Entry Year
Location
Duration
Course Code
Qualifications
Queen's University Belfast Foundation Degree In Early Childhood Studies
Presentation Skills (601/1683/3)
NOCN Level 3 Award in Research Skills for Academic Study (600/5742/7)
Overview
Website course info subject to approval by awarding body
Applications to this course must be made through the UCAS system
Course code: LX53
Campus name: Belfast Metropolitan College
The Foundation Degree in Early Childhood Studies at Belfast Met is your gateway to a rewarding career working with children and young people! If you have a passion for making a positive impact on the lives of 0-8 year olds, this two-year, full-time course is tailored for you.
Course Overview: Our Foundation Degree, validated by Stranmillis University College and Queens University Belfast, strikes a perfect balance between classroom learning and practical experience. You'll spend two days per week immersed in stimulating classes and two days per week gaining hands-on experience in a work placement with children aged 0-8 years.
Key Areas of Study:
- Child Development: Gain in-depth knowledge of the developmental stages of children aged 0-8.
- Learning Through Play: Explore the importance of play in early childhood education and development.
- Safeguarding Children: Understand the crucial principles and practices of child protection.
- Working with Children with Additional Needs: Learn to provide inclusive care for children requiring additional support.
Unique Learning Experience: Our teaching approach is dynamic and engaging, focusing on both academic excellence and practical skill development. Project Based Learning activities, including visits to forest schools, W5, the Ulster Museum, and Botanic Gardens, enrich your understanding. Collaborative events like World Book Day with local primary schools and partnerships with other Belfast Met departments enhance your transferable skills.
Student Satisfaction: In both 2022 and 2023, 100% of our learners reported high satisfaction levels with the course (NUS, 2022; NUS, 2023). We are committed to ensuring that every student's learning journey is fulfilling and rewarding.
Pathways to Higher Education: Successful completion of our Foundation Degree opens doors to various opportunities. You can apply for the BA (Hons) Degree in Early Childhood Studies at Stranmillis University College, advancing to Year 2 on a full or part-time basis. For those aspiring to teach in Northern Ireland, meeting specific GCSE requirements allows progression to teaching qualifications. Additionally, you can explore top-up options at various universities in the UK and ROI.
Career Opportunities: A Foundation Degree in Early Childhood Studies qualifies you for diverse roles in the education and childcare sectors. From nursery school assistant and classroom assistant to childcare assistant and early years specialist, you'll be equipped to make a difference.
Embark on your journey to becoming a skilled and compassionate professional in early childhood education. Join us at Belfast Met, where learning goes beyond the classroom, and your success is our priority. Apply now for a fulfilling career shaping the future of our youngest learners!
Early application is recommended due to the extremely high demand for this course.
This course is likely to include additional professional qualifications which are included to enhance your employability.
Please read our Terms and Conditions before applying for or enrolling on any of our courses.
Explore Your Path in Childhood Studies at Belfast Met!
If you're passionate about working with children and young people, Belfast Met's Childhood Studies offers a variety of courses to suit your goals:
1. Level 2 Childcare - Early Years:
- Full and part-time options available
- Traineeship and Apprenticeship opportunities
- A foundational course for those starting their journey in childcare
2. Level 3 Childcare - Early Years:
- Full and part-time options
- Apprenticeship pathway
- Dive deeper into early childhood education and development
3. Level 3 Childcare - Classroom Assistant:
- Full and part-time options
- Specialized training for aspiring classroom assistants
4. Higher Education:
- Full and part-time options
- courses depend on career pathway
5. Wide Range of Part-Time CPD Courses:
- Flexible part-time options
- Continuous Professional Development (CPD) to enhance your skills
- Explore various topics related to childhood studies
Start your journey in childcare with Belfast Met. Whether you're a school leaver or seeking to enhance your skills, we have the right course for you. Apply now and take the first step towards a fulfilling career in Childhood Studies!
For more information Belfast Met's Foundation Degree in Early Childhood Studies please click the button below to download the Pre-Entry Advice presentation. Play Slideshow in the presentation, you will then hear a recording of course coordinator Margaret Deevy talking you through all the information you need. You will also be able to read some feedback from past learners.
