The two-year course, which is validated by the University of Gloucestershire, enables early years practitioners to gain a Level 5 qualification while they are working. On completion there is the opportunity to top up to a full Honours degree.
Norland College says it is the first educational establishment specialising in early years to offer an online foundation degree that is entirely based on distance learning.
While the course is delivered online, students are supported throughout by a Norland tutor. The subjects covered include Personal, Social and Emotional Development, Heuristic Play, Parenting Approaches and Communication and Language. Assessment will be carried out through a combination of online discussions, presentations, blogs, case studies and observation. There are no exams.
In order to study for the programme students must have a minimum of two years' relevant work experience, be currently working with children for at least two days a week, have an early years qualification at Level 3 or above (or an equivalent level of experience and knowledge), and have English and Maths at least grade C (or a commitment to achieving these over the lifetime of the course).
Mandy Donaldson, vice-principal of Norland College, said, ‘The students who study for the Norland Foundation Degree are immersed in work which means they can immediately put into practice their new-found skills and knowledge. Studying online means the course can fit around their work and family commitments.’
The tuition fee is £4,500 for the first academic year. More information here.