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Exeter College

Hele Road, Exeter. EX4 4JS.
Tel: 0845 111 6000.

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Information is changing all the time so please check with the College. Exeter College Logo
Early Years
Level: Higher Education - Foundation Degree      Higher Education 
How long is the course/training? This is a two-year, full-time or three-year, part-time course.

What will I be doing on the course/training?

This employment related course is ideal if you work with or wish to work with young children. It can be used to enhance career progression within the Early Years field or to enable progression to a full BA degree. The course is designed to cover a range of topics connected with the care, well being and education of young children. It is designed to be appropriate for experienced early years workers and for those new to the field.

Year 1 Modules
  • Learning with young children
  • Values, diversity and rights
  • Continuous professional development
  • Children in families
  • Curriculum activities
  • The developing child
  • A longitudinal child study

Year 2 Modules
  • Working with colleagues
  • Independent study module
  • Children with specific individual needs
  • The healthy child
  • ICT with young children
  • Safeguarding children in early years settings
This course is awarded by the University of Plymouth.
Course/Training Code: UCAS: X310 FdA/EY

Where do I study/train?

Hele Building

What are the entry requirements?

You will need 160 UCAS tariff points (minimum) from AS, A2 or AVCE programmes, BTEC National Diploma/Certificate - grades MPP/MM, GNVQ Advanced, an appropriate NVQ at level 3, an Access qualification or other qualifications deemed equivalent to the above.

What can I do after this course/training?

You can progress onto the third year of the BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies or the Bed (Hons) Early Years at the University of Plymouth. You can also progress onto the BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies at Somerset College of Arts and Technology or have direct entry into employment. You may also wish to continue your studies after graduating from the third year and a further one-year PGCE (Primary) 3-8 course can lead to Qualified Teacher Status. There are also opportunities to apply for Early Years Professional Status.

What Functional skills will I do?

None specified

What residential/work experience is there?

No residential specified, however you will need to secure a voluntary placement or employment within an Early Years setting for the duration of the course (recommended 1 day a week).

What faculty is the course/training in?

Health, Care and Public Services

How to Apply?

Most people apply through UCAS for all our full-time Higher Education courses. The application is completed electronically online through www.ucas.com/apply.
For the part-time course you can obtain an application form from either Admissions or the Departmental Administrator. For more information refer to the 'How to Apply' page.

How do I study the course/training and how will I be assessed?

You will be taught through formal lectures and class work, with some modules providing an opportunity for support from specialist speakers and visits to outside organisations. Assessment will be through a mixture of practical demonstrations, presentations, coursework, and work-based projects.

What facilities are there?

You will have access to a learning resource centre. There is a refectory in the Hele Building.

What will the course/training cost me?

The full-time fee in 2010-11 is £1,890 per year. The part-time fee (per module) is £320 in 2010-11. For more information about fees please click here.

The situation with funding for fee grants is constantly changing. This year Devon County Council (LEA) funded some places for our part-time students and the Devon Early Years and Childcare Service funded the remaining part-time students. All full-time students had their fees paid for by Devon Early Years and Childcare Service. Therefore all students were fully funded. We are hoping this will continue next year but there are no guarantees. Please contact Louise Webber before applying for support with funding (fees grants) to check the current status – louisewebber@exe-coll.ac.uk

Additional costs:

Other costs would include the purchase of recommended textbooks. You will need an enhanced CRB check done through your work placement or the College (costing approx £36).

Previous students' views:

"I work as a nursery nurse and I have a son so never imagined having time to do this. However, I am so glad I did! I only have one year left and will hopefully go on to gain Early Years Professional Status. It hasn't always been easy but peer support and tutor support has been excellent and I would definitely recommend this course as I have learnt so much and made some great friends". Andrea
To find out more:
Telephone: 0845 111 6000
Email: health@exe-coll.ac.uk
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