Early Years Foundation Degree (full and relevant)

Kingston University

Early Years and Early Years (with Early Years Educator) FdA

This Foundation Degree in Early Years (SEFDEY) approved course enables you to combine academic study with learning at your place of work. It's run in collaboration with partner colleges and institutions across London and Surrey, which means you can study at a location that suits you. The course covers a wide range of critical and contemporary issues in the field of Early Years education. It explores the voice of the child, international perspectives, child protection, pedagogical approaches, communication theories and multi-professional practice. You'll reflect on theoretical and practice-based knowledge to support approaches to working with children from birth to five, with an appreciation of ages up to eight years.If you do not already hold Early Years Educator Status from your Level 3 qualification, we offer the Early Years (with Early Years Educator) pathway which is classified as a 'full and relevant' qualification by the Department for Education (UCAS code: X120). Once you complete this course, you can top-up your qualification to a full BA (Hons) degree, through one year's study at Kingston.

What does the course cover?

Students work towards gaining higher level skills and a sound knowledge of areas relevant to their work including local and national statutory frameworks, theories of learning, collaborative working with agencies and families, educational systems and a deeper understanding of child development, observation and assessment, safeguarding, child protection, ethics and diversity.

This course combines academic study with work-based learning. Students cover four modules per year; each module is worth 30 credits and requires a mixture of structured teaching and independent study. Assessment takes place through a variety of written assignments and practical presentations.

Entry Requirements
  • A relevant Level 3 qualification in an Early Years area
  • Normally two years’experience in a suitable setting. Participants must be working at least 16 hours per week with babies or children from birth to five years old within an early year’s role for the duration of the course.

We will consider a range of alternative qualifications or experience that is equivalent to the typical offer.

Fees 2022/2023

£6,000 per year. Government loans for eligible applicants are available. Further information is available here:

Apply Online for Student Finance

Application codes for UCAS website:

  • UCAS code: X110
  • Campus code: X

You can find more information about the course here

"Undertaking the Early Years Foundation Degree allowed me to combine studying with work and family commitments. The course deepened my knowledge and understanding of early years and challenged my professional practice. Gaining my degree has allowed me to pursue exciting and rewarding career opportunities that include roles as an early years inspector, consultant and lecturer."

Clair Stockings