Early Years Studies FdA
University of Bedfordshire
Student rating
This is the overall rating calculated by averaging all live reviews for this uni on Whatuni.
( 3.7) View reviews

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Different course options
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Qualification

Foundation Degree in Arts - FdA

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Location

Bedford Campus

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Study mode

Full Time

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Start date

SEP-25

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Duration

2 Years

Course info

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Qualification

Foundation Degree in Arts - FdA

Location

Bedford Campus

Study mode

Full Time

Start date

SEP-25

Duration

2 Years

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A level
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Scottish Higher
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Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
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Course info

If you work with young children, (eg pre-school, child-minding, day nursery or children’s centre), this course is designed to suit your work commitments, combining academic study with knowledge of your work, and preparing you for the top-up degree and professions in Early Years.Develop your skills in teaching and learning support, reflecting on work-based practice in educating and supporting young children’s early learning and development.This course offers you a strong foundation in Early ...Read more

If you work with young children, (eg pre-school, child-minding, day nursery or children’s centre), this course is designed to suit your work commitments, combining academic study with knowledge of your work, and preparing you for the top-up degree and professions in Early Years.Develop your skills in teaching and learning support, reflecting on work-based practice in educating and supporting young children’s early learning and development.This course offers you a strong foundation in Early Years Education from a variety of professional perspectives, providing opportunities for you to develop your own individual academic and professional interests linking your current work practice to your developing theoretical knowledge.The course is designed specifically to suit existing work commitments. You will have the opportunity to continue your studies at degree level through the University of Bedfordshire's BA Applied Early Years Studies course and all successful Foundation Degree students have the right of a direct entry to the BA at the end of their study.You could then choose to follow a Primary PGCE / Schools Direct programme to gain Qualified Teacher Status, or the Early Years Teacher Status (GSCE grades A*-C in Maths, English and Science or equivalent will be required). For those who do not wish to progress on to the top-up degree, you have various options in employment including leadership and management roles within an Early Years setting.


Why choose this course?

- Learn full-time or part-time, to suit your work commitments- Study different approaches to teaching and learning and the way children learn, and deepen your own understanding of your work and working environment- Develop your understanding of early education, child development and the developing child in the family and society, in local and global contexts- Gain a strong foundation in Early Years Education from a variety of professional perspectives, providing opportunities for you to develop your own individual academic and professional interests linking your current work practice to your developing theoretical knowledge- Benefit from direct entry to the BA at the end of your study, then progress to Qualified Teacher Status or Early Years Teacher Status or employment in leadership and management roles in Early Years

Key stats

CUG Subject Ranking
CUG Subject Ranking
Source: Complete University Guide 2025
68th
CUG Ranking
CUG Ranking
Source: Complete University Guide 2025
129th
Childhood and Youth Studies
Drop-out rate
Drop-out rate
The percentage of students who didn't finish the course.
Calculated by 100% - (% of students continuing course + % of students completed course)
100 - 75 = 25% Drop-out rate Source: UNISTATS, 2019
25%
Employment rate
Employment rate
The percentage of students in full-time work 6 months after finishing their course.
Source: UNISTATS, 2019
95%
What students say
SR
Student Reviewer
12 Jan 15

Bedford is an amazing uni, I feel so comfortable here it really is my new home. The uni is like one big family they are so welcoming especially in that first week when you are..Read more

Entry requirements

Exam type

A level

A level:

CE - CD Grades / Points required

Scottish Higher:

Not currently available, please contact university for up to date information.

UCAS Tariff:

48 - 56 Grades / Points required

Access to HE Diploma:

Not currently available, please contact university for up to date information.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016):

PPP - MPP Grades / Points required

Not currently available, please contact university for up to date information.

48 - 56 UCAS Tariff points

Not currently available, please contact university for up to date information.

48 - 56 UCAS Tariff points

Not currently available, please contact university for up to date information.

Latest reviews

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Learning Theory
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SR
Student Reviewer
12 Jan 15
Bedford is an amazing uni, I feel so comfortable here it really is my new home. The uni is like one big family they are so welcoming especially in that first week when you are...
Read more
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Uni info

University of Bedfordshire
University of Bedfordshire , Luton

The University of Bedfordshire is committed to student success....

Student rating
( 3.7) View reviews
CUG ranking
129th
University of Bedfordshire
Polhill Avenue Bedford Bedfordshire MK41 9EA United Kingdom
Nearest train station: Bedford St Johns  0.9 miles away

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