Early Years and Education
Start your teaching career with a foundation degree in Early Years and Education. Study online by distance learning.
Learn about the education sector, child development, play, safeguarding and equality.
Most of your learning takes place online, with regular support and feedback from expert tutors.
You’ll also complete 25 placement days in Year 2, and 30 days in Year 3.
If you’re already working as a teaching assistant, early years practitioner or playworker, you can study while you work.
If you aren’t, you can use the first year of the course to find a voluntary placement or employment, working with children aged 0-8 years.
Find out more on our distance learning website.
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Develop specialist knowledge and key skills in planning and communication.
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Enhance your learning through work placements with support and guidance from a mentor.
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Choose to top-up to a full honours degree, or continue on to a teaching degree.
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Study online using our learning management system.
Study at an award-winning university
We were named Times Higher Education University of the Year 2023. We've also been awarded a Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework – a reflection of the outstanding education we offer our students.
Careers
The course allows you to look more in-depth at different areas of childcare. [It inspired] me to change the outdoor area in my setting."
A foundation degree in early years education can lead to a range of careers working with children.
One of these is teaching, and you may choose to continue your studies. Options include our BEd Primary Education Studies with Qualified Teacher Status, or BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies (Top-Up) where you can gain a full degree in just one year.
Alternatively, you could explore options across the early years, health and social care sectors.
Teaching and modules
Develop your knowledge and understanding of child development, learning, communication and play.
Throughout the course you'll also reflect on your own role as an early years professional, and learn about conducting research with, and about, younger children.
Modules are subject to change and availability, and may vary by location. If you have the choice of optional modules, these are indicated with a *.
- The Developing Child
- Inclusive Research with Children
- Safeguarding and Wellbeing
- Into ARU
- Exploring a Sustainable Education
- Developing Practice in the Workplace
- Creative Pedagogy: How Children Learn (0-8)
- Enhancing Practice in the Workplace
- Communication Matters
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Olivia BoulterSenior Lecturer
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Stacy RandallSenior Lecturer
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Kaya BarnetsonPractice Learning Tutor