then graduate for the second time.  

The FdA EYPP course team are proud to announce that the course again this year received 100% satisfaction in the National Student Survey. This reflects the level of support offered by the course team in supporting your studies, the team and indeed the course curriculum fully supports the development of your own continued professional development through a very structured provision. You will also be allocated a personal academic coach who will offer pastoral support and guidance throughout your studies. As a practice-based learning course, students will require the support of their employer (paid or voluntary) to successfully complete the qualification. Learners will also need to identify a workplace mentor who will provide professional support, guidance and advice and be a critical friend where appropriate. 

Why this Course 

The FdA EYPP course has been providing enhanced knowledge of the holistic development of children and associated professional practice for a range of practitioners for the past 20 years. The tutor team are committed to providing equality of opportunity and fair treatment in order to encourage you all to explore, discover and achieve your full potential at University of Suffolk. You will benefit from a close working relationship with a highly qualified teaching team who will support you academically through your collaboration with your peers and your own individual learning experience. As a vocational provision the FdA EYPP course acknowledges the importance for you to engage with practice throughout your own learning and development, this remains a key element of the course and is key to your own academic success.

The University of Suffolk is world-class and committed to our region. We are proudly modern and innovative and we believe in transformative education. We are on the rise with a focus on student satisfaction, graduate prospects, spending on academic services and student facilities.

100%

student satisfaction score of final year FDA Early Years & Primary Practice students

The National Student Survey (NSS)

2nd

in the East of England for graduate prospects

The Complete University Guide 2024

11th

in the UK for social inclusion

The Times Good University Guide 2023

Course Modules

Our undergraduate programmes are delivered as 'block and blend' - more information can be found on Why Suffolk? You can also watch our Block and Blend video.

The areas of study include early years, primary education, care and education, children's services, and continued professional development. This course is designed with the childcare practitioner in mind and so it has been shaped to combine studying while working in an Early Years or Primary setting. The FdA EYPP course enables students to earn while they learn and maximise the amount of time engaged with practice/work. 

The FdA Early Years & Primary Practice course spans 2 years (2 levels) and focuses on key areas relating to children’s holistic development, the care and support of all children, continued professional development, policy, and legislation and how research informs practice/provision.

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

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This module provides students from the Early Years’ workforce with the opportunity to develop a range of personal, professional, and academic skills to support their studies and enhance their future personal, professional and career development. It recognises the importance of effective study skills and communication skills in student’s continuing success throughout the programme using informed reflection. 

This module introduces students to understanding the holistic nature of children’s development. Students will be equipped with knowledge and understanding of key child development theories and contemporary perspectives of child development. The module focuses on key broad areas of development: Cognitive, Physical, including brain development, Language, and Personal, Social and Emotional Development. 

This module aims to introduce students to key ideas and debates surrounding childhood from a range of sociological, cultural, and historical perspectives; emphasising the ways in which children are positioned in different historical, social, cultural, and spatial contexts. Students will also be encouraged to consider how constructions of childhood are reflected within legislation and policies as well as education provision in the UK. 

This practice-based module will consider teaching and learning approaches to support children’s holistic development from the earliest years to age 12. A key focus of the module will enable Students to reflect on and understand the central role of observation in practice to assess and support children's cognitive, physical, social, and emotional development. Students will be encouraged to share examples of good practice and consider children's holistic development within the context of well-being. 

The children’s workforce has many demands and challenges, not least of which is inclusivity in its broadest terms. Since 1989, the United Nations Charter for the Rights of the Child has set the tone for children’s rights at a global level. This module aims to investigate the value and beliefs systems that underpin the children’s workforce. 

This module is designed to enable students to develop an evaluative understanding of formal methods of enquiry and to evaluate a range of appropriate methods of investigation and the supporting philosophies. It is intended to introduce students to both the theoretical and applied aspects of educational and social research. This will involve a detailed introduction to several different methodologies and research strategies currently being utilised within childhood research today. 

This module includes an introduction to political ideology and charts key social policy development post World War II. This module aims to enhance and encourage students critical thinking skills in engaging with key policy debates and considering how policy developments may impact on children and families and in particular their experiences of the education system. This module also considers societal issues and contemporary debates and how this shape policy and the impact of this for children and families. 

This module explores the significance of young children’s health and well-being within the formative years of 0-12. Taking a holistic and multi-dimensional approach, the module will consider the many factors that im-pact on child health and well-being, including physical, emotional, psycho-logical, and social contexts. 

