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*Application to this programme is via UCAS and is not done directly with SWC.* The Foundation Degree will provide you with the opportunity to develop a thorough knowledge and understanding of early years and related issues, enabling you to become a competent and well qualified Early Years Practitioner. The Foundation Degree will give you a nationally recognised qualification and evidence of your ability to work in the Early Years sector. You will also have the chance to articulate to Level 2 (Semester 2, Year 2) of the part-time BA Early Childhood Studies at Stranmillis and South West College, Omagh Campus. Alternatively, you may progress to the full-time BA programme offered at Stranmillis, joining in Semester 1 of year 2.
UCAS Application Link
This course will be run over 2 years and will consist of 15 hours per week in College and 10 hours per week work placement. You will study a total of 12 modules. Students are required to complete 300 hours of childcare placement, working with children 0-8 years each academic year.
This course will be run over 2 years and will consist of 15 hours per week in College and 10 hours per week work placement. You will study 12 modules in total for example: Skills and Strategies for Managing Behaviour; Child Protection; Quality Provision; Supporting Children with Additional Needs; Language and Communications; Professional Practice; Learning Through Play; and Anti-Discriminatory Practice.
You will study one optional module in each academic year. These are:
Applicants must meet the general requirement of Queen’s University Belfast including English and Maths GCSE at grade C or above (level 2 in Communication Skills is acceptable in lieu of GCSE grade C in English Language, however level 2 Application of Numbers cannot be substituted for GCSE Mathematics). Appropriate NICATs Maths in an Access course can be considered in lieu of GCSE Maths.
and one of the following:
IRISH LEAVING CERTIFICATE REQUIREMENTS
Please email registry@stran.ac.uk if you require further information on entry requirements or the admissions process for the Foundation Degree Early Childhood Studies.
In the event of over subscription to the course, and if you meet the entry requirements specified above, entrance requirements will be enhanced at shortlisting stage.
An offer of a place on this course will be conditional until satisfactory completion of an Access NI criminal records check and if appropriate, a Social Services check.
Assessment methods include assignments, case studies, practical exercises, presentations, examinations and placement assessments.
Please note that progression to a postgraduate teaching qualification in Northern Ireland requires Learners to have GCSE English, Maths and Science at grade C or above or specified equivalent qualifications. Students can also progress to the BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies programme at the Omagh Campus of South West College. Further information about the BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies degree programme at Stranmillis can be found here:
https://www.stran.ac.uk/course...
The full-time Foundation Degree can only be applied for through UCAS.
*Application to this programme is via UCAS and is not done directly with SWC.* Students should choose SWC as the desired campus. Enhanced Access NI disclosure is required and costs £35. During your course you may be required to purchase course text books and incur additional costs for printing, photocopying and binding. The overall additional costs incurred to support your studies may be in the region of £250 per year. *The fees quoted are payable for each year.
P5003OF10A
Session Code
2 Year(s)
Duration
Higher Education
Mode of Study
18
Hours per Week
30
Number of Weeks
Interview Required
24/25
Academic Year
09/09/2025
Start Date
09:00-17:00
Time
Monday
Day/s
Roisin.McGrath@swc.ac.uk
Coordinator(s)
Total Annual Fee £3,167.00
Total Concessionary Fee N/A
Fees Payable Each Year
**Am I eligible for concessionary fees?
Foundation Degree in Early Childhood Studies, validated by Queen’s University Belfast, quality assured by Stranmillis University College
NCFE CACHE Level 2 Diploma for Children’s Care, Learning and Development Traineeship
NCFE CACHE Level 3 Extended Diploma for Children’s Care Learning and Development (Northern Ireland)