Description

*Please read the additional information for this course carefully before applying* The Foundation Degree will provide you with the opportunity to develop a thorough knowledge and understanding of early years and related issues, enabling you to become a competent and well qualified Early Years Practitioner. The Foundation Degree will give you a nationally recognised qualification and evidence of your ability to work in the Early Years sector. You will also have the chance to articulate to Level 2 (Semester 2, Year 2) BA Early Childhood Studies at Stranmillis and South West College, Omagh Campus.

Additional Information

Enhanced Access NI disclosure is required and costs £35. During your course you may be required to purchase course text books and incur additional costs for printing, photocopying and binding. The overall additional costs incurred to support your studies may be in the region of £250 per year. Students must also complete a Stranmillis Application Form for this programme by 11th June 2021. The completed form should be uploaded as an attachment to your SWC application for this programme. Late applications will be accepted but offers will be issued first, to those that have applied by 11th June 2021. *The fees quoted are payable for each year.

Terms & Conditions

Students are required to:

Course Content

This course will provide you with the necessary knowledge and skills needed to pursue a career as an Early Years Practitioner.

Core Modules

This part-time programme will be run over 3 years and will consist of 7.5 hours per week in College and a 10 hour per week work placement. You will study 12 modules in total for example: Skills and Strategies for Managing Behaviour; Child Protection; Quality Provision; Supporting Children with Additional Needs; Language and Communications; Professional Practice; Learning Through Play; and Anti-Discriminatory Practice.

Optional Modules

You will study one optional module in each academic year. These are:

Assessment Method

Assessment methods include assignments, case studies, practical exercises, presentations, examinations and placement assessments.

Progression Opportunities

You may progress to the BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies programme, also offered at the Omagh Campus of SWC. Please note that progression to a postgraduate teaching qualification in Northern Ireland requires Learners to have GCSE English, Maths and Science at grade C or above or specified equivalent qualifications. Part-time Learners applying must complete the following: ECS - Employment History, ECS - Reference and Application Form. Further information about the BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies degree programme at Stranmillis can be found here.

Entry Requirements

Applicants must meet the general requirement of Queen’s University Belfast including English and Maths GCSE at grade C or above (level 2 in Communication Skills is acceptable in lieu of GCSE grade C in English Language, however level 2 Application of Numbers cannot be substituted for GCSE Mathematics), and one of the following: A LEVEL CC BTEC EXTENDED DIPLOMA MMM CACHE EXTENDED DIPLOMA Overall grade C – Children’s Care, Learning and Development IRISH LEAVING CERTIFICATE REQUIREMENTS H5H5H5H5H5 to include English and Mathematics Please email registry@stran.ac.uk if you require further information on entry requirements or the admissions process for the Foundation Degree Early Childhood Studies. In the event of over subscription to the course, and if you meet the entry requirements specified above, entrance requirements will be enhanced at shortlisting stage. An offer of a place on this course will be conditional until satisfactory completion of an Access NI criminal records check and if appropriate, a Social Services check.

International Student Entry Requirements

International students must meet the general entrance requirements for admission to any College First Degree, Foundation Degree or Higher National Diploma. English language requirements for international applicants is Academic IELTS 6.0 with no band score less than 5.5. Trinity ISE – Pass at Level 3 also meets this requirement for Tier 4 visa purposes.