FdA Early Years Education And Leadership Foundation degree at Edge Hill University
FdA Early Years Education And Leadership at Edge Hill University was established in 2006 and is recognised as a nationally recognised UK degree.
About this course
Make a positive change in early years settings on Edge Hill University's foundation degree in Early Years Education & Leadership. Enrol today. From the provider’s course page.
FdA Early Years Education And Leadership is a Foundation degree (FdA) at Edge Hill University, based in Holy Cross College,Ormskirk. It is studied part-time; duration varies by route.
For Education graduates from this provider, 100% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 50% in highly skilled roles, typical earnings around £25,000. (HESA Graduate Outcomes / LEO, via Discover Uni.)
For the typical curriculum, specialisations, career paths and graduate earnings for Education & Teaching, see the sections below.
Course evidence score
The arithmetic mean of the official measures available for this course: NSS satisfaction, graduate activity and continuation.
Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Stronger evidence Published sample: 400. Cohort 2021-22. Graduate Outcomes work or further study 100% (2022-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Published threshold met Discover Uni suppresses continuation data below its publication threshold. Cohort 2022-23. Continuation 85% (2022-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Curriculum & modules
Real modules published for this course, grouped only where the source gives a year, stage or level.
Year 1 6 modules
- Children's Wellbeing, Behaviour and Personal Social Emotional DevelopmentCompulsory20 credits
Module details
Recognises that children's wellbeing is shaped by both internal and external systems that impact children's learning throughout their lifespan. The module equips you with the necessary knowledge and understanding of the impact of wellbeing on the learning and development of babies and young children. You will be guided in identifying and explaining factors that can derail and disrupt development and learning in the early years, enabling you to gain skills in examining the physical, psychosocial
Assessment: 100% Coursework
- Developing Personal, Professional and Academic SkillsCompulsory20 credits
Module details
Provides you with an opportunity to develop your reflective and academic skills as an early years practitioner in the workplace. The module offers a relevant context to help you understand how relevant theoretical perspectives are implemented in practice. You will explore key workplace policies and regulations, with a particular focus on safeguarding, as well as evaluating current levels of knowledge and understanding of early years practice, and developing personal professional skills through t
Assessment: 50% Coursework 50% Practical
- Preparing for ResearchCompulsory20 credits
Module details
Helps you to understand and apply some of the key principles of academic research to different areas of the early years context as well as to identify and justify suitability of specific research methods and techniques. The module will also provide you with opportunities to explore a variety of currently published research papers and evaluate the impact of research findings on different aspects of early years practice. The aim is to enable you to identify your own research interests in preparati
Assessment: 100% Coursework
- Theoretical Perspectives on Early Years EducationCompulsory20 credits
Module details
Introduces you to the perception of babies and young children as competent and complex learners. The module will equip you with essential knowledge and understanding of the key theories, principles, processes and concepts relating to the education and development of young children, both generally and in specific developmental domains.
Assessment: 100% Coursework
- Working with Families, Communities and Other ProfessionalsCompulsory20 credits
Module details
Enables you to develop your knowledge and understanding of working in collaboration with parents and early years practitioners, including multi-disciplinary teams, in the context of an early years setting. The module will focus on the application of 'team' theory to early years settings allowing you to consider current practice from a critical perspective, as well as enhancing your understanding of the key aspects of working in partnership with children's parents, families and communities.
