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Foundation Degree in Early Childhood Studies in Selby – Selby College – Full-time

CostFull time: £7,400
Duration2 years
DeliveryClassroom based
Start30 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
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About this course

FdA Early Childhood Studies in Selby. Classes run at Selby College, full-time during the day. This two-year course is designed for people working with children aged 0 to 8 years, or those looking to move into a professional role in the early years sector. You need to be in a relevant work placement for a minimum of 240 hours across the course. Year 1 covers the Certificate Stage, including child development, health and wellbeing, and observation. Year 2 moves into the Diploma Stage, covering safeguarding, leadership, and reflective practice. Entry requires 48 UCAS points and a grade C or 4 or above in GCSE English.

Who this course is for

This programme is intended for students wishing to work professionally with children aged 0-8 years, or for those already working with children in this age group who are seeking a higher level qualification. It equips you with the concepts, knowledge and skills required for a professional role in the Early Years sector.

You will develop an understanding of the subject and field which will enable you to participate in planning, evaluating and implementing the education and care of young children aged 0-8 years. You will be able to use this knowledge and understanding to support your practical work with children in the workplace. It is fundamental to the approach of the course that theory and practical work are inter-related.

The course explores the needs and experiences of children and investigates how education shapes their development. It aims to develop professional and practical skills such as planning, assessment and teamwork, enhancing your employability and building a solid foundation for further study. There is clear evidence that a graduate qualification in this sector is helping to professionalise and raise the standards of childcare and education, as well as strengthen opportunities for individual promotion.

Entry requirements

48 UCAS points from either: BTEC L3 National Dip (QCF) in Children's Play, Learning and Development BTEC L3 Extended Dip (QCF) in a relevant subject A Levels You should be employed within the sector, either paid or unpaid, for a min of 240hrs over the 3 year period.

Also required: A DBS check 2 References A work-based mentor (You will also receive workplace visits from your tutors) C/4 or above in GCSE English C/4 and above in GCSE Maths and Science (desirable)

What you will learn

  • You'll explore human growth and development in children aged 0 to 8 years.
  • You'll study early years learning approaches, play, and observation and assessment methods.
  • You'll develop skills in planning, implementing, and evaluating education and care for young children.
  • You'll examine how to promote child health and wellbeing.
  • You'll learn about safeguarding babies and young children in early years settings.
  • You'll build reflective practice skills and understand the role of the early years professional.
  • You'll study partnerships with parents and families, and leadership in early years settings.
  • You'll develop research skills relevant to the early years sector.

How you will learn

The course is classroom based, full-time, with daytime attendance at Selby College. Assessment takes a variety of forms across the two years. You'll also undertake work-based learning, with a minimum of 240 hours in a relevant setting. A workplace mentor supports your practice, and tutors will visit you in your placement. Year 1 completes the Certificate stage; Year 2 completes the Diploma stage.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Selby College will confirm anything else you need before you start. You will need to arrange a DBS check, provide two references, and have a work-based mentor in place before the course begins.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Early years practitioner: working with children aged 0 to 5 in nursery settings
  • Room leader or senior nursery practitioner: leading a room within a nursery
  • Teaching assistant: supporting learning in primary school classrooms
  • Family support worker: working with families and young children in community settings
  • Childminder: running your own registered childcare provision
  • Early intervention worker: supporting children with additional needs
  • Nursery manager: progressing into management of an early years setting

What you could study next

The FdA Early Childhood Studies qualification is a foundation degree, which you can top up to a full BA (Hons) in Early Childhood Studies or a related subject at a university. This opens routes into Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS) or a PGCE if you want to move into teaching. A full honours degree also strengthens applications for senior and management roles in the early years sector.

Apply on heartofyorkshire.ac.uk →
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