Qualifications
Queen's University Belfast Foundation Degree In Early Childhood Studies
Day of week: Tuesday
Times: 10:00 - 20:30
Overview
Website course info subject to approval by awarding body
Applications for this course must be made directly to Belfast Metropolitan College.
The Foundation Degree in Early Childhood Studies (Part-Time) at Belfast Met is your pathway to a fulfilling career working with children and young people. Designed for those balancing work, family, or other commitments, this three-year, part-time course provides the flexibility to pursue your passion for supporting the development and well-being of 0–8-year-olds.
Course Overview:
Validated by Stranmillis University College and Queen’s University Belfast, this part-time Foundation Degree combines theoretical learning with hands-on practical experience. Learners attend college 8 hours per week and complete 10 hours per week in a work placement setting, giving you the opportunity to apply your learning directly to practice.
Key Areas of Study:
- Child Development: Gain a comprehensive understanding of how children grow, learn, and develop from birth to 8 years old.
- Learning Through Play: Explore how play supports children’s education and development.
- Safeguarding Children: Develop the skills and knowledge to ensure the safety and well-being of children.
- Working with Children with Additional Needs: Learn how to create inclusive environments for children with diverse needs.
What Makes This Course Special?
This part-time programme has been designed to meet the needs of adult learners, offering a supportive environment with access to experienced tutors from diverse professional backgrounds, including education and early years practice.
Pathways to Higher Education:
On successful completion of the Foundation Degree, you can apply to progress to Year 2 of the BA (Hons) Degree in Early Childhood Studies at Stranmillis University College, either full-time or part-time. Alternatively, you may choose to explore other top-up options at universities across the UK and Ireland.
Career Opportunities:
Graduates from this course are well-equipped for roles such as nursery assistant, classroom assistant, childcare practitioner, or early years specialist in a variety of education and childcare settings.
Is This Course for You?
Whether you’re already working in the sector or looking to begin a new career, the part-time Foundation Degree in Early Childhood Studies offers the perfect blend of flexibility, practical experience, and academic learning.
Embark on your journey toward a rewarding career supporting the growth and development of young children. Apply now and take the next step with Belfast Met!
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.
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*:
HE Tuition Fee = £1250.00
Fees are payable annually.
*The fees have not been finalised and may be subject to change.
Fees are subject to approval by 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
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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