Early Years - FdA

Plymouth Marjon University

Study for a two-year foundation degree while working in Early Years. Flexible study means you attend university just 23 days in each year. After achieving your foundation degree you’ll have the opportunity to join the final year of an honours degree which opens doors to professional and postgraduate courses such as Early Years Initial Teacher Training (EYITT). You’ll work with young children for at least 10 hours per week on a paid or voluntary basis and will have support from a mentor in your workplace. Combining higher level academic study with your experience of working in Early Years, this Early Years degree offers personal and professional development alongside the opportunity to join a learning community of like-minded people. The first year begins with a two-day induction and you’ll then attend university on Fridays for a full day of teaching as scheduled across the academic year. You will also need to study at home, using the internet to access course materials. In addition to the taught part of the course, you will be involved in work-based learning modules throughout the two years these enable you to make ‘practice’ links with the ideas explored in taught modules. You’ll also attend work-based learning workshops at university (typically 3 days per year) and produce written assignments showing how theory gives you insights into practice. Your workplace will need to support you in terms of allowing you to attend the course and by providing a mentor (usually someone with a degree or professional qualification) who will meet with you for an hour every two or three weeks - during which time you’ll explore how your learning relates to practice at work.