EARLY CHILDHOOD STUDIES Level 5 Foundation Degree

Level 5
Higher Education
Newry Campus
Queen's University Belfast

Overview

Applicants should be aware that applications for the full-time Foundation Degree in Early Childhood Studies are made via UCAS.

The UCAS closing date for applications is 14th January 2026. Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.

This course, awarded by Queen's University Belfast, in association with Stranmillis University College, is designed to provide students with specialist knowledge and understanding of working with 0-8 year olds. The Foundation Degree focuses on the key theories, concepts and practical skills required to work with this age group in a primary school or other specialist early year’s settings.

Throughout the course, students will develop a deep understanding of child development and the factors that influence early childhood. They will study a variety of modules ranging from Perspectives on Childhood, Anti-Discriminatory Practice to Working with Children with Additional Needs. The curriculum will also cover topics such as language and literacy development, play-based learning, inclusive practices, and the role of families and communities in supporting young children's growth and learning

Full-time provision runs for 30 weeks per year. Full-time equates to 13 hours per week in College, plus a minimum of 10 hours work placement/professional practice per week.

The team delivering this course comprises of a wide range of professionals including primary school teachers, social workers and early years practitioners with a wealth of knowledge and expertise in their fields.

The course is subject to change by Queen's University Belfast.

Upon completing the Early Childhood Studies Level 5 Foundation Degree, graduates will be equipped for various roles in early childhood education and care, including positions as early childhood educators, teaching assistants, early years practitioners, family support workers within educational environments, as well as opportunities within community organisations and private childcare centres.

The over-riding consideration in admitting applicants to the course, is evidence that the learner is likely to be able to complete the course satisfactorily.

Attendance at Individual or Group Pre-Entry Advice Sessions (IPEAS and GPEAS) may be required. These interviews may take place either on campus, via telephone or video call (Microsoft Teams) and will play an important role in the selection of all courses.

Applicants must be at least 18 years of age on or before 1st July in the year of proposed entry to the course.

Applicants must have achieved a Grade C or above in GCSE 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 substituted for GCSE Mathematics).
Applicants must also have attained one of the following:
- A-Level: CC
- BTEC Extended Diploma: MMM
- CACHE Extended Diploma Level 3: Overall Grade C – Children’s Care, Learning and Development
- Irish Leaving Certificate: H5H5H5H5H5 to include English and Mathematics. If English / Mathematics is studied at Ordinary Level, then a minimum O4 is required.

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.

The College’s Admissions Policy reflects the expectations of the UK Quality Code May 2023. Please note that applicants progressing to higher education courses at Level 4 and above in a college or UK university may require a specific GCSE/A-Level profile. In some cases, the Essential Skills in Literacy and Numeracy may not be a suitable alternative to a GCSE.

The entrance criteria above may change subject to awarding body regulations. The College reserves the right to enhance the entrance requirements where demand exceeds the number of available places. In addition, where places remain available the College reserves the right to offer places to candidates with a profile less than that listed above.

Vetting Process

This course involves working with children, young people and vulnerable adults. To assess suitability to work with children, young people and vulnerable adults it is our policy to ask for a criminal record check to be carried out by AccessNI. Therefore, Southern Regional College requires checks to be completed at an ‘Enhanced’ level. Please visit our information page for further detail on the requirements and obligations for the AccessNI process.

Applicants and learners will also be subject to the Professional Suitability and Fitness to Practice Policy.

Level 1 Modules:

Study Skills
Child Development
Learning Through Play
Professional Practice 1
Perspectives on Childhood
Acquisition of Language and Communication Skills
Quality Provision in Early Years

Level 2 Modules:

Safeguarding Children
Developing Skills and Strategies for Managing Children’s Behaviour
Professional Practice 2
Anti-Discriminatory Practice and Inclusion in the Early Years Environment
Working with Children with Additional Needs
Working with Babies 0-3 years
Science and Technology in the Early Years

Modules are assessed through a combination of coursework, presentations, posters, exams and portfolio work. There is a strong emphasis on the links between coursework and work placement in this programme.

A number of quality assurance processes are used to monitor the reliability of grading. This includes marking by the tutor delivering the module, internal cross-marking by another tutor in the College, cross-college moderation by other regional colleges delivering this qualification, and moderation by an external examiner.

Where the exam/awarding body fee is listed as TBC in the full fee breakdown, the information has not yet been released by our partner awarding bodies for 26/27. This fee will be updated as soon as it becomes available.

Fees displayed for each course represent fees to be charged for year 1 of each programme. Please note that fees may increase in year 2 of the course. Read more in our Fees Policy at https://www.src.ac.uk/about-us...

On successful completion of this course, graduates may progress to Stranmillis University College and enter year 2 of the BA (Hons) Degree in Early Childhood Studies (full-time or part-time) or into year 2 of a similar course. SRC students will have the opportunity to progress to year 2 of the part-time BA (Hons) Degree in Early Childhood Studies at Southern Regional College.

Upon successful completion of the Early Childhood Studies Level 5 Foundation Degree, graduates will be well-prepared for a variety of roles in the field of early childhood education and care. They may find employment in roles such as: