Access to Higher Education Diploma (Early Years Education)

Our Access to Higher Education Diploma Education is designed for those looking to build a career in education, whether in primary or secondary teaching, educational support roles, or special educational needs. This course provides a solid foundation in educational theory, child development, and practical teaching skills, preparing you for further study and a rewarding career in the education sector. Throughout the course, you’ll gain a comprehensive understanding of key topics such as Understanding Roles, Responsibilities, and Relationships in Education and Training, Safeguarding in Education, and The Developing Child. You’ll also explore Disability and Special Educational Needs and the Early Years curriculum, gaining insights into inclusive practices that support diverse learning needs. For those interested in primary or secondary teaching, the course includes units like An Introduction to Planning for Classroom Teaching, Managing Behaviour in the Classroom, and Communication and Practice in the Classroom, where you will learn to create supportive, engaging environments for students. The Sociology of the Family and Educational Psychology units will help you understand the wider influences on children’s learning and development, from home life to cognitive factors. One of the key features of this course is the opportunity to gain practical experience. We can arrange work placements during your enrolment, where you will gain hands-on experience in real classroom settings. In addition, we offer opportunities to tutor online, allowing you to gain valuable experience working with students remotely. This flexible arrangement means that you can complete your work experience from home while receiving ongoing support from our team. The course also includes Developing Critical Thinking, Academic Study Techniques, and Progressing to Higher Education, helping you build the academic skills needed for university-level study. Upon completion of this diploma, you will be well-prepared to progress into a range of education-based degree programmes, including primary and secondary education degrees, as well as programs in special education, educational psychology, school leadership, and more. Whether you aspire to become a classroom teacher, work in educational support, or pursue a broader education-related career, this diploma offers the essential foundation for your future.

This course is designed to prepare you for a career in education, offering practical teaching skills and a strong academic foundation for university or professional development. By the end, you'll have the knowledge and experience to succeed in the education sector!

Want to learn more? Simply click on the module titles above to explore each subject in more detail. It’s a fantastic way to get a feel for what you’ll be studying and how it can help you build your future in education!

There are no formal entry requirements for students applying for the Cambridge Online Education Access to H.E. Diplomas. Tutors are nevertheless, required to ensure that learners admitted onto the Diploma possess the necessary skills and personal qualities to cope with the demands of the course.

All Access to HE Diplomas require the achievement of 60 credits. 45 of the 60 credits must be graded at Level 3 (pass, merit or distinction). Such credits will arise from the Academic Subject Content Modules. The remaining 15 credits are ungraded and can be achieved at either Level 2 or Level 3. Students may only be registered against units with a maximum combined total credit value of 60. In terms of the length of time required for a learner to complete their diploma, for all Access to HE Diplomas the notional learning hours are 600. Notional learning hours comprise all learning that may be relevant to the achievement of the learning outcomes including directed and private study, practical and project work, assignments and assessment time. The assessment methods used for each unit of your course will be detailed in the Programme Handbook. Your tutor will provide you with formative feedback and provisional grades. Your grades will be then evaluated by the Examination Board. Final grades will be released to students after the External Moderation Visit.

On successful completion of the course, you will receive a QAA recognised Access to Higher Education Diploma (Early Years Education) at level 3 awarded by the Aim Qualifications and Assessment Group.

Aim Qualifications and Assessment Group are a national Awarding Organisation, regulated by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) and Qualifications Wales, to develop and award nationally recognised qualifications. Cambridge Online Education is a fully accredited education provider for this qualification

There are many different careers in early education, from classroom teaching to working in the business world. You can become:

• Daycare Teacher
• Preschool Teacher
• Primary School Teacher
• Early Education
• Special Educational Needs Teacher
• An after-school program or a camp director,
• Curriculum designer
• Educational content developer in early education

Careers in education are versatile and seem to be endless. With a degree in Early Education, you can try different options before finding your passion. It is up to you where you want your degree to take you, and what will best suit your personal and professional abilities, skills and desires. As different universities have different entry requirements, you are strongly advised to check these requirements with your chosen tertiary education provider. You can contact our career advisers for further guidance and support in that matter.