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.

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.