Foundation Degree

[emily1982]

Hopefully starting a Foundation Degree in Eary Childhood studies in the next couple of weeks and i'm scared stiff! I'm doing it through work but only had a couple of days to decide if i want to do it. Has anyone ever done it????

 

[mandymouse]

I've never done it, but I just wanted to wish you Good Luck

 

[Minniespal]

Never done this course Em but lots of experience with studying. It's been my experience that the run up is the most scary part. Once you actually start it you will be absolutely fine

Remember we are all here to offer you support

 

[Edie]

Foundation degrees are designed to help people get back into studying who've not studied for a while. The staff who teach you will be fully prepared to help you out so don't worry. I am sure you'll have a great time

 

[SLumley]

Hi

I completed a degree in Early Childhood Studies in 2005 -part time. The first few years of the degree were at foundation level. I also have a number of friends who have just finished their foundation degrees in ECS and have begun a top up year to gain full honours. Don't worry the courses are designed to gradually brcome harder as your knowledge and skills develop. The tutors and uni staff are alsi there to support you as much as possiblr. They don't want people to drop out as it does not look good for them.

You will also find a way of studying that suits your lifstyle. I know some friends who would leave assignments untill the last minute and then stay up all night long to write them while I set aside the same time each weekend to complete mine.

At the beginning of the course the end seems to be an eternity away but it will fly by. I would say the hard work is worth the effort. There are a lot of jobs out there at the moment. I went on to do a P.G.C.E. and now teach year 1 while one friend has just gained E.Y.P. status and now is Co-ordinator of a Children's centre.

Good Luck and pixie dust:

Sue

 

[emily1982]

Thank you for all your kind comments. I'm VERY scared now though.
Thanks Sue, that's hopefully my intention to become a teacher. I've just looked at the courses again and was confused....between the early childhood studies and early years degree...just hope ive made the right decision.

 

[SLumley]

The early childhood studies should lead to a foundation degree. I think that it's equivalent to 240 cat points. You will need another 120 cat points to go on to do the P.G.C.E. You usally get 120 cat points for 1 full year of study.

I'm not sure about the early years degree. It sounds as if it may be a full honours degree though. If the course length is 3 years full time or four years part time then it should give you the full 360 cat points (honours) that you need to apply for the P.G.C.E. You will also need a G.C.S.E. in English and Maths ( also possibly science- depends on age and university).

Check on the website at the university you are considering to do a P.G.C.E. course at. The entry requirements may state which degree to do. If you've chosen the wrong course you may be able to change if there are places spare.

In my case I chose the Early Childhood Studies degree as I wanted to do a P.G.C.E. with Early Years specialism.

Don't panic about the course itself. People who dropped out didn't leave because the work was too complicated but because they struggled with the amout of work. However if you put your mind to it and don't give in you will be fine. The tutors are very supportive. I manged to do the degree part time and even found time to work part time, have a baby and look after my DS at the same time. I wasn't the only one to have a baby during the degree either. I even miss it now that I've finished studying and have even considered post grad study so it can't be that bad.

Don't be put of or panic too much- you'll be fine and it's so worth it.



Sue



I hope that helps.

 

[Lizzybear]

I recently completed a degree in Early Childhood Studies with English lit (combined honours but I majored in EY) Some people have gone on to do the PGCE but i'm currently working in nurseries (agency work) and also jobhunting. Any questions feel free to ask

 

[emily1982]

Thanks for the info....for those who have done it part time...am i right in think after the 2 1/2 year foundation course its another year to top up for a BA then a year for a PGCE?

The early years degree with for 3 years (at a different uni) and i think i would have to top up that also to make it a full degree.

Will this mean after the foundation degree i'd technically be level 4 qualified? As it says level 4 academic but level 3 practitioner???

Thanks so much for the info!!

 

[Netty]

Good luck emily, sure you'll be fine once you start the course

 

[emily1982]

Well handing in the form tomorrow....i must say if the coursework is more confusing than the forms...i may aswell quit now lol

 

[Snowy-girls]

Sorry Emily i have'nt but just wanted to wish you luck-how are you getting on now-i hope your getting better.x.

 

[Lizzybear]

My degree (BA) was 3 years but that was full-time, part-time would be longer but i'm unsure how much. I do know I was talking to a woman in my English class who was doing a part-time degree and was in her 5th and final year which sounds about right timewise.

 

[emily1982]

My degree (BA) was 3 years but that was full-time, part-time would be longer but i'm unsure how much. I do know I was talking to a woman in my English class who was doing a part-time degree and was in her 5th and final year which sounds about right timewise.

It's about 4 years for a full degree and 2 1/2 years for the foundation bit.