Early Years Education FdA
| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2023-09-19 | - |
| 2024-09-09 | - |
Program Overview
The Early Years Education FdA is a two-year, work-based degree designed for individuals already working in education. It allows students to gain a vocational qualification while studying part-time, enhancing their understanding of the current professional role and opening up a range of opportunities within the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
Early Years Education FdA
This program is a two-year, work-based early years degree designed for individuals already working in education. It allows students to gain a vocational qualification while studying part-time. The program aims to enhance understanding of the current professional role and open up a range of opportunities within the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).
Objectives:
- Enhance understanding of the current professional role in early years education.
- Gain a vocational qualification through part-time study.
- Open up a range of opportunities within the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).
- Build self-confidence in the workplace and at home.
Program Description:
Students attend St Mary's University one day a week while being employed in work with children and young people for at least half of the week (paid or voluntary). Classes for the September 2024 intake will be held on Mondays, starting on September 9th, 2024. The program provides opportunities for:
- Individuals working directly with children.
- Individuals working in other educational support roles.
- Individuals seeking to build their knowledge and experience through higher education.
Outline:
Course Content:
The program covers a range of modules, including:
Year 1:
- Understanding the Early Years
- Using and Applying Technology within the Early Years Environment
- Professional Skills Development Part 1
- Personal, Social and Emotional Development
- Learning through Play in the Early Years
- Working in Partnerships
- Classroom Management in the Early Years
- Communication and Language Literacy
Year 2:
- Professional Skills Development Part 2
- Changing Policy and Practice in Early Years Education
- Mathematics, Knowledge and Understanding
- Physical Development
Assessment:
The program uses a range of assessment methods, including:
- Group and individual presentations
- Practical visual presentations (posters, leaflets, 3D displays, use of green screen)
- Essays
- Case studies
- Portfolios
Teaching:
The program is taught using a variety of methods, including:
- Presentations
- Discussions
- Small group work
- Observations
- Practical work-based activities Teaching takes place on the St Mary's University campus in Twickenham, London. A virtual learning environment supports the program with additional resources and tutorials.
Careers:
The program prepares graduates for a range of careers in early years education, including:
- Early Years Teacher
- Early Years Room Leader
- Early Years Unqualified Teacher
- Early Years Teaching Assistant
- Reception Teaching Assistant
- Early Years Nursery worker
- Early Years Practitioner
- EYFS Practitioner
Other:
- The program is suitable for individuals currently working in early childhood education, including teaching assistants, student learning assistants, higher-level teaching assistants, early years practitioners, and special educational needs practitioners.
- The program supports practitioners who wish to progress further with their studies and future employment within education.
- The program is open to individuals who have been employed in a primary school or Early Years Foundation Stage setting for at least 2.5 days per week for at least one year, and who will continue to be employed in this capacity during the program.
- The program is part-time and can be completed in a minimum of two years.
- The program is taught on the St Mary's University campus in Twickenham, London.
Tuition fees Home: £6,900
St Mary's University Twickenham London
Overview:
St Mary's University Twickenham London is a university located in London, known for its strong student experience and high teaching quality. It consistently ranks highly in national university guides for student experience, teaching quality, and location.
Student Life and Campus Experience:
St Mary's University is celebrated for its student experience. The university offers a vibrant campus life and opportunities to enhance career prospects.
Key Reasons to Study There:
Top Teaching Quality:
Ranked in the top 5 for teaching quality in the UK (The Sunday Times Good University Guide, 2024).Exceptional Student Experience:
Ranked in the top 10 for student experience in the UK (The Sunday Times Good University Guide, 2024).Safe Location:
Ranked among the safest universities in England and Wales (Complete University Guide, 2023).High Employability:
98% of graduates are in employment, vocation, or further study within 15 months of graduation (HESA, 2023).Other:
St Mary's University is currently accepting applications through Clearing.
Entry Requirements:
- Academic Qualifications: An A Level, NVQ Level 3 or equivalent qualification is required.
- Work Experience: Applicants must have been employed in a primary school or Early Years Foundation Stage setting (paid or voluntary) for at least 2.5 days per week for at least one year. Continued employment in this capacity is required throughout the program.
- GCSE Requirements: GCSE grade 4/C (or equivalent) in English Language is also required. The university offers GCSE equivalency tests for those who need to improve their grades.
- Interview: The interview process will assess candidates' suitability for working with children and young people.
