FdA Professional Studies (Early Childhood)

Here at BGU, we value the knowledge and experience you have gained so far in your career and want to help you expand on this to enhance the support provided for young children. This work-focused degree is a combination of practice-based learning and campus-based taught sessions which run once a week so that you are able to continue in employment or volunteering throughout the duration of the course.

Over the two year programme, you will bring your experience of working with young children to the heart of your studies. In your first year, you’ll examine principles of learning as an introduction to higher education and investigate the complex relationship between practice and meeting children’s needs. You will explore your role within the early year's sector to support your professional formation, and study modules covering children’s development and social interactions, designed to support your practical knowledge. During the second year, you will study modules covering inclusion, equality and diversity, the role of curriculum in early years services, and the rights of young children, as you continue your development. Finally, you’ll undertake a small-scale research project as part of your second-year modules.

There is also the opportunity to gain a professional qualification alongside your academic study. This course has professional validation by the National Youth Agency (NYA ) and recognition by the Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC); ensuring the degree is quality checked and meets a specific standard. The professional award for Youth Work alongside your Foundation Degree is a valuable addition to your studies supporting professional and career development. The course and pathway for the achievement of the JNC professional qualification will only apply should you meet the placement requirements throughout the Foundation Degree and progress onto the BA (Hons) Childhood and Youth (Youth Work pathway).