FD Early Years Care and Education Degree at Luminate Education Group
FD Early Years Care and Education at Luminate Education Group. You'll study core theory, research and methods, applied practice, specialist options, an independent project, and professional skills.
About this course
Early Years Care and Education - Foundation Degree at University Centre Leeds Centre Leeds Skip to main content Early Years Care and Education Foundation Degree Apply now for 2026 Study Early Years Care and Education at University Centre Leeds Inspire future generations on our Early Years Care and Education Foundation From the provider’s course page.
FD Early Years Care and Education is a Degree (Degree) at Luminate Education Group, based in University Centre Mabgate/Quarry Hill. It runs 2 years, studied full-time.
For Education graduates from this provider, typical earnings around £22,500. (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)
Published threshold met Discover Uni suppresses continuation data below its publication threshold. Cohort 2022-23. Continuation 70% (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 (Level 4) 6 modules
- Skills for Academic Development20 credits
Module details
Develop your academic research, report writing, presentation, evaluation, and referencing skills that will allow you to succeed on this Foundation degree. You will also gain practical skills to become a reflective practitioner and effective decision maker.
- Enabling Learning Environments20 credits
Module details
Gain an understanding of pedagogical practices to support young children's learning and development. You will develop the skills to provide meaningful learning opportunities through planning supportive environments for learning and development. This module is linked closely with the Supporting Holistic Development module.
- Supporting Holistic Development20 credits
Module details
Learn to recognise and plan for all areas of children's development and to take into consideration the developmental stages and support needs of the child. Through the module you will gain knowledge of the theoretical perspectives of development and learning and the established patterns and sequences in children's learning and development; physical; cognitive; linguistic; emotional and social development. This will include considerations of inclusion and inclusive practices, equality and diversi
- Supporting the Unique Child20 credits
Module details
During this module you will further your knowledge of children with additional requirements and identify how to meet their needs promoting an inclusive environment. You will gain the skills and knowledge needed to support children's individuality to achieve their full potential.
- Safeguarding20 credits
Module details
You will learn what is meant by safeguarding and how it is fundamental when working in any childcare profession. Explore and apply key theories, concepts and principles of safeguarding to contemporary practices, to support families within the legislative framework. You will also have the opportunity to reflect on your own knowledge, skills, experience and professional values.
- Developing Pedagogical Practice20 credits
Module details
This module will teach you the best practice in the early years and education sector and provide opportunities to help you develop these skills. You will evaluate theory, values and principles when planning learning opportunities for children and young people. You will also gain practical skills through the planning, preparing and delivering of a micro-teach that evidences effective communication and evaluation skills.
Year 2 (Level 5) 6 modules
- Learning in the Early Years20 credits
Module details
You will explore and critique historical and contemporary developments in technology that have changed the way in which the brain is understood and how children learn and evolve in the early years.
- Speech and Language Development20 credits
Module details
Through this module you will acquire the knowledge and skills needed to enable you to plan and appropriately support the acquisition and development of language in children.
- Leadership and Management20 credits
Module details
Learn to reflect on your own personal and professional practice whilst developing the ability to identify and resolve issues that arise from working as part of a team. You will also explore key concepts and principles in leadership and management to help you advance in the childcare sector.
- Research Informed Practice20 credits
Module details
This exciting module enables you to carry out a research project in the childcare sector to enhance professional practice. You will use the research skills you have gained to identify areas of professional practice in childcare and develop activities to promote specific learning. As part of the research project, you will reflect on your own research skills and make recommendations for professional development when conducting research.
- Social Policy and Families20 credits
Module details
This module is designed for learners to acquire knowledge of social policy relating to children and families and to reflect on personal values and how these align with contemporary social policies. Develop your understanding of historical and contemporary social policy that shapes the social development of children and families.
- Enhancing Professional Practice20 credits
Module details
Within this module you will carry out detailed evaluation of the professional skills and competencies required when working in the childcare and education sector, and evaluate your own personal and professional skills and knowledge relating to these. You will demonstrate how you have used reflective practice over the duration of the course and be able to provide evidence of your personal, professional, and employability skills as a reflective practitioner.
