Early Childhood Studies - Foundation Degree

Essentials

Duration: 2 years Full-time
Start date: 15th September 2025
End date: 5th June 2027

Course fees for each year.

Fees are payable annually.
The fees for year 2 may be subject to change.

Find out more about eligibility for reduced course fees, payment options and financial support available in our fees and funding page.

The Foundation Degree in Early Childhood Studies 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. It will also give you a nationally recognised qualification and evidence of your ability to work in the Early Years sector. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to progress to year 2 of the BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies course at Stranmillis University College.

This course is validated by Queen's University Belfast and quality assured by Stranmillis University College.

Course Content

You will study 12 modules in total, for example:

• Child Development
• Professional Practice
• The Acquisition of Language and Communication Skills
• Learning Through Play
• Quality Provision in Early Years
• Historical Overview of the Development of Early Years Provision
• 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

​There are no additional mandatory costs for this course.

One of Foundation Degree in Early Childhood studies shares her experience about the course.

Assessment Methods

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

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 subsituted for Mathematics).

A Level
CC

BTEC Extended Diploma
MMM

CACHE Extended Diploma
Overall grade C - Children's Care, Learning & Development

Irish Leaving Certificate Requirements
H5H5H5H5H5 to include English and Mathematics

Students who have achieved a recognised Access Course (minimum of 55%) will also be eligible to apply.

Where students wish to have prior education and/or experience taken into account, in lieu of meeting the full course entry requirements, they should contact the relevant Course Director or Admissions. APEL applications must be submitted at least 2 weeks before the start date of the programme. More details can be found in the APEL Policy.

Full-time applications to the course should be made through UCAS using UCAS code LX53 and selecting Northern Regional College.  Closing dates are subject to UCAS deadlines. 

Selection process is completed through our partner University Stranmillis College. Please email registry@stran.ac.uk if you require further information on entry requirements or the admissions process for the Foundation Degree in Early Childhood Studies.

Graduates of the foundation degree will have qualified status to work in the education sector in posts such as nursery school assistant, classroom assistant and special needs assistant etc.

Graduates of the Foundation Degree will have the opportunity to progress to year 2 of the full time BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies Degree course at Stranmillis University College, subject to the availability of places. This degree is also offered in part-time mode of study at Stranmillis and successful FD graduates may wish to consider this option for progressing their studies.

Find out more about the BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies degree programme at Stranmillis.

Please note that onward progression to a postgraduate teaching qualification in Northern Ireland requires applicants to have GCSE English, maths and science at grade C or above, or specified equivalent qualifications.