FdA Early Years and Childhood Studies licensed to Wiltshire College
FOR ALL ADMISSIONS ENQUIRIES PLEASE CONTACT THE COLLEGE DIRECTLY
(This course is taught at Wiltshire College, Trowbridge)
Applications should be made directly to the college. The course content is relevant for practitioners working with children aged 0-5 as well as Teaching Assistants in the Foundation Stage.
Work experience is integral to the programme with each student undertaking at least 700 hours over 2 years in two or more settings. Students will be required to spend a minimum of 350 hours per year in a relevant work setting or service, which can provide practice and mentor support.
On successful completion of the Foundation degree (achieving a minimum 55% average over the duration of the programme), students will be given the opportunity to progress to a 18 month programme leading to a BA honours degree in Early Years Care and Education.
Programme Specification
How to apply
FOR ALL ADMISSIONS ENQUIRIES PLEASE CONTACT THE COLLEGE DIRECTLY
Wiltshire College
Tel: +44 (0)1249 466806
Email: headmissions@wiltshire.ac.uk
Entry Requirements for 2013
Candidates will be required to:
- Be a current practitioner in Early Years with at least two years’ experience
- Have Criminal Records Bureau enhanced clearance and absence of offences which preclude practice in early years care
- Achieve a successful selection interview
BTEC Extended Diplomas (suite of qualifications known as Nationals on the QCF Framework) in the following areas:
- Childhood Studies;
- Health and Social Care and other relevant fields - PPP Profile
- Candidates with a Diploma in Childcare and Education will need a minimum of Grade E in theory units. Those with a National Diploma in Early Years will need a minimum of 5 merits.
BTEC Nationals (NQF Framework) in the following related areas:
- Childhood Studies;
- Health and Social Care and other relevant fields - PPP Profile
- Candidates with a Diploma in Childcare and Education will need a minimum of Grade E in theory units. Those with a National Diploma in Early Years will need a minimum of 5 merits.
CACHE (formally NNEB)
- Children's Care Learning and Development and other relevant fields e.g.
- Playwork
- Specialist Support for Teaching and Learning in Schools
Candidates will need a minimum of Grade E in theory units
Level 3 Certificate
- Supporting full certificate in Children's Learning or related fields e.g. Learning Support and Playwork
- Candidates will need a minimum of Grade B in theory units
NVQ and other L3 Qualifications (in Childcare, Teaching Support, Child minding or a related subject area)
Candidates must PASS the qualification and undertake the University's AP(E)L process which will require the submission of a written academic piece of work.
Accredidation of Prior Learning
Students who have compketed units on a sector endorsed Foundation Degree awarded by a different Higher Education Institution may be eligible to gain credit for those units studied or gain direct entry into year 2 of the Foundation Degree. For further information please contact the college directly.
Access to Higher Education Course
Education Pathway or equivalent (Pass of 60 credits with minimum of 45 at L3)
Must have Level 2 English and Maths (either included or extra)
Advanced Level Apprenticeships
As part of the WVLLN progression agreement, candidates with NVQ3 Early Years, NVQ3 Children’s Care, Learning and Development or Advanced Apprenticeship Early Years (gained with the last 5 years) are guaranteed an interview for this programme subject to having the appropriate professional experience.
Level 2 English
All applicants will normally also require passes (at grade C or above) in English or their level 2 equivalents. Details of level 2 equivalent qualifications can be found here.
Non UK based qualifications
Students applying with non-UK based qualifications will be considered on an individual basis.
Applicants without formal academic qualifications
Students without formal qualifications but who have a minimum of two years relevant work experience and are able to demonstrate that they have developed the necessary skills to succeed on the course can apply through the University's AP(E)L procedures. Details of the AP(E)L process can be found here.
English Language Requirements
Where English is not the applicant’s first language an IELTS score of 6 or TOEFL score of 580 (paper-based) or 237 (computer-based) or equivalent qualification, will normally be required.