Early Years and Teaching Assistants
BA (Hons) Early Years Practice (Top-up) (Full-Time, Evening Study) - 2024 Entry
- Studied on an evening basis, allowing those who already work in an early years setting to develop their skills, knowledge and understanding, around career commitments.
- Taught and delivered by industry-experienced practitioners, in small classes, offering unrivalled levels of support.
| Validated By: |  |
|---|---|
| UCAS Code: | X325 |
| Institution Code: | S51 |
| Start Date: | September 2024 |
| Duration: | 1 Year, Full-Time |
| Campus: | St Helens Town Centre |
| Tuition Fee: | £7,995 per year |
| Entry Requirements: | 240 Credits |
| Programme Specification: | View Programme Specification here. |
| Programme Handbook: | Coming Soon |
| Programme Leader: |
Karen Hunt This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. |
 |
|
Degree Overview
This degree aims to reflect the knowledge, skills, values, and attitudes required by those working with young children in early years' settings, schools, and other areas of children's services.
It also equips students with the subject knowledge, understanding, characteristics and skills described in the QAA Early Childhood Studies Benchmark Statements (2014) and associated with the children's workforce.
Covering a range of modules, you have the opportunity to explore theoretical concepts in a research context and apply the principles of informed evidence and ethical practice.
Modules
| The Early Childhood Professional - ED6702 - 20 Credits |
| Contemporary Issues in the Early Years - ED6704 - 20 Credits |
| Dissertation - ED6705 - 40 Credits |
| Principles and Pedagogy in Early Childhood - ED6706 - 20 Credits |
| International Perspectives in Early Childhood - ED6708 - 20 Credits |
Entry Requirements
For 2024 entry, you will need 240 Credits, gained from FdA Early Years Practice or level 5 equivalent.
All applicants should also hold a full and relevant level 3 qualification as required to be counted within the staff/child ratio within the Early Years Setting. These are set out by the Department for Education and can be found at: www.gov.uk/guidance/early-years-qualifications-finder.
Students who do not hold this formal qualification, or who have only obtained vocational qualifications, will be directed towards an appropriate FdA award.
Prior Learning and Experience
University Centre St Helens welcomes applications from mature students (aged 21+) and students from a varied range of backgrounds and experience. Offers of a place are related to previous academic qualifications, although students with a Level 5 qualification in another area and experience within the early years sector will be considered after discussion at interview.
Additional Entry Requirements
All suitably qualified applicants will be invited to attend an interview. Your interview is designed to be an informal meeting and will also provide an opportunity for you to discuss and explore your career interests with the Programme Leader.
DBS Check
Students who are not currently employed in the sector and are looking to complete a work placement, will need to undergo a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check to assess their suitability for access to a range of early years careers. In the event of a disclosure, this must be discussed with the Programme Leader before entry, who will then provide advice relating to placement and future employment criteria within the early years sector.
Information for International Applicants
If you are a non-EU/EEA/Swiss national, you may need to apply for a Tier 4 visa in order to enter and study in the UK. However, please note that University Centre St Helens does not hold a Tier 4 Sponsor Licence to support student visa applications.
Learning Environment and Assessment
This degree takes a range of approaches to learning and teaching including lectures, seminars, group work, directed tasks, independent research, individual and group tutorials and blended learning. The teaching approach will often be activity-based and participatory.
You will also be required to undertake independent learning, which includes the opportunity to work with a supervising lecturer who offers support as you work towards completing assessments.
Assessment methods include examinations, coursework, assignments and group work tasks.
Tuition Fees
For 2024 entry, tuition fees for full-time study are £7,995 per year.
Additional Costs
| Course-Related Travel (Placements/Work Experience/Voluntary/Site Visits | Only applicable if on work placement and not employed. Public transport costs will be required to and from placement. You will be required to complete a DBS check, which will cost around £44. |
|---|---|
| Equipment and Materials | Core texts and reading lists should generally be available in the St Helens Town Centre Campus Library or University of Chester Library. However, students may prefer to buy their own copies. All assignments are submitted through Turnitin. Students will provide their own day-to-day stationary items e.g. pens, pencils, notebooks. |
Financial Support
Subject to eligibility, students can apply for a tuition fee loan from Student Finance England to cover the full cost of tuition fees, which means you don't have to pay anything upfront and there's nothing to pay back until you're qualified and earning over £481 a week, £2,083 a month or £25,000 a year. You may also be eligible to apply for additional funding to help with living costs. Visit our finance support page for more information.