Assessment: 100% Coursework
- Young Children As CommunicatorsCompulsory20 credits
Module details
Focuses on the role of language and communication within the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum and Key Stage 1 and the link between language and learning for babies, toddlers and young children. You will explore key theories about language and language acquisition within an evolutionary context and consider how social and cognitive development supports language development. A key focus will be on strengthening your knowledge of language development to support early reading, as well as supp
Assessment: 100% Coursework
Year 2 6 modules
- Contemporary Issues in Early Years Education and LeadershipCompulsory20 credits
Module details
Considers some of the very specific challenges that young children might face during their lives in the UK and across the globe, focusing on the issues of children's rights, safeguarding and relevant legislation. The module enables you to critically analyse current policies and frameworks. You will explore both theory and practice that are influenced by contemporary debates within education and leadership. You will also consider how these contemporary issues impact on how teachers and practition
Assessment: 100% Coursework
- Developing and Leading Practice in the Early YearsCompulsory20 credits
Module details
Enables you to enhance your knowledge and understanding of early years education and leadership. The module investigates further theoretical and practical approaches to the prime and specific areas of learning as well as the key aspects of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) with a particular emphasis on different areas of learning, managing children's transitions and principles of quality early years provision. You will critique Early Years curriculum assessment approaches through comparing
Assessment: 100% Coursework
- Enabling Environments for Babies and Children Under 3Compulsory20 credits
Module details
Helps you to understand the fundamental principles that underpin early years pedagogy for babies and children under three years old. The module explores a range of concepts from research and practice that are relevant to the learning and development of babies and very young children. You will critically examine and evaluate a number of key approaches to structuring and managing enabling environments within the early years context as well as developing your critical knowledge and understanding of
Assessment: 100% Coursework
- International Perspectives on the Early Years PedagogiesCompulsory20 credits
Module details
Enables you to demonstrate your knowledge and understanding of early years pedagogies from an international perspective. The module enables you to critically analyse multiple perspectives on the conceptualisation of an early childhood pedagogy from a global dimension, as well as investigating how international approaches have influenced pedagogy within the English policy context. Focusing on some of the most currently influential international pedagogies including those from Italy, America, New
Assessment: 100% Coursework
- Leadership in the Early YearsCompulsory20 credits
Module details
Is focused on the issues of educational leadership in the early years context. Building your knowledge and understanding of leadership and management, you will investigate the wider issues facing early years professionals in current social and political environment. You will examine the impact of social and political changes on the early years profession and critique the significant questions relating to the aims, values and principles of early years leadership and management both in theory and
Assessment: 100% Coursework
- Researching Early Years Education and LeadershipCompulsory20 credits
Module details
Enables you to demonstrate your knowledge and understanding through engagement with a small-scale research project based on an aspect of early years education or leadership. The module provides deeper theoretical and practical insight into a relevant area of your own particular interests, while also enabling you to build on your research skills. Engaging in research will give you an opportunity to choose your own focus of investigation and use your learning experiences as a vehicle for undertaki
Assessment: 100% Coursework
Source: provider course page. Modules can change; required/optional status, credits, descriptions and assessment are shown only when explicitly published.
Course in depth
What this course covers, who it suits and where it leads.
What you'll study
This foundation degree focuses on making a positive change in early years settings. You'll study how children learn and develop from birth through their early years, supported by observation and hands-on teaching placements from the outset. A course like this typically moves from foundations, covering child development, how schooling is organised, and your first school experience, into specialist study of curriculum, teaching and assessment. You'll usually explore inclusion and special educational needs alongside sustained classroom practice with increasing responsibility. In later stages, you'll typically choose specialisations such as early years, education policy, or SEND & inclusion, before completing a final placement. Throughout, you combine academic study with practical experience in real settings.
Who it's for
Most entrants hold A-levels or equivalent qualifications. The course suits those seeking to develop expertise in early years settings whilst balancing other commitments, given its part-time structure. Check Edge Hill University's funding pages for information on bursaries and scholarships.
Careers & job market
Across Education and Teaching courses nationally, 90% of graduates are in work or further study 15 months after graduating. Of working graduates, 70% are in highly skilled work or further study. National Graduate Outcomes data shows starting salaries (15 months after graduation) typically range from £22,000 to £30,000, rising to £21,250–£30,000 after five years. These figures reflect the broader sector rather than guarantees for individual graduates.
University & format
This FdA (Foundation Degree) is taught part-time at Holy Cross College, Ormskirk, by Edge Hill University, a public university. The course is delivered in English. Edge Hill is a recognised UK degree-awarding body, so your degree will be nationally recognised. The university holds a Silver award for teaching quality in the Office for Students' TEF 2023.
Student satisfaction
How students on this course answered the National Student Survey, by theme.
Share of students responding positively.
Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Applicant information
The next application dates for this course, followed by facts the provider publishes.
Provider-published requirement; check the linked course page before applying.
Part-time application dates vary by provider. UCAS dates
See and book current events. Dates can fill or change.
Opened 2 July 2026; last choice 19 October 2026. Check vacancies now. A cached page never claims a place is still available.
Entry & how to get in
Who gets in
What recently admitted students actually held, official admissions data, not a stated requirement.
Qualifications held on entry
| Qualification | Share |
|---|---|
| A-levels or equivalent | 80% |
| another higher-education qualification | 15% |
| an Access course | 5% |
Entry & your chances
An honest read from the official entry data, plus your personal match.
Entry is set by the university and based on your offer. Use your predicted grades to see how you compare, then check the university's stated requirements.
How to apply
Undergraduate applications go through UCAS. Here’s what matters for this course, the right deadline, the grades to aim for, and the steps in order.
- 1Register on UCAS Hub
Create your UCAS application and add this course. One application covers up to five choices.
