FdA Early Years Education at St Mary's University, Twickenham

Programme overview

This is a work-based early years degree, on which you'll attend St Mary's one day a week whilst employed in work with children and young people for at least half of the week. (in either a paid or voluntary capacity). Please note, this course will run on Mondays for 2026/27. Attend St Mary's University one day a week throughout this work-based course. For those wishing to enrol in September 2026 classes will be held on Monday and the course will start on Monday 7 September 2026.

What you will study

Year 1 core modules: Understanding the Early Years, Professional Development Part 1, Personal, Social and Emotional Development, Communication and Language Literacy, Physical Development, How Children Learn. Year 2 core modules: Professional Development Part 2, Working in Partnerships, Understanding the world and Expressive arts, Literacy in the Early Years, Mathematics in the Early Years, Behaviour for Learning.

Career pathways

Who should study a foundation degree in early years? If you're currently in a career in early childhood education this early years foundation degree will be suitable for you.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

An A Level, NVQ Level 3 or equivalent is required. You must have been employed in a primary school or an Early Years Foundation Stage setting (in either a paid or voluntary capacity) for a minimum of 2.5 days per week from the start of the course and your headteacher/manager will need to complete a Headteacher agreement to confirm your employment and support with the course before you can begin. You will need to continue to be employed in this capacity during the programme. UCAS code X110.

Domestic applicants: GBP 7,410 a year (2026/27). annual fee Source

Intake: September

Duration: 2 years

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