In Year 0, by engaging your interest in a range of social and human science issues, we’ll create an exciting and stimulating environment to focus on improving your academic and study skills.
Boosting your confidence and unlocking your potential, the extended degree provides an excellent foundation for developing more specific expertise in Year 1 of the Early Childhood Studies BA while gaining maths and English GCSEs if you don’t already have them.
The foundation year qualifies you for entry to Year 1 (Level 4) of the three-year degree and gives you a taste of contemporary issues at the forefront of the study of early childhood. You’ll benefit from the most up-to-date developments in work with young children and their families across all sectors.
This course is ideal for those looking to begin or progress a career in the early childhood professions and has links to national organisations.
Assessment
There are a variety of assessment types across the modules with 87.5% of the assessment being coursework and 12.5% exams. Coursework types will include portfolios of reflective writing digital portfolios, essays, reports, presentations, discussion and seminar skills.
Modular structure
Year 0 (Level 3) modules include:
- Culture, Family and Power
- Critical Thinking
- Key Concepts in Early Childhood
- Media, Crime and Race
- Reflecting on Self and Society
- Researching Discrimination
- Researching Inequality
- Social Issues in Context: Text to Essay
- Studying London
You will also complete online English and Maths GCSE courses if you don’t already hold those qualifications.
Part time students can take the modules above over two years.
After completion of Year 0 (level 3), you’ll move onto the Early Childhood Studies BA course.
What our students say
“This course has broadened my knowledge and boosted my confidence. I have received excellent support from my tutors. I have been a student representative for two years and this has enabled me to share students’ voices with senior lecturers.”
“Those with children and other commitments are taken into consideration. The University and its staff have helped me a lot throughout my course. Lectures are interesting and helpful. All the staff have provided full support and encouraged me to do well.”
After the course
Graduates pursue a variety of careers in education, health and social care sectors.
Due to the demand for well-trained early childhood practitioners, there are opportunities to work in children’s centres, nursery and primary schools, and a variety of childcare and educational settings. You may specialise in a particular area such as special educational needs, or take up advisory posts in local authorities or government departments.
A significant number of students continue their professional studies, whether it’s through the PGCE route to teaching or at postgraduate level.
What is an extended degree?
Extended degrees provide applicants with an alternative route into higher education. If you do not have traditional qualifications or cannot meet the entry requirements for an undergraduate degree, you may still be able to gain entry by completing an extended degree. Extended degrees include a Year 0, which is also known as a foundation year. Once you successfully complete your first year of study you will progress into Year 1 of an undergraduate degree.