- 2Write your personal statement
A single statement covers all your choices, so keep it broad enough for similar courses while showing genuine interest in this subject.
- 3Submit by Apply directly to the provider
Part-time application dates vary by provider. Source: UCAS 2027 dates.
- 4Reply to your offers
When decisions are in, pick a firm (first) choice and an insurance (back-up) choice with slightly lower grades.
- 5Results day & confirmation
On results day (mid-August) your place is confirmed if you meet the offer. Just missed? Talk to the university, or find a place through Clearing.
Fees & funding
What this course costs and how UK student finance covers it.
Tuition per year
Standard capped home fee at English providers (2026/27); Scotland, Wales & NI differ.
Check fees at Edge Hill University →For students who normally live in England
2026/27 Student Finance England figures. Maintenance support is means-tested and this two-point view is not an entitlement calculator. The course total uses its published length and home fee where both are available; a missing full-time fee uses the clearly labelled England-cap scenario, while part-time fees and unknown lengths are never guessed. Use the official calculator. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland use separate systems: SAAS, Student Finance Wales, and Student Finance NI.
Starting on or after 1 January 2027?
The Lifelong Learning Entitlement is a separate system. A new learner’s tuition entitlement is currently stated as £39,160 (about 480 credits at 2026/27 fee levels), subject to prior study and eligibility. Check the official LLE guide.
Paying for it
- Tuition Fee Loan: can cover eligible tuition up to the applicable limit and is paid straight to the provider.
- Maintenance Loan: up to £10,830/yr away from home outside London (England, 2026/27), means-tested on household income.
- Repayment: 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below it; written off after 40 years.
- Earn alongside: most students work part-time in term, part-time roles on the StudySmarter job board.
England figures shown; Scotland, Wales & NI run their own schemes, check gov.uk.
Scholarships & bursaries you could qualify for
That does not mean no funding exists. Check the university directory for current amounts, eligibility and application dates.
National funding for this subject
- Teacher-training bursaries: Postgraduate bursaries and scholarships are available for selected shortage subjects. Official guidance
We only display a named award when its provider source identifies the award and who it is for.
Still deciding what to study?
StudyKit brings course choice, applications and funding together in one place, with a personal AI assistant. Find what really fits you and start your UCAS application step by step.
Careers & earnings
What Education & Teaching graduates actually earn, from real outcome data, 15 months, 3 years and 5 years after graduating.
Graduate earnings: this course
| When | Median | Typical range | Graduates |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 months after | £25,000 | £19,000 – £33,000 | 400 |
| 3 years after | £18,500 | £15,500 – £22,500 | 35 |
| 5 years after | £20,000 | £17,000 – £27,000 | 35 |
Nominal earnings for graduates of this course/subject at this provider. Stronger evidence. Published sample: 400. Cohort 2021-22.
Graduate outcomes, 15 months on: this course
- 1Graduate roleFirst role after the degree · 0–2 yrs
- 2Specialist / PractitionerWorking in education & teaching · 2–5 yrs
- 3Senior / LeadLeading work and people · 5–10 yrs
- 4Head of / ExpertSenior leadership or deep expertise · 10+ yrs
How pay grows: this course vs Education & Teaching nationally
National figures for Education & Teaching graduates, HESA Graduate Outcomes (15 months) and the Longitudinal Education Outcomes (LEO) dataset (3 & 5 years). These are national, not university-specific; actual pay varies by employer, region, role and experience. Different cohorts, so the bars are not one group over time.
Work out your pay
Headline figures hide a lot. Calculate realistic take-home pay for this field by role, region and experience, then check your CV before you apply.
What happened to 100 students?
Choose an outcome to translate the published percentage into a simple 100-person view. Each dot represents one percentage point, not an individual tracked student.
were in work or further study
15 months after graduation
Source: Discover Uni, using Graduate Outcomes and continuation data. Cohorts: 2022-23. Stronger evidence. Published sample: 400. Cohort 2021-22. Each tab is a separate published measure; categories can overlap and should not be added together.
Value compared with similar courses
How this course’s 5-year median earnings compare with Education & Teaching courses at the same study level.
Compared with 515 courses with compatible official earnings data. This is a course-value comparison, not a quality ranking.
UK occupations graduates enter
Published graduate destinations, joined conservatively to UK SOC 2020, ONS pay and Skills England demand.