Study Enhancement Gift
All new, first year (level 4), full-time undergraduates studying a qualifying Foundation Degree, Bachelor's Degree or Higher National Diploma at University Centre St Helens, will receive a non-repayable Study Enhancement Gift up to the value of £400. This could be a specific gift, such as a laptop, or subject specific equipment, extra qualifications or trips and visits.
For more information, visit our study enhancement gift page.
Careers and Progression
This degree will allow you to confidently work within early years settings, children's services and even management roles.
As a graduate, you have the opportunity to progress into a range of careers such as:
- Special Educational Needs Coordinator
- Nursery Manager
- Early Years Practitioner
Apply Now
Apply online through UCAS using institution code S51 and course code X325.
Would you like to speak to someone before making your decision?
Call 0800 99 66 99 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and our team will be more than happy to help.
FdA Early Years Practice (Full-time, Evening Study) - 2024 Entry
- Studied on an evening basis, allowing those who already work in an early years setting to develop their skills, knowledge and understanding, around career commitments.
- Taught and delivered by industry-experienced practitioners, in small classes, offering unrivalled levels of support.
- Opportunity to top-up to a full BA (Hons) degree at University Centre St Helens.
| Validated By: |  |
|---|---|
| UCAS Code: | X311 |
| Institution Code: | S51 |
| Start Date: | September 2024 |
| Duration: | 2 Years, Full-Time |
| Campus: | St Helens Town Centre |
| Tuition Fee: | £5,000 per year |
| Entry Requirements: | Please see entry requirements section below. |
| Programme Specification: | Tap/click here to view Programme Specification |
| Programme Handbook: | Coming Soon |
| Programme Leader: |
Karen Hunt This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. |
|
|
Degree Overview
This Foundation Degree is ideal for practitioners working in early years settings, whether that be in paid employment or for those undertaking voluntary experience.
You will gain a strong academic grounding in a range of early years theories, policies and procedures, improving your current knowledge and understanding of early years issues, allowing you to be a more effective and efficient practitioner.
Modules
| YEAR 1 |
YEAR 2 |
|---|---|
| Personal Progression and Development (PPD) - 4501EYSTH - 20 Credits | Reflection in the Early Years - 5501EYSTH - 20 Credits |
| The Developing Child - 4502EYSTH - 20 Credits | Inclusion - 5502EYSTH - 20 Credits |
| Technology in the Early Years - 4503EYSTH - 20 Credits | Leading and Project Managing - 5503EYSTH - 20 Credits |
| The History of Childhood - 4504EYSTH - 20 Credits | Research Enquiry - 5504EYSTH - 20 Credits |
| Working in Partnership - 4505EYSTH - 20 Credits | Safeguarding Practice within the Early Years - 5505EYSTH - 20 Credits |
| Early Years Education - 4506EYSTH - 20 Credits | Health and Wellbeing within the Early Years - 5506EYSTH - 20 Credits |
Entry Requirements
You should hold a level 3 qualification in childcare such as NVQ3, DCE, NND, NNEB, EYE or equivalent. Other Level 3 qualifications must hold 96 UCAS Tariff points or above.
A satisfactory reference from your employer or voluntary organisation is also required.
University Centre St Helens will also support those who are currently unemployed in finding a placement but cannot guarantee a placement will be available.
For students whose education has not been in English, evidence of proficiency in English will be required. Applicants will typically need to have achieved band 6.5 in IELTS (International English Language Testing Scheme) and/or a score of 580 or above in TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language), completed within two years of the date of application to the FdA in Early Years Practice.
Prior Learning and Experience
University Centre St Helens welcomes applications from mature students (aged 21+) and students from a varied range of backgrounds and experience. Offers of a place on the degree will not be based solely upon academic qualifications alone and related skills gained in the workplace will also be considered.
