Early Years Education PGCert with Early Years Teacher Status

Course structure

On this programme you will spend the majority of your time in your current workplace, with two other placements working with other age ranges including at Key Stage 1. In your workplace and on your placements you will put into practice the skills you learn through your training, with regard to current research and relevant theories.

You will typically attend university for one to two days per month; there are also five induction days in September. This is in addition to placement requirements.

During university taught sessions you will engage with two masters level modules that will focus on:

• critical analysis of early years research, theory and policy
• reflecting on early years professional practice
• leading practice in early years.

These sessions will support you to reflect on and analyse your own practice, as well as develop practice within your setting. The training programme is dynamic, tailored to your professional development needs.

You will be assessed via:

• module assessment tasks such as written assignments in response to current research and policy in early years
• a formative review to determine your progress in meeting the Early Years Teachers' Standards
• a portfolio of evidence which relates to your practice against the Early Years Teachers' Standards
• direct observation of your practice.

There are no written examinations on this course.

COVID-19 continues to disrupt exams and English language testing in some parts of the world. For 2022 entry, we have expanded the number of qualifications we are able to accept. If you have, or are sitting, one of the qualifications listed here and it meets our validity policy then you do not need to take an IELTS test, even if we asked you to do so in your offer. Please let us know and send a copy of your results so we can check your qualification.

• English language, English literature, or English language and literature A-levels at grade D or above.
• English courses from other UK universities, subject to subject to being awarded from an accredited institution and at the CEFR B2 minimum levels required and meeting all four components.
• A bachelors or masters degree from an accredited university in the UK or a Home Office majority English-speaking country.
• TOEFL iBT At Home test – check the TOEFL website for more information about which countries are operating this test and the test eligibility.
• IELTS Indicator home-based test – check the IELTS Indicator website for more information about which countries are operating this test and the test eligibility.
• KITE (Kaplan International Tools for English) - an easy to access online English Language test from Kaplan online that can be taken from home.
• LanguageCert International ESOL (IESOL) Exam.
• Occupational English Test (OET) – accepted for Medicine and a range of allied health profession courses, including Pharmacy, which have vocational training elements.

If you need additional English language training we have pre-sessional courses available.

All qualifications are subject to our normal admissions checks and the above is only a summary and not a guarantee that your qualification will definitely be accepted. If you are applying for an undergraduate or postgraduate taught course, contact the enquiries and admissions team for more support and guidance. If you are applying for a postgraduate research degree, get in touch with the doctoral college team.

We will also continue accept the standard English language qualifications detailed below.

Preparing for your career

You will graduate from this course with enhanced skills and knowledge to become a confident and competent early years teacher.

As well as being awarded a Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert) in Early Years Education you will graduate with Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS) which will demonstrate that you have met the Teachers Standards (Early Years).

Your benefit from placement opportunities in two contrasting settings where your gain further experience including in a school at Key Stage 1.

Learning from experienced professionals and renowned researchers, you'll be equipped to make decisions based on the depth of your knowledge of the EYFS framework and of relevant theories and research.