Foundation Degree in Early Childhood Studies (part time)
Draft – Subject to Validation
Build your early years career with a practical, work-based degree that combines real childcare experience with a recognised higher-education qualification.
This programme is subject to validation by The Open
University and may change.
Course overview
Prepare for a rewarding career working with children through this engaging and practical degree. Combining academic study with hands-on placement experience, the course develops your understanding of child development, learning, and wellbeing.
Delivered through a flexible, blended learning approach, you will gain the skills, confidence, and professional experience needed to progress into the early years workforce or continue to further study.
What will I do?
This course gives you the practical experience and knowledge needed to succeed in the early years sector
- Learn about child development, behaviour, and how children learn through play
- Take part in hands-on placements in early years settings
- Develop skills in planning, observation, and assessment
- Explore key topics such as safeguarding, wellbeing, and inclusive practice
- Work on practical projects, presentations, and a research project
- Build a professional portfolio to support your career progression
What’s next?
This course opens the door to career progression and further study in the early childhood sector.
- Progress into roles such as Early Years Practitioner, Nursery Practitioner, or Room Leader
- Continue your studies with a full honours degree (Top-Up)
- Move towards professional qualifications such as Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS) or teaching
- Develop your career in areas such as SEND, safeguarding, or leadership
Is it for me?
This course is ideal if you are passionate about supporting young children’s development and combines classroom learning with hands on experience. you will cover key topics like play, behaviour, wellbeing and safeguarding.
Whether you’re starting out or already working in the sector, this course will help you build the skills, knowledge, and confidence to move forward in your career
Entry requirements
- Standard entry: Level 3 qualification (A-levels, BTEC, CACHE Diploma) or equivalent.
- Contextual admissions: Eligibility for contextual admissions for applicants from widening participation backgrounds.
- English language: Minimum IELTS 6.0 (or equivalent) for non-native speakers.
- Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL/APL): Provision for RPL/APL in recognition of relevant professional experience or prior study.
- Safeguarding: Enhanced DBS clearance required for all students undertaking placements.
How will I be assessed?
On a Foundation Degree, you are assessed in a variety of ways designed to measure both your academic understanding and your practical skills in early years settings.
How will my progress be monitored?
You will be monitored in a variety of ways, and these will be explained to you by your tutor.
Work Experience
Work experience is a key part of the Foundation Degree and is designed to help you apply theory to real early years practice.
How can I pay for my course?
There are a variety of ways in which you can get help with fees and funding while studying. For detailed information on funding options and bursaries, please visit our Funding and Financial Support page.
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Contact Details
For queries about this programme, please contact Admissions using the details below.
- Email: admissionsandenrolments@mkcollege.ac.uk
- Phone: 01908 684551
Change Communication Statement
If any programme information changes during the validation process, we will update this webpage within five working days of the change being made and contact all individuals who have registered interest. You may withdraw your interest at any time without penalty.
What does it mean to “Register your expression of interest”?
Registering your expression of interest lets us know that you would like to receive updates and further information about these new courses. It is not a formal application or commitment.
By registering, you help us understand levels of interest, ensuring that we can provide timely and relevant information as the programme develops. Post validation, we will contact you in at the end of May to confirm the programme details and to discuss the next steps
Post validation, we will contact you around the end of May to confirm the programme details and to discuss the next steps
This page was last updated on [27/02/2026] following changes to the proposed programme.
Fees subject to OfS approval
For detailed information on funding options and bursaries, please visit our Funding and Financial Support page.
Information correct and up to date as of February 2026
The Open University Validation
This programme is subject to validation by The Open University and may change.
What “subject to validation” means:
This programme has not yet completed The Open University’s academic approval process and approval is not guaranteed. Programme content, structure, assessments, delivery pattern and fees may change until validation is confirmed. Final approved information will be provided once validation is complete. Expected validation date is the end of June 2026.
Applicants may withdraw their interest, application or provisional acceptance at any time without penalty.
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