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NRC Logo

Course Code
PFFC02064
Level
Level 3
Course Type
Further Education
Study Mode
Full-time
Duration
1 Year
Start & End
7 September 2026 - 4 June 2027
Location
Coleraine
Information Session Required
Yes

To achieve the Extended Diploma learners are required to successfully complete:

  • 66 credits from the 7 Extended Diploma graded mandatory units 
  • 1 (one) external assessment 

The 7 Extended Diploma graded mandatory unit titles are: 

  • Developing study skills for professional practice 
  • Enabling Play Environments 
  • Partnership working in early years 
  • Understanding perspectives on childhood in society 
  • Understanding Special Educational Needs and Disability in children 
  • Understanding neuroscience in early years 
  • Planning for improved outcomes when working with babies and children in an early years' setting 

Some of our students explain what to expect if you choose to study the Level 3 course.

Level 3 Extended Children?s Care Learning and Development

Jane Porter

This qualification supports learners’ progression to Higher Education by providing evidence of learners’ higher level skills. Equivalent to studying 3 A-Levels, this qualification carries UCAS tariff points up to 168 for an A* grade. 90% of our students last year achieved overall A-Level grade of C and above.

This course allows students to progress onto higher education and university such as:

  • Foundation Degree (offered with Stranmillis College, Queen's University Belfast)
  • Early Childhood Studies or to the top up Early Childhood Degree with the University of Doncaster
  • BSc (Hons) Nursing - Queen's University Belfast and Ulster University
  • BSc (Hons) Midwifery - Queen's University Belfast
  • BSc (Hons) Psychology - UK universities
  • BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies - Liverpool John Moores

To progress onto the Extended Diploma learners must have successfully completed the Level 3 Diploma.

Course Fees

No fees.

For most students, full-time Further Education courses at Level 1-3, including Apprenticeships, have no course fees.  


Level 1-3 Further Education (full-time)

  • Aged 16-18: no tuition fees apply.  
  • Aged 19:24: If you have already achieved a full Level 3 qualification, fees will apply.  
  • Aged 25 or over: Tuition fees will apply unless you are in receipt of a Further Education (FE) grant. Admission to full-time Further Education courses for applicants aged 25+ will be considered on an individual basis at the College’s discretion.

Level 3 Access Courses (full-time)

  • If you are in receipt of a Further Education (FE) grant, no fees apply.
  • If you are aged 19 or over and have already achieved a Level 3 qualification (equivalent to 3 A-Levels), fees will apply.

Fee information is available from any campus reception.

Sarah Dixon Open Quotes

“I’ve always known I wanted to work with children, so the Level 3 Children’s Care, Learning & Development course really stood out to me. When I went to the Open Day, everyone was really nice, and that’s when I knew this was the college I wanted to go to. After I finish the course, I’d love to go to uni in Northern Ireland and study early years, because my goal is to become a primary school teacher or a classroom assistant.”

Closed Quotes

Level 3 Children's Care Learning & Development

Sarah Dixon

Saffron Kennedy-Oliver Open Quotes

“I felt like I’d do better in a college environment focusing on one subject instead of juggling three different A-levels. Since I’ve always been interested in childcare, I chose to enrol on the Level 3 Children’s Care, Learning & Development course. I really enjoy working with children and I find it interesting to see how they learn and grow.”

Closed Quotes

Level 3 Children's Care Learning & Development

Saffron Kennedy-Oliver

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