Applications to this course must be made through the UCAS system
Course code: LX53
Campus name: Belfast Metropolitan College
The UCAS closing date for applications is 29th January 2025. Applications may be accepted after this date - please contact Belfast Met directly for more information.
GCSE REQUIREMENTS
Grade C or above in English and Mathematics or equivalent approved qualifications (Level 2 Essential Skills in Communication is acceptable in lieu of a grade C in GCSE English Language, however Level 2 Application of Number cannot be substituted for GCSE Mathematics)
And one of the following:
- A Levels: minimum grades CC
- CACHE Level 3 Extended Diploma in Children’s Care, Learning and Development
- City & Guilds Level 3 Children’s Care, Learning and Development
- Irish Leaving Certificate: H5H5H5H5 to include English and Mathematics.
- BTEC Extended Diploma MMM (18 units – 180 credits)
The offer of a place on this course will be conditional upon satisfactory completion of an Access NI Criminal Records check, a Social Services check (if appropriate) and acceptance into a relevant placement.
Please see below link to the UCAS tariff point calculator:
Calculate your UCAS Tariff points |UCAS
Please note:
Belfast Met actively promotes equality of opportunity and welcomes enrolments from a wide range of applicants and students, including those with criminal convictions. However, in order for the College to manage any risk that you may pose, you must tell us about any unspent criminal convictions you may have. For certain courses, you must disclose all criminal convictions.
To tell us about your convictions, please complete either a Criminal Offence(s) Disclosure Form or an Enhanced Criminal Offence(s) Disclosure Form
Both forms are available on the Student Criminal Disclosures page of our website Student Criminal Disclosures (belfastmet.ac.uk)
Fees:
Academic period 2026*:
Tuition Fee = £3323.00
Academic period 2027*:
Tuition Fee = £3323.00
Fees are payable annually.
*The fees have not been finalised and may be subject to change.
Fees are subject to approval from awarding body
Visit our Student Funding page here to find out how to fund your studies
Please contact the student loan company if you require a loan or our Funding Team by emailing studentfunding@belfastmet.ac.uk for other options.
Modules are assessed through a combination of assignments, exams, case studies, presentations, practical as well as placement reports. You will have the opportunity to study:
• Child Development
• Acquisition of Language and Communication Skills,
• Learning Through Play
• Quality Provision in Early Years
• Prospectives on Childhood
• Safeguarding Children
• Developing Skills and Strategies for Managing Children’s Behaviour
• Working with Children with Additional Needs
• Anti-Discriminatory Practice and Inclusion in the Early Years Environment
• Science and Technology in the Early Years
• Professional Practice
Careers
Successful completion of the Foundation Degree at a required level will allow you to apply to the BA (Hons) Degree in Early Childhood Studies at Stranmillis University College, creating a pathway in to Year 2 of this programme on a full or part-time basis.
An Early Childhood Studies degree provides the essential knowledge and experience for those working with young children in a variety of establishments including:
Early Years Organisations
Nursery and Primary Schools
Centres Associated With The Early Years Organisation
Toy and Book Libraries
Creches
Parent and Toddler Groups
Childcare And Family Centres
Further information about the BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies degree programme at Stranmillis can be found here https://www.stran.ac.uk/courses/undergraduate/
If you wish to progress to a teaching qualification in Northern Ireland, you must have GCSE English, Maths, Science at Grade C or above or specified equivalent qualifications. Students can also apply to a range of other universities (UK/ROI) to top up to a degree qualification.
Successful completion of the Foundation Degree will also qualify you to work in the education sector in posts such as nursery school assistant, classroom assistant and special needs assistant. You will also be qualified to work in the childcare sector in posts such as childcare assistant, childminder and early years specialist.
Interests
- Caring for Children
- Helping others
- Research
- Volunteering
- Education
Contact us
School Administrator, Tel: 028 9026 5442 or Email: hcslinfo@belfastmet.ac.uk
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