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Foundation Degree Early Years Education & Leadership (Edge Hill University)

Course Information

Course TypeUniversity Centre

Course LevelFoundation Degree & Top Ups

Duration2 Years

Ehu detailed colour 200

Course Length: Two Years Part-time

Study Pattern: Blended learning approach with a combination of face-to-face and online sessions

Start Date: September 2025

Location: Holy Cross College, Bury

How to apply: Visit FdA Early Years Education and Leadership (edgehill.ac.uk) to access the relevant online application form and to find out more about the application process.

Course Information

This programme has been created for both new-to-role and experienced early years leaders and practitioners. If you work with children aged between birth and five years and are seeking a higher education qualification, then this course is for you. You will develop your knowledge and understanding of the theory and practice of working and leading in the early years sector, enhancing your employability and boosting your professional confidence. Equipped with a firm grounding in the theoretical knowledge of being an effective early years practitioner, together with an increased understanding of current practice, you will have additional opportunities to develop as an early years professional following graduation. This includes the option to progress to further study on conversion degrees in either Early Years Education or Early Years Leadership, depending on your preferred career path.

What will I study?

Year 1 addresses various professional, academic and vocational issues common to all early years professionals and provides a firm foundation of study skills and research techniques. Gaining a greater understanding of theoretical perspectives on early years education and children's well-being, behaviour and communication, you will be taught specific best practice techniques and principles related to working with families, communities and other professionals.

Year 2 enhances your knowledge of working with babies and children under three years old. It also provides opportunities to explore international perspectives on early years education as well as issues relating to leadership and management in the early years sector. One of the key aspects of your studies will involve your engagement with a small-scale research project. Supported learning using the University's online resources is a major feature of the programme. No prior IT experience is necessary as full support will be provided.

How will I study?

Delivered through a combination of virtual study blocks with interactive classroom-based sessions, the structure of the course has been designed to enable you to become a graduate practitioner and gain leadership expertise while you work. Following an initial Holy Cross campus induction, you will engage in online face-to-face sessions with your tutors one afternoon per week. You will also be invited to attend on-campus sessions 5-6 times per year at the beginning of each module. Along with face-to-face sessions, you will be asked to complete directed tasks and carry out independent research. Supported learning using the internet and Edge Hill University's online resources is a major feature of the programme. No prior IT experience is necessary, as full support will be provided.

How will I be assessed?

You will be assessed through coursework which involves portfolios, written essays, presentations, self-evaluations and the completion of a small-scale research project. There are no formal written examinations as part of the current assessment methods on this programme.

Who will be teaching me?

You will be taught by a highly experienced team of early years lecturers and associate tutors who have extensive expertise and experience, as well as a passion for early years. All of the team are involved in current research and have actively contributed to projects including the development of the Early Years Foundation Stage and the National Professional Qualification in Integrated Centre Leadership (NPQICL). Each member of the team brings a particular expertise and all are highly respected researchers and professionals.