Think of a Foundation Degree as your ultimate career launchpad! In the world of qualifications, the numbers 1-7 represent a different Level. The Foundation Degree sits at Levels 4 and 5, the bridge between where you are now and a full undergraduate degree (Level 6). It’s designed to give you a rock-solid, broad foundation in the field of working with children. Once you’ve completed it, you can take a one-year "top-up" with a further education provider of your choosing, to gain a full Bachelor’s degree in a specialised area like Early Years, Primary Education, or Youth Work that sparks your passion.

Click here to learn more about the course.

This degree is for change‑makers already working on the ground with babies, children and young people, professionals who bring experience, commitment and care, but do not yet hold a degree.

The vision is to bring together a diverse community of practitioners from across the children’s workforce. Whether you’re a Teaching Assistant, Family Support Worker, youth club leader, or a coach working in football, rugby or netball, if you’re supporting children and families in a professional setting and are ready to progress into degree‑level study, this programme is designed for you.

The focus is your potential to make a difference, whatever your current role or background.

You’ll join a small, locally rooted cohort of 16–25 learners, creating a supportive and collaborative learning environment. Expect a diverse mix of ages, experiences and professional roles, and a ready‑made peer network where learning is shared, confidence grows and practice is strengthened together.

Learn more here.

Get ready to dive into the complex world of children! The course is broad in scope, and is designed to give you a holistic view of a child’s life. You’ll explore everything from child development and the power of play to safeguarding, SEND, and how family and friends can influence children. It is designed to be suitable for a wide range of professions, ensuring that when you’re ready for your specialised Level 6 year, you will have the insight and confidence to be successful.

Learn more about the course delivery content here.

There are no traditional exams or long academic essays. Instead, the programme uses authentic assessment, designed to reflect the work you already do and to prepare you for progression in practice‑based roles.

You will build portfolios and develop practical resources, such as a sleep‑routine leaflet for parents, all underpinned by the theory explored during taught sessions. Assessment focusses on applying learning in real‑world contexts, rather than abstract academic tasks.

Progress is supported through regular, ‘little and often’ check‑ins, allowing you to reflect on your development, build confidence over time and clearly see your growth as a practitioner.

Learn more about the course assessments here.

There are so many possibilities where this journey could lead. You might start as a teaching assistant and find yourself qualifying as a primary school teacher by 2030, enjoying better pay and the thrill of leading your own classroom. Perhaps you’ll move from family support into social work, achieving a Master’s degree by 2032 while working on the job. Even if you don’t yet know your destination, we hope this degree will challenge your ideas of what is possible, opening up many doors along the way. We’re always happy to have conversations about where you want to go.

Learn more about progression pathways here.

The university learning experience, delivered locally.

75% of the course is delivered in our specialist Learning Hub with your course tutor and your fellow Foundation Degree students. The remaining 25% of the course will be delivered via online sessions where you can connect with peers both locally and nationally.

The North East Learning Hub is based in Gosforth, Newcastle upon Tyne and is conveniently located within a short walk from Regent Bus and Metro Station. 

Learn about the course content and learning hub here.

To fit around work roles, sessions are currently planned for Wednesday evenings 4-8pm. We’ve compressed the schedule and included breaks to make sure you get the most out of the time, and still get home at a reasonable hour.

Learn more about the course delivery here. 

The sessions are designed to keep you engaged and inspired:

• Warm Up and Review (15-20 mins): A high energy start to recap and set the stage. 

• Deep Focus Sessions (50 mins each): Three blocks of  focused learning. This will include a mixture of videos, quizzes, discussions and reflection. 

• Wrap Up and Reflection (10-15 mins): We end with a moment to consolidate your learning, and ensure that you walk away with a lasting impact to take back to your setting immediately.

Learn more about the course delivery here. 

The Foundation Degree is funded through tuition fees. Most people will be able to access Student Finance to cover the annual cost, which is just over £9700 a year. This works like a government loan, where you only start paying it back once you earn over £25,000. The repayments are 9% of earnings over this limit, so the monthly cost is likely to remain low. If your earnings stay below that, you take a break, or you stop working, your payments stop too. And the loan is written off after 40 years or if you stop working, whichever happens first. Some employers may contribute to the costs of the programme, and this is done on a case by case basis.

Learn more course tuition fees and potential funding options here. 

If you have a Level 3 qualification, you will automatically meet the entry requirements for this course. However, we are keen to make it as accessible as possible, so anyone who is working with children is welcome to apply. Your experience will count just as much as formal qualifications, and we’re happy to discuss individual circumstances on a case by case basis. A lack of qualifications is definitely not a deterrent to applying.

The same applies to GCSE Maths and English. On our pilot programme, we even had a student who retook her GCSE Maths alongside her son during her second year of study!

Yes,  as long as you are working with children in a professional capacity and have regular opportunities to interact with them each week. This experience can be part-time or unpaid. However, informal roles such as babysitting or caring for family friends would not meet the requirement.

Click here to read our information for those working in the Third Sector and Voluntary groups.

Neurodiversity and Individual Learning Needs

Whether you already have a diagnosis, are in the process of seeking one, or simply feel that you learn differently, support is available to help you thrive.

The programme works closely with university specialist services to ensure learners can access appropriate support. This may include additional academic guidance, adjustments to learning approaches, and support with applying for Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA), where eligible.

The aim is to create an inclusive learning environment that recognises different ways of thinking, learning and working, ensuring you have the tools and support needed to achieve your full potential.

Technology Access

Don’t have access to a laptop? Don’t worry. We will work with you and your employer/charity to ensure you have the appropriate technology to take part fully in your studies. With the right equipment in place, you can log in, engage with your learning, and build confidence from day one. 

Childcare and Caring Responsibilities

Balancing study alongside childcare or caring responsibilities can feel challenging, particularly for those already working in frontline roles. Support is available to help learners explore options and plan study in a way that is realistic and manageable.

Learners may be able to access guidance on:

• Flexible study arrangements that recognise evening and term‑time delivery
• Support available through Student Finance, including childcare‑related support where eligible
• Local or employer‑based childcare arrangements that may align with study commitments
• Planning study time alongside family or caring responsibilities

Where learners have specific circumstances, these can be discussed on an individual basis. Early conversations help ensure expectations are clear and that appropriate support or adjustments can be considered.

The programme is designed to support working adults with real‑world responsibilities, recognising that progression into higher education often takes place alongside family life, not instead of it.

Whatever your individual needs, we encourage you to get in contact so we can discuss how best to support you.