This module takes a reflective, multidisciplinary, and interagency approach to the safeguarding and protection of children’s wellbeing. The aim of the module is to enhance students’ knowledge and understanding of the key concepts, theories, and ideas in relation to safeguarding children. It aims to enhance student’s critical reflection of safeguarding concepts as well as the practical application of safeguarding procedures. 

Building on the level 4 modules and student’s existing knowledge of the role of play, this module will extend and explore the role of play in children’s learning. The module will provide students with the opportunity to explore the historical and cultural perspectives of play along with the different play theorists and pioneers. The module will enable students to evaluate a range of perspectives related to children’s learning and development through play and creating enabling play environments. 

This module builds on the Level 4 Introduction to Research Methods module and is designed to enable students to develop a critical understanding of formal methods of enquiry and select and justify appropriate methods of investigation. It is intended to introduce students to both the theoretical and applied aspects of research more broadly, and Early Years research. This will involve a detailed introduction to several different methodologies and research strategies and will also consider the use and application of concepts followed by the formulation of an appropriate research proposal. 

This module is designed to enhance student’s knowledge and understanding of pedagogic practice. The module will introduce and further develop student’s understanding of key pedagogies and practices across the early years and primary stages to enhance their own practice and development as a professional. The module builds on theory introduced in level 4 children’s development modules by allowing students the opportunity to focus on their own practice, ethos, pedagogy, and environments. 

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WHY SUFFOLK

2nd in the UK for Career Prospects

WUSCA 2024

3rd in the UK for spend on academic services

Complete University Guide 2025

4th in the UK for Teaching Satisfaction

Guardian University Guide 2024
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Inside the Waterfront Building
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The Waterfront Building on Ipswich Marina
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The Library
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SU Social Space

Entry Requirements

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Career Opportunities

There are many and varied pathways for progression for graduates of the Foundation degree and all successful students will have enhanced employability in the childcare sector. Future employment opportunities exist in schools, children's centres, playgroups, nurseries, social care, and voluntary organisations.  

Graduates may also go on to management opportunities within the early years sector, progression to the level 6 course (both on-campus and online) leading to postgraduate initial teaching training (ITT) for those wishing to pursue a career in teaching. 

Your Course Team

Darryn Thompson

Darryn has successfully supported hundreds of early years practitioners in achieving their academic goals, with many going on to become early years teachers.

Darryn Thompson staff profile photo

Kelly-Marie Taylor

Kelly-Marie is passionate about Children’s rights, the Sociological study of Childhood, and providing excellent teaching and learning experiences. 

Kelly-Marie Taylor staff profile photo

Dr Pere Ayling

Nigerian-born Dr Pere Ayling is a Senior Lecturer in Early Years and has over 10 years of teaching experience in early years, primary and higher education.

Pere Ayling staff profile photo

Katherine Austin

Early Childhood Studies lecturer Katherine spent ten years teaching in primary schools and has previously lectured in Initial Teacher Training in Chichester.

Fees and Funding

UK Full-time Tuition Fee

£8,220

per year
UK Part-time Tuition Fees

£2,055*

per 30 credit module
International Full-time Tuition Fee

£15,090

per year

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

The decision to study a degree is an investment into your future, there are various means of support available to you in order to help fund your tuition fees and living costs. You can apply for funding from the Spring before your course starts.

UK Fees and Finance UK Bursaries and Scholarships International Fees and Scholarships

Ipswich Award

The University of Suffolk is offering a £1,000 Award for students joining the University of Suffolk’s Ipswich campus. The Award is based on specific eligibility criteria based on your year of entry.

More information
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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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Chaleigh, FdA Early Years and Primary Practice

"Undertaking the FdA in Early Years and Primary Practice and then progressing onto the BA (Hons) allowed me to continue working in a school and study at university. The team of lecturers you work with are fully supportive and there for you when you need them."

read more
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Related Courses

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BA (Hons) Early Years & Primary Practice (Progression Route)

The BA (Hons) Early Years & Primary Practice focuses on developing the student’s knowledge and understanding of the principles and values that underpin the learning and development of young children.

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BA (Hons) Childhood

The BA (Hons) Childhood programme explores the multi-disciplinary nature of the study of childhood.

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BA (Hons) Childhood: Primary Education with QTS

The BA (Hons) Childhood: Primary Education with QTS is an exciting opportunity for students wishing to become primary school teachers.

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MA Childhood Studies

The MA Childhood Studies course will equip you with critical understanding of childhood and childhoods underpinned by international policy, theory and current research.

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MA/PgD/PgC Education Studies

The MA Education Studies offers learning and career development opportunities for educators and leaders across educational sectors from the UK and internationally.

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