Early Childhood Studies - Foundation Degree
Course Type
Higher Education
Study Mode
Full-time
Duration
2 Years
Start & End Date
14 September 2026
4 June 2028
Location
Newtownabbey
Interview Required
Yes
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.
You will study 12 modules in total, for example:
There are no additional mandatory costs for this course.
One of our Foundation Degree in Early Childhood studies shares her experience about the course.
Assessment methods include assignments, case studies, practical exercises, presentations, examinations and placement assessments.
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.
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.
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| Year 1 | £3167 |
| Year 2 | £3167 |
| Total |
Payment of fees must be arranged prior to course commencement and at the beginning of each academic year, regardless of whether your programme of study is one, two, or three years in duration. Fees for subsequent years (Year 2 and/or Year 3) may be subject to change due to annual increases in awarding body charges, such as registration or examination fees.
Please contact any Campus Reception to arrange payment of your course fees or to confirm you have uploaded evidence of your funding application or entitlement to the online admissions portal. Confirmation of your funding entitlement should also be forwarded to studentfinance@nrc.ac.uk.
If your fees are being paid by a sponsor/employer please make sure they upload an Employer Consent Form to your online Prospect account.
Payment Options
You can pay your fees in full by cash, cheque, credit/debit card, direct debit payment or via a Student Loan. For further details visit our fees and funding page.
Contact Details
Student Loan Queries
T: 028 9085 5048
E: studentfinance@nrc.ac.uk
Direct Debit or Payment Queries
E: finance@nrc.ac.uk
Full details are available on our fees and funding page.
Funding Options including Scholarships
There are several funds available to help with costs related to your course such as grants and scholarships. For further details visit our student finance page.
Additional Mandatory Costs
Additional mandatory costs are essential expenses which are required in order to complete your course. These costs are separate from, and in addition to, any course tuition fees. Most courses do not have any additional mandatory costs. Examples of additional mandatory costs includes trips which are included as a component of your course, essential textbooks which are not available from our learning resource centres, essential equipment which is not provided by the College, professional memberships which are linked directly to the course.
These costs do not include stationery materials or items which a student may choose to purchase, personal computer equipment or software or additional textbooks or journals, memberships of professional bodies not essential for your course. Many students will choose to purchase their own equipment and materials during their course, these are not mandatory costs. For most courses, equipment and materials will be provided by the College.
All tutors are qualified and experienced counsellors. This underpins the authenticity of teaching and learning activities as students engage with practitioners who understand the challenges and opportunities of the counselling role. The following teaching team deliver this course at Northern Regional College:
Staff Team
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.
Assessment methods include assignments, case studies, practical exercises, presentations, examinations and placement assessments.
You will study 12 modules in total, for example:
There are no additional mandatory costs for this course.
One of our Foundation Degree in Early Childhood studies shares her experience about the course.
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.
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.
Course Fees
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| Year 1 | £3167 |
| Year 2 | £3167 |
| Total |
Payment of fees must be arranged prior to course commencement and at the beginning of each academic year, regardless of whether your programme of study is one, two, or three years in duration. Fees for subsequent years (Year 2 and/or Year 3) may be subject to change due to annual increases in awarding body charges, such as registration or examination fees.
Please contact any Campus Reception to arrange payment of your course fees or to confirm you have uploaded evidence of your funding application or entitlement to the online admissions portal. Confirmation of your funding entitlement should also be forwarded to studentfinance@nrc.ac.uk.
If your fees are being paid by a sponsor/employer please make sure they upload an Employer Consent Form to your online Prospect account.
Payment Options
You can pay your fees in full by cash, cheque, credit/debit card, direct debit payment or via a Student Loan. For further details visit our fees and funding page.
Contact Details
Student Loan Queries
T: 028 9085 5048
E: studentfinance@nrc.ac.uk
Direct Debit or Payment Queries
E: finance@nrc.ac.uk
Full details are available on our fees and funding page.
Funding Options including Scholarships
There are several funds available to help with costs related to your course such as grants and scholarships. For further details visit our student finance page.
Additional Mandatory Costs
Additional mandatory costs are essential expenses which are required in order to complete your course. These costs are separate from, and in addition to, any course tuition fees. Most courses do not have any additional mandatory costs. Examples of additional mandatory costs includes trips which are included as a component of your course, essential textbooks which are not available from our learning resource centres, essential equipment which is not provided by the College, professional memberships which are linked directly to the course.
These costs do not include stationery materials or items which a student may choose to purchase, personal computer equipment or software or additional textbooks or journals, memberships of professional bodies not essential for your course. Many students will choose to purchase their own equipment and materials during their course, these are not mandatory costs. For most courses, equipment and materials will be provided by the College.