This is a work-based early years degree, on which you'll attend St Mary's one day a week whilst employed in work with children and young people for at least half of the week (in either a paid or voluntary capacity).

Attend St Mary's University one day a week throughout this work-based course.

Progress on to the BA Hons in Primary Education QTS Work Based Route degree programme.

Our Early Years foundation degree gives those already working in education the opportunity to gain a vocational qualification through part-time study.

The course provides opportunities for people working directly with children, or those working in other educational support roles, to build their knowledge and experience through study at a higher education level. The degree, which will help to enhance your understanding of your current professional role, can be completed in a minimum of two years part-time study.

This course aims to build self-confidence in the workplace and at home. The current emphasis on the development of the school workforce as a whole has been one of the driving forces behind this degree.

Early Years Education will open up a range of opportunities in the education sector, especially within the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).

Career opportunities

Who should study for a foundation degree in early years?

If you're currently in a career in early childhood education this early years foundation degree will be suitable for you. This includes anyone working as:

Teaching assistants

Student Learning Assistants (SLAs)

Higher Level Teaching Assistants (HLTAs)

Early Years or Special Educational Needs Practitioners

This early childhood studies course supports practitioners who wish to progress further with their own studies and future employment within education. This includes roles as becoming an early years teacher, as well as other early years jobs.