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2023/24
2024/25

Foundation Degree in Children's Development and Learning

  • UCAS code
  • A level offer
    See entry requirements
  • Year of entry
    2024/25 See 2023/24 entry
  • Course duration
    Full Time: 2 Years

The Foundation Degree in Children's Development and Learning course enables you to develop the skills to progress in your career working with children, alongside your job.

This course is aimed at early years and education practitioners who are working with children up to the age of 11 and requires you to attend for half a day (afternoon and evening) each week. You'll study through one of our partner colleges (see below).

This vocational award is a work-based course, and your assignments and lessons are all designed to benefit your professional development. You'll build upon your experience through modules in areas such as child development, safeguarding, creativity and critical thinking, and working in partnership with parents. College sessions include lectures, as well as tutorials and seminars. The course also incorporates a great deal of group work, which will be an opportunity to share experiences with fellow professionals working in a range of settings.

There is plenty of support available to help you get the most out of your course. You will be given an academic tutor who will have regular one-to-one meetings with you. You'll also nominate someone from within your own workplace, such as a manager or colleague, to become your mentor. Additionally, you'll benefit from small learning groups and access to facilities and support at your college and the University of Reading.

In the National Student Survey 2023, 97% of our students said that their knowledge and skills for the future were developed well or very well (96.97% of respondents studying in the Institute of Education).

To apply for the course, please visit one of our partner colleges' websites:

For more information, please visit the Institute of Education website. 

New UK/Republic of Ireland students: To be confirmed.

New international students: Not applicable

UK/Republic of Ireland fee changes

UK/Republic of Ireland undergraduate tuition fees are regulated by the UK government. These fees are subject to parliamentary approval and any decision on raising the tuition fees cap for new UK students would require the formal approval of both Houses of Parliament before it becomes law.

EU student fees

With effect from 1 August 2021, new EU students will pay international tuition fees. For exceptions, please read the UK government’s guidance for EU students.

Additional costs

Some courses will require additional payments for field trips and extra resources. You will also need to budget for your accommodation and living costs. See our information on living costs for more details.

Financial support for your studies

You may be eligible for a scholarship or bursary to help pay for your study. Students from the UK may also be eligible for a student loan to help cover these costs. See our fees and funding information for more information on what's available.

Depending on how you are paying your tuition fee, you may not be required to pay this before you start your course. If you take out a tuition fee loan, you will only be required to start making payments when you are earning more than a set amount. Contact us for details.

This course aims to develop your reflective and analytical skills and increase your self-confidence. It will enable you to build on your experience as an early years care and/or education practitioner and develop new strategies for supporting children and working alongside colleagues and parents.

As a graduate you will be well-placed to take on increased responsibility within the workplace and move into management roles. You may also decide to study for further professional qualifications. For example, you could take a year-long top-up course (based on 1 day's attendance each week at the University of Reading) to turn your Foundation Degree into a BA. This will give you further opportunities for professional development, for example, gaining Early Years Teacher Status or Qualified Teacher Status.