Childhood Development Practice Foundation Degree (Twilight delivery)

Full-Time

Level 4/5

Tycoch

Two years

Telephone: 01792 284098 Email: he@gcs.ac.uk

Overview

Awarding body: University of Wales Trinity Saint David

This course is subject to revalidation

The way children develop, learn, form relationships and make sense of the world is shaped by carers and families, culture, language, environment and experience, often all at once. This Foundation Degree builds the professional knowledge to understand those influences, and to respond to them with confidence in your practice.

Designed for people working full-time in childcare, primary, secondary, or further education teaching assistant (TA) roles, learning support assistant (LSA) roles and early years settings, our twilight delivery allows you to study alongside your job, applying what you learn directly to your current role.

The programme covers the full landscape of childhood studies: child development theory, safeguarding, health and wellbeing, inclusion, and the practicalities of leading a team. You will be taught in a small, interactive and supportive group by experienced childcare professionals, and benefit from additional support for study skills.

The course bridges theory with real-world practice, helping you develop the skills and knowledge employers are actively looking for in the education sector. We offer the opportunity to learn alongside others in small, supportive groups, giving you the confidence to contribute, share experiences, and learn best practice from peers and tutors. The flexibility of the programme makes it the perfect choice for balancing full-time work and study, while the additional support, both educational and pastoral, ensure students never feel alone on the journey. There is also the added benefit of a £1,000 bursary per year for eligible students.

"During my time delivering on this course, I have witnessed real career progression during and after the course, with students gaining promotions and new opportunities thanks to the practical, work-focused learning. The clear progression route into a top-up degree, and even a PGCE afterwards, opens doors to long-term career development.” - Katie Thomas, Programme Lead

“I really enjoyed going back to study after having my children. I found the whole experience rewarding, which helped me gain confidence in myself again. The tutors were outstanding with the amount of support that they offered you along the way and the encouragement when things got tough. Regarding the course, I found it both engaging and inspiring and am so glad I signed up.” -Joann Hughes, Student.

UCAS code: 5G12

Apply via UCAS (full-time) Have a question? Enquire here

Key information

A related Level 3 qualification with good literacy and numeracy skills, preferably with a grade C or equivalent in GCSE English and Maths.

During the course, you will be required to undertake 155 placement hours (ie. working with children or young people aged 0-18 years in a school, nursery, seasonal care, flying start groups, comprehensive schools or further education.) There will also be 45 scheduled learning hours.

This course is delivered over two academic years. In Year 1, you will attend College on a Tuesday (3.30pm-9pm) and a Thursday (3.30pm-9pm).

Modules

First year - Level 4

Academic skills for students
Theories and development
Work based practice in children and young peoples services
Safeguarding children and young people
Children and young people's health and well-being
Working with children, young people and families: principles.

Second year - Level 5

Multilingualism, multi-thinking
Children and young people with additional learning needs: inclusion
Enhanced work based practice in children and young people's services
Research methods in education and care
Leading work in children and young peoples services
Media and digital literacy.

On graduating, students can progress onto the following at UWTSD

BA (Hons) Early Years Education and Care

BA (Hons) Inclusive Education

BA (Hons) Educational Studies

BA (Hons) Education Studies (Primary)

BA (Hons) Educational Studies (Additional Learning Needs and Inclusion)

BA (Hons) Youth Work.

Course costs

Tuition fees are £9,790* per year. The College is offering a £1,000 bursary towards this for full-time courses (this is dependent on satisfactory course progression).

For information on financial support - including tuition fee loans - please visit www.studentfinancewales.co.uk.

Accreditation of Prior learning (APL)

The University of Wales Trinity Saint David welcomes applications on the basis of prior learning, further details can be found at Academic Office | UWTSD .

We are keen to consider applications based on the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). If when you apply you realise that you have completed part of the learning you will be undertaking at another institution and have certification for this learning then please advise the Admissions Office.