For 2026 entry, you will need 240 Credits, gained from FdA Early Years Practice or level 5 equivalent.
All applicants should also hold a full and relevant level 3 qualification as required to be counted within the staff/child ratio within the Early Years Setting. These are set out by the Department for Education and can be found at: www.gov.uk/guidance/early-years-qualifications-finder.
Students who do not hold this formal qualification, or who have only obtained vocational qualifications, will be directed towards an appropriate FdA award.
Prior Learning and Experience
University Centre St Helens welcomes applications from mature students (aged 21+) and students from a varied range of backgrounds and experience. Offers of a place are related to previous academic qualifications, although students with a Level 5 qualification in another area and experience within the early years sector will be considered after discussion at interview.
Additional Entry Requirements
All suitably qualified applicants will be invited to attend an interview. Your interview is designed to be an informal meeting and will also provide an opportunity for you to discuss and explore your career interests with the Programme Leader.
DBS Check
Students who are not currently employed in the sector and are looking to complete a work placement, will need to undergo a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check to assess their suitability for access to a range of early years careers. In the event of a disclosure, this must be discussed with the Programme Leader before entry, who will then provide advice relating to placement and future employment criteria within the early years sector.
Information for International Applicants
If you are a non-EU/EEA/Swiss national, you may need to apply for a Tier 4 visa in order to enter and study in the UK. However, please note that University Centre St Helens does not hold a Tier 4 Sponsor Licence to support student visa applications.
