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. For those wishing to enrol in September 2025 classes will be held on Tuesday and the course will start on Tuesday 9th September 2025.
- 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 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).
Why St Mary's
Successful completion of this early years degree leads to the award of a foundation degree in Early Years Education.
There is then an opportunity for you to progress to one of our enhancement undergraduate degrees:
Carolyn Porter
Programme Director - Work-Based Route Programmes
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Course content
Modules
These modules are the modules that were available to students in the 2024/25 academic year and are illustrative of what may be offered for 2025/26.
Please note: it is possible that a module listed on the website will not be able to run due to reasons beyond our control. For more information please refer to our course information disclaimer.
Entry requirements
N/A
An A Level, NVQ Level 3 or equivalent is required.
You must have been employed in a primary school or an Early Years Foundation Stage setting (in either a paid or voluntary capacity) for a minimum of 2.5 days per week for at least one year. You will need to continue to be employed in this capacity during the programme.
List of free level 3 qualifications available to eligible adults
The UK government website has a list of places where students can find colleges that offer free level 3 qualifications which in turn will allow them to apply to St Mary's.
We understand that sometimes barriers you can't control get in the way of academic achievement. You are more than just your grades. We'll consider your application as a whole, taking into account things like:
- subjects studied at Level 3
- your GCSEs (or equivalent) profile
- non-academic achievements you mention in your personal statement
- your references and motivation.
GCSE
GCSE grade 4/C (or equivalent) in English Language is also required.
We offer GCSE equivalency tests for those who need to improve their GCSE grades.
Interviews
We are committed to recruiting trainee teachers who have the 'ability to work in a way that promotes the safety and wellbeing of children and young people.' The interview process will cover the suitability of applicants to work with children and young people.
Head teacher supporting statement
Your head teacher or nursery manager will need to complete the Supporting Statement Form in order for us to confirm your place on the course. We will notify them of your application, but feel free to send them the link.
UCAS Personal statement support
Create your UCAS personal statement through our online builder and we'll email you a copy of your completed version at the end.
Further Information
For more information about entry requirements please get in touch.
Fees & funding
Tuition fees
Home
£7,260
Funding Information
*Please note: these fees are annual and may increase as detailed in our tuition fee variation disclaimer.
For more information on foundation year fees for home students, please check the details on our tuition fee page.
For information about financing your studies - please check the fees and funding section.
Additional costs
Your tuition fees will cover the cost of all mandatory elements of your programme.
Additional costs could be incurred depending on optional modules chosen and other projects undertaken.
For further information about additional costs please see our additional costs webpage.
Scholarships
Find out more about our range of scholarships and bursaries available to undergraduate students.
Living costs
A guide to your living costs has been created by our Student Funding Team.
Accommodation costs vary depending on whether you opt for an en suite room and on-site catering. Take a look at our accommodation options and the prices you can expect to pay.
How the degree is taught
Teaching methods
You'll be taught on our beautiful and historic campus located in Twickenham, London.
The course is taught using a range of teaching methods including presentations, discussions, small group work, observations and practical work-based activities.
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Teaching hours 10%
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Work-based learning hours 40%
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Guided learning 30%
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Independent learning 20%
You are expected to bring your own work experiences into the discussions and to relate this to the academic theories to which you will be introduced.
A virtual learning environment will support you throughout the course with an appropriate range of resources. Tutorials will be used throughout the programme to support your learning experience.
Class sizes are no more than 36 students per group.
Assessment methods
All assignments are designed to develop your knowledge, understanding and use of transferrable skills in teaching children, linking the theory with the practical.
A range of assessment methods are used through the early years degree. These may include both group and individual presentations, practical visual presentations (posters, leaflets, 3D display) essays, case studies and portfolios.
Feedback
We adhere to the university’s policy of providing feedback on assessments within 15 working days.
Career opportunities
Who should study 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 Years Education 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.
Early years jobs
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