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
You'll study the theory and practice of early years care and education, building from foundations in how children develop and learn, through curriculum design and inclusive practice, to sustained classroom experience. A course like this normally opens with foundations of education and child development, cognitive, social and emotional growth from birth through early childhood, alongside early school observation and placements. In Year 2, you'll move into curriculum and pedagogy, learning to plan and assess across core areas, with particular focus on inclusion and supporting learners with special educational needs and disabilities. You'll undertake a second, more substantial school placement with increasing responsibility. Throughout, you'll explore specialisations such as primary teaching, early years, SEND and inclusion, or education policy, culminating in a final placement where you'll lead sessions and develop professional expertise in early years settings.
Who it's for
This course suits those seeking a structured qualification in early years practice. Most entrants hold A-levels or equivalent qualifications, 85% of accepted students came in with this level of prior study. The programme balances theoretical knowledge with applied practice, making it relevant whether you're entering the field or developing existing experience.
Careers & job market
Across Education and Teaching courses nationally, 90% of graduates are in work or further study within 15 months of graduating. Of those working, 70% are in highly skilled roles or pursuing further study. Graduate earnings vary: national figures show starting salaries (at 15 months) typically range from £22,000 to £30,000, rising to £21,250–£30,000 after five years. These are national averages from Graduate Outcomes and Longitudinal Education Outcomes data, not university-specific guarantees.
University & format
This Foundation Degree is offered by Luminate Education Group, a higher education college, at University Centre Mabgate/Quarry Hill. The course runs for 2 years full-time, taught in English. It is a nationally recognised degree awarded by a UK degree-awarding body and holds Silver 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.
- 2027 entryCompleted applications can be submitted
Your application needs a reference before you can send it.
- 2026 entryFinal date for 2026 applications
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
- 2026 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
- 2027 entryEqual-consideration deadline
18:00 UK time for most undergraduate courses.
Show 5 later dates
- 2027 entryUCAS Extra opens
Applicants who used all five choices and hold no offer may be able to add another choice.
- 2027 entryLast day applications go directly to providers
Applications received after 18:00 UK time are entered into Clearing.
- 2027 entryClearing opens
Eligible applicants can see vacancies and release themselves into Clearing.
- 2027 entryFinal date for 2027 applications
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
- 2027 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
Provider-published requirement; check the linked course page before applying.
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 | 85% |
| No / unknown prior qualifications | 15% |
| another higher-education qualification | 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 13 January 2027, 18:00 UK time
UCAS equal-consideration deadline for most undergraduate courses. 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
Provider fee page (England 2026/27 cap where not stated).
Check fees at Luminate Education Group →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 | £22,500 | £18,000 – £26,000 | 690 |
| 3 years after | £15,000 | £10,500 – £17,500 | 35 |
| 5 years after | £20,000 | £13,000 – £24,500 | 35 |
Nominal earnings for graduates of this course/subject at this provider. Stronger evidence. Published sample: 690. 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.
continued or completed
continued into the next year or completed their qualification
Source: Discover Uni, using Graduate Outcomes and continuation data. Cohorts: 2022-23. Stronger evidence. Published sample: 690. 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.
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
Most graduates were in work or further study, with a median salary of £22,500. See the full breakdown in Careers & earnings above.
Official-data snapshot
Averaging the official measures published for it, this course scores 8.1 out of 10: NSS 92% · continued 70%.
Who studies here and in this subject?
Provider- and UK subject-level context.
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 University Centre Mabgate/Quarry Hill
4,996 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 Luminate Education Group from outside the UK involves: fees, English, visa, funding and living costs.
Tuition fees
International tuition is £14,000 / year for this course (from the provider’s fee page). You’re not eligible for UK Tuition Fee or Maintenance Loans, so plan for fees plus living costs upfront.
English language
This course lists IELTS 6.0 with no less than 5.5 in any component. 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 Luminate Education Group’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 Luminate Education Group and gov.uk before you apply.
Related courses
More at Luminate Education Group
BA (Hons) Children and Young People's Care and Education (Top Up)BA (Hons) · Luminate Education GroupBA (Hons) Children and Young People's Care and Education (Top Up)BA (Hons) · Luminate Education GroupFD Early Years Care and Education (Degree)Degree · Luminate Education GroupFD Supporting Teaching and Learning (Degree)Degree · Luminate Education Group
Common questions
What are the entry requirements?
What do graduates go on to do?
What will it cost me?
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