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Early Childhood Education and Care (Level 5 Higher National Diploma)

Pearson BTEC
Early Years

Course Overview

In the first two semesters of the course (Year 1), students will complete the Higher National Certificate in ECEC by completing the mandatory Level 4 units (Units 1-8) and 375 hours in three distinct placement settings. Level 5 modules are completed in the second half of the course (Year 2) as well as a further 150 hours of placement. The course is very practical and graduates have excelled at university and in Industry. You will be expected to critically analyse information and think independently. You will use the Early Years Specialist Room fully equipped with a range of play and practical resources while completing this qualification. As placement is an integral part of your qualification, a self-declaration of current health status is implicit as part of the overall risk assessment process. Enrolment on this course is subject to a satisfactory Access NI check. Grant support may be available during your studies. Contact Student Services for more details.
  • Start Date
    8 Sept 2025
  • Study Mode
    Full-Time
  • Duration
    1 Year (HNC) 2 Year (HND)
  • Campus
    Strand Road

Available Sessions

  • Course
    Campus
    Type
    Start Date
    Fees
  • Course: Pearson BTEC Level 5 Higher National Diploma Early Childhood Education and Care
    Campus: Strand Road
    Type: Full Time
    Start Date: 08/09/2025
    Fees:
    £2,500 per annum (subject to change)

Course Offering

  • Site location Strand Road

Course Modules

  • 1 Professional Development Through Reflective Practice
  • 2 Protecting Children in Early Childhood Education and Care Environments
  • 3 Play and Learning in Early Childhood
  • 4 Supporting and Promoting Children’s Development- Babies & Toddlers
  • 5 Supporting and Promoting Children’s Development - Young Children
  • 6 Promoting Healthy Living
  • 7 Preparing for Research
  • 8 Promoting Inclusive Early Childhood Education
  • 9 Investigating Childhood: Action Research for Early Childhood Practitioners (Pearson-set Project)
  • 10 Improving Quality in Early Childhood Education and Care Environments
  • 29 Innovative Approaches to Childrens Play and Learning in Practice
  • (Optional) : 11 Current & Emerging Pedagogies in Early Childhood Education and Care
  • (Optional) : 21 Trauma in Childhood: Addressing the Impact of Adverse Experiences on Child Health and Wellbeing
  • (Optional) : 27 Outdoor Play and Learning
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Entry Requirements

UK Requirements

48 UCAS points and minimum of GCSE English at grade C or equivalent. Access 40%. Applicants must have a Level 3 Qualification, e.g. A-Levels, BTEC National Diploma, CACHE Level 3 Diploma/ Extended Diploma, DCE, Level 3 in Playwork, an AVCE/Advanced GNVQ in an appropriate Vocational area. Interview required prior to enrolment.

ROI Requirements

48 UCAS points and minimum of OLC English at grade O5. Access 40%. Applicants must have a Level 3 Qualification, e.g. Leaving Certificate, BTEC National Diploma, CACHE Level 3 Diploma/ Extended Diploma, DCE, Level 3 in Playwork, an AVCE/Advanced GNVQ in an appropriate Vocational area. Please note in some universities OLC Grade O5 may not be accepted as equivalent to GCSE Grade C. Interview required prior to enrolment.

Additional Requirements Prior to Entry

Access NI Check
Attendance at Information Session

Work Placement

The number of hours in work placement will be 525 hours in a minimum of three distinct settings covering the age groups birth to one year 11 months, two years to four years 11 months and five years to seven years 11 months. 375 placement hours should be completed in year 1 of the full time programme.

Fee Information

  • Additional Fees
  • Uniform - £20 - £40

What's Next?

Further Study

You can progress into employment or to university - Teacher Training qualification, an (Hons) Degree in Early Childhood Studies, Psychology, Nursing, Paediatrics, Social Work, Youth Work or another related profession. We work closely with our partners in universities to develop opportunities for our students to continue their studies at degree level. In addition our students are well sought after in the local area for jobs as classroom assistants and early years practitioners.

Career Prospects

Teacher Training, Classroom assistant, Playgroup leader, Creche leader, Childminder

Enquiry

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    Studying at NWRC was the best two years of my life. I’m now signed with one of the biggest Talent Agents in the UK. 
    Olivia McBride (Performing Arts)
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    The Computing department at NWRC is top class. I just received a £22k bursary from the JP McManus Scholarship to support me in my studies!
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