FdA Early Years and Education
About this course
FdA in Early Years and Education, an early childhood studies degree centred on practice-based learning and professional development. Core topics include Research Methods, Critical & Analytical Thinking, Ethics & Professional Practice, and Design & Creative Practice. Students complete placement days in both the second and third years while studying via distance learning. The course is structured across three part-time years. The first year covers foundational concepts through The Developing Child, Inclusive Research with Children, Safeguarding and Wellbeing, and Into ARU. The second year moves into practical and pedagogical subjects with Exploring a Sustainable Education, Developing Practice in the Workplace, and Creative Pedagogy: How Children Learn (0-8). The final year concludes with advanced professional study through Enhancing Practice in the Workplace and Communication Matters.
Written by AI from the university's course page and module list. It can get details wrong, so check the official course page before you rely on it.
Entry requirements
48 UCAS Tariff points from a minimum of 2 A Levels (or equivalent). 2 GCSEs at grade C, or grade 4, or above in English. Applicants should have experience working in the Early Years sector. If English is not your first language you will be expected to demonstrate a certificated level of proficiency of at least IELTS 6.0 (Academic level) or equivalent English Language qualification, as recognised by Anglia Ruskin University. UCAS Tariff points acquired from BTEC Level 3 Diplomas are accepted. Access to HE Diplomas at overall Pass grade are accepted. Level 3 Childcare qualification. UCAS Tariff points from the Irish Leaving Certificate are accepted. UCAS Tariff points from Scottish Highers are accepted. UCAS Tariff points from Scottish Advanced Highers are accepted. You will need to provide evidence that a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance has been undertaken. If you have lived outside of the UK for 6 months or more within the last 5 years, then you will need to provide a police check from the country/countries previously resided in. If you are completing placements overseas you will be required to obtain a police check/certificate of good conduct from the relevant country.
What students say
Based on about 15 final-year students who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 96%
- Learning opportunities: 93%
- Assessment and feedback: 91%
- Academic support: 93%
- Organisation and management: 93%
- Learning resources: 93%
- Student voice: 93%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 25 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Continued on course: 65%
- Left higher education: 20%
- Moved to a lower qualification: 15%
What graduates do next
Based on about 8 graduates who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 55%
- Working and studying: 20%
- Further study: 5%
Most common jobs
- Teaching and Childcare Support Occupation: 45%
- Teaching Professionals: 20%
- Other Educational Professionals: 10%
- Welfare and housing associate professionals: 10%
- Teaching and Childcare Associate Professionals: 10%
- Find their work meaningful: 100%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 70%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 80%
Who gets in
Based on about 20 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 70%
- Other HE qualification: 30%
Accreditation & quality ratings
TEF 2023 (whole university): Gold overall, Gold for student experience, Silver for student outcomes.
Modules
- The Developing Child
- Inclusive Research with Children
- Safeguarding and Wellbeing
- Into ARU
- Exploring a Sustainable Education
- Developing Practice in the Workplace
- Creative Pedagogy: How Children Learn (0-8)
- Enhancing Practice in the Workplace
- Communication Matters
Questions about this course
What do graduates of FdA Early Years and Education at Anglia Ruskin University do next?
85% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2022-23).
Are students happy with the teaching on FdA Early Years and Education at Anglia Ruskin University?
96% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2024-25.
How many students continue on FdA Early Years and Education at Anglia Ruskin University?
65% of students continued into their second year, and 20% left higher education.