- Teaching and Childcare Support OccupationDiscover Uni category · 30% of published destinations
- Teaching and Childcare Associate ProfessionalsSOC 2020 323 · 30% of published destinations · ASHE median £20,261
- Administrative occupationsSOC 2020 41 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £27,006
- Other Educational ProfessionalsSOC 2020 232 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £47,130
- Science, engineering and technology associate professionalsSOC 2020 31 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £34,828
- Caring personal servicesSOC 2020 613 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £23,668
Discover Uni JOBLIST/JOBTYPE; ONS ASHE 2025 provisional, all employee jobs; Skills England Occupations in Demand 2025. SOC is shown only for an exact normalised label match; demand is shown only at exact four-digit SOC. Published sample: 15; response rate: 70%. Pay describes the occupation across workers, not a guaranteed graduate salary.
Job market & outlook
How Education & Teaching graduates fare in the labour market, and how AI is reshaping the work.
How AI is changing the work
AI doesn't replace the profession, it shifts it: routine tasks get automated, while judgement, working with people and using AI well become more valuable.
What AI takes off your plate
- Routine information gathering
- First-draft writing and summaries
- Standard analysis and admin
- Repetitive processing tasks
More human than ever
- Judgement and original thinking
- Working with and leading people
- Owning and sense-checking AI output
- Ethics and accountability
The strongest graduates pair subject depth with the ability to use AI tools critically.
Roles & employers
Where Education & Teaching graduates typically go, indicative destinations from graduate career data. Each role links to live openings on the StudySmarter job board.
Roles graduates go into
Where they work
- Schools & academy trusts
- Local authorities
- Education charities
- Tutoring providers
Jobs after this course
Current roles from the StudySmarter job board that suit Education & Teaching graduates.
Education SEN MentorMacIntyreEducation Recruitment ConsultantAcademicsEducation Delivery Consultant - Fast Paced, Dynamic Organisation - WorcestershireAP EducationEducation Trustee - Lead Youth Careers & Outdoor LearningRacing to SchoolEducation Recruitment Consultant - Build Futures & Earn UncappedProtocol EducationEducation Recruitment Consultant: Grow Your Desk & ImpactEducation AssetsIs this course right for you?
The essentials UK applicants ask about: finance, outcomes, entry and quality.
Student finance
For comparison, the standard full-time England tuition cap is up to £9,790 per year in 2026/27; the actual fee varies by course and provider. If you normally live in England, eligible students can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan, plus a Maintenance Loan for living costs. Under Plan 5 you repay 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below that, and the balance is written off after 40 years.
Where graduates go
100% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, with a median salary of £25,000. See the full breakdown in Careers & earnings above.
Official-data snapshot
Averaging the official measures published for it, this course scores 9.4 out of 10: NSS 95.9% · in work or study 100% · continued 85%.
Who studies here and in this subject?
Provider- and UK subject-level context.
Edge Hill University
Education and teaching across the UK
HESA student record 2024/25. Counts are rounded.
Local crime-data context
A neutral snapshot around the published teaching location.
Around Holy Cross College
7 street-level reports returned within roughly one mile across 2026-04 to 2026-06.
Around Ormskirk
220 street-level reports returned within roughly one mile across 2026-04 to 2026-06.
Police.uk street-level API. Approximate locations, not confined to campus. England, Wales and Northern Ireland; not Scotland.
Is Education & Teaching right for you?
Tick what applies to you and see how good a fit it is.
International students
What applying to Edge Hill University from outside the UK involves: fees, English, visa, funding and living costs.
Tuition fees
International tuition is set per course by Edge Hill University; international fees are typically £12,000–£30,000/year for classroom subjects and higher for lab/clinical ones. You’re not eligible for UK Tuition Fee or Maintenance Loans, so plan for fees plus living costs upfront.
English language
Most UK undergraduate courses ask for around IELTS 6.0–6.5 (no band below 5.5–6.0), or an accepted equivalent. If you’re just short, most universities run a pre-sessional English course that counts towards the requirement.
Student visa
You’ll usually need a Student visa (Student Route). After you accept an offer the university issues a CAS; you then show funds for fees plus about £1,023–£1,334/month living costs and pay the Immigration Health Surcharge for NHS access.
Scholarships & funding
Many universities offer international/global scholarships (often £2,000–£6,000/yr), check Edge Hill University’s funding pages.
Living costs
Budget roughly £1,100–£1,400/month outside London and £1,400–£1,800/month in London for rent, food and travel; the figure also matters for your visa.
Working while you study
A Student visa usually allows up to 20 hours/week in term time and full-time in holidays, useful alongside study, though not something to rely on for fees.
Visa rules and fees change. Always confirm the current requirements with Edge Hill University and gov.uk before you apply.
Related courses
More at Edge Hill University
Common questions
What are the entry requirements?
What do graduates go on to do?
What will it cost me?
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