Additional Entry Requirements
All suitably qualified applicants will be invited to attend an interview. Your interview is designed to be an informal meeting and will also provide an opportunity for you to discuss and explore your career interests with the Programme Leader.
DBS Check
All prospective students will be advised at the entry stage that they must undergo a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check to assess their suitability for access to a range of early years careers. In the event of a disclosure, this must be discussed with the Programme Leader before entry, who will then provide advice relating to placement and future employment criteria within the early years sector.
Information for International Applicants
If you are a non-EU/EEA/Swiss national, you may need to apply for a Tier 4 visa in order to enter and study in the UK. However, please note that University Centre St Helens does not hold a Tier 4 Sponsor Licence to support student visa applications.
Learning Environment and Assessment
You will attend University Centre St Helens for two evenings per week, for two years.
The practical side of the degree, whether that be your paid employment or voluntary placement, will allow you to put the theory you are learning in each session into practice. Learning will be theoretical through lectures, workshops, seminars, self-direct study, written work, group work, presentations and guest lectures.
You will be supported by a range of resources including a Uni Hub, a dedicated learning environment for degree students.
Assessment is continuous and facilitated through both formative and summative assessments including written coursework assignments, essays, extended pieces of work, examinations, presentations, portfolios, case studies and reports.
Certificates
Upon successful completion of the course, a certificate will be issued by Liverpool John Moores University.
Tuition Fees
For 2024 entry, tuition fees for full-time (evening study) are £5,000 per year. Fees should be paid directly to the College.
Additional Costs
| Course-Related Travel (Placements/Work Experience/Voluntary/Site Visits | Only applicable if on work placement and not employed. Public transport costs will be required to and from placement. You will be required to complete a DBS check, which will cost around £44. |
|---|---|
| Equipment and Materials | Core texts and reading lists should generally be available in the St Helens Town Centre Campus Library or online via Liverpool John Moores' Moodle and Library Services. However, students may prefer to buy their own copies. All assignments are submitted through Turnitin. Students will provide their own day-to-day stationary items e.g. pens, pencils, notebooks. |
| Volunteering Opportunities for Personal Development | Variable depending on type of activity. |
Financial Support
Subject to eligibility, students can apply for a tuition fee loan from Student Finance England to cover the full cost of tuition fees, which means you don't have to pay anything upfront and there's nothing to pay back until you're qualified and earning over £481 a week, £2,083 a month or £25,000 a year. You may also be eligible to apply for additional funding to help with living costs. Visit our finance support page for more information.
Study Enhancement Gift
All new, first year (level 4), full-time undergraduates studying a qualifying Foundation Degree, Bachelor's Degree or Higher National Diploma at University Centre St Helens, will receive a non-repayable Study Enhancement Gift up to the value of £400. This could be a specific gift, such as a laptop, or subject specific equipment, extra qualifications or trips and visits.
For more information, visit our study enhancement gift page.
Careers and Progression
Upon successful completion of this Foundation Degree, you may choose to progress into a higher position within an early years setting, or on to the BA (Hons) Early Years Practice with University Centre St Helens. As a graduate, you have the opportunity to progress into a range of careers, such as:
- Family Support Worker
- Nursery Teacher
- Early Years Worker
Graduation
Celebrate your incredible achievements at our University Centre St Helens Graduation Ceremony. Join us alongside your family and friends for a day filled with pride, joy, and unforgettable moments. Discover all the details about this special event by visiting our dedicated page: www.sthelens.ac.uk/graduation.
You will also be given the opportunity to attend Liverpool John Moores University Graduation Ceremony at Liverpool Anglican Cathedral. Visit their Graduation page for more information: ljmu.ac.uk/students/graduation
Apply Now
Apply online through UCAS using institution code S51 and course code X311.
Would you like to speak to someone before making your decision?
Call 0800 99 66 99 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and our team will be more than happy to help.
Inspiring Success
"I've loved my time on the course, and it has prepared me to work towards my dream of becoming a Primary School Teacher."
Antony, Level 3 Technical Diploma in Childcare and Education
