• Full Time

Foundation Degree Childhood Studies

Childhood Studies
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Subject Area
Health, Social Care and Childcare
Start date
22 September 2026
Mode of study
Full Time

Course Overview

Study the professional aspects of working in childcare, from communication with colleagues to legislation and children’s rights. You’ll learn all aspects of childhood, from children’s health and development to education and play.

…you want to take the next step in your career

…you want to obtain formal qualifications at degree level

…you want to expand your skills, knowledge and experience in childhood studies

This course will give you the skills, knowledge and experience you’ll need to successfully work with children of all ages. You’ll also develop personal qualities such as flexibility and motivation, which are invaluable in the workplace and for further study.

You’ll be assessed through a range of assignments and practical activities observed in your setting.

Year 1 – Level 4 Modules

  • FC1D005 – Leading Practice within Services for Children and Young People (LPwSCYP) – Portfolio
  • PE1S047 – Study Skills for Higher Education
  • FC1S018 – Introduction to Research with Children and Young People
  • FC1S020 – Applying Theory to Children and Young People’s Holistic development
  • FC1S017 – Leadership and Inclusion within Child Centred Practice

Year 2 – Level 5 Modules

  • FC2D029 – Advanced Practice in Children and Young People’s Services (APCYPS) portfolio
  • FC2S013 – Curriculum Matters
  • FC2S036 – Children and Young People’s Health and Well Being
  • FC2S037 – Play and Leisure
  • FC2S029 – Safeguarding Children and Young People

You will need to secure 100 hours of work placement, which can be either gained in paid employment or as a volunteer.

You’ll be expected to commit to at least 20 hours of independent study time at key points in the year.

You’ll attend college for one full day with an afternoon start per week.

Industry experience will also be considered.

With the skills and experience that you develop on this course, you can work in a range of childcare areas.

After successful completion of the foundation degree, you can automatically progress onto the final year of the BSc (Hons) in Childhood Studies at the University of South Wales.

Each application will be considered on an individual basis.

Generally, applicants aged 18-21 years should have a minimum of 3 GCSEs (grade C or above) which include English or Welsh, Mathematics or a Science subject. As well as a L3 qual such as a BTEC National Diploma or A levels that are equivalent or higher than 48 UCAS points.

UCAS tariff calculator https://www.ucas.com/ucas/tariff-calculator

Mature students (aged 21+) are welcomed, and applications will be dealt with on an individual basis. Whilst no formal qualifications are required, an interest in the subject and a committed desire to learn is essential.

An enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check will be required.

Learners at the Blaenau Gwent Learning Zone have the additional option to study for the City & Guilds Level 5 Diploma in Working with Children and People qualification, which is required for sector skills recognition in this area.

This course is franchised by the University of South Wales.

The UCAS code is: LX53

Blaenau Gwent Learning Zone

Course Code
EFDG0013AA
Mode of study
Full Time
Day(s)
Monday to Friday

Crosskeys Campus

Course Code
CFDG0013AC
Mode of study
Full Time
Day(s)
Tuesday to Friday

All courses may be subject to change and cancelled if deemed not viable to run.

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