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Early Childhood Education and Care (Yr 1 of 3) (Level 5 Higher National Diploma)

Pearson BTEC
Early Years

Course Overview

In the first three semesters of the course (Year 1: Semester 1 and 2 and Year 2 Semester 1 only), 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: Semester 2, Year 3 Semester 1 and 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. As placement is an integral part of your qualification, a 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.
  • Study Mode
    Part-Time
  • Duration
    3 Years
  • Campus
    Limavady
    Strabane
    Strand Road

Available Sessions

  • Course
    Campus
    Type
    Start Date
    Fees
  • Course: Pearson BTEC Level 5 Higher National Diploma Early Childhood Education and Care (Yr 1 of 3)
    Campus: Strand Road
    Type: Part Time
    Start Date: 15/09/2025
    Fees:
    Part time per annum fee to be confirmed
  • Course: Pearson BTEC Level 5 Higher National Diploma Early Childhood Education and Care (Yr 1 of 3)
    Campus: Limavady
    Type: Part Time
    Start Date: 15/09/2025
    Fees:
    Part time per annum fee to be confirmed
  • Course: Pearson BTEC Level 5 Higher National Diploma Early Childhood Education and Care (Yr 1 of 3)
    Campus: Strabane
    Type: Part Time
    Start Date: 15/09/2025
    Fees:
    Part time per annum fee to be confirmed

You may be eligible for funding on this course *

If you are an employer or employee of a NI based company

* Terms and Conditions apply

Course Offering

  • Site location Limavady Main St Strabane 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
  • 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
  • 11 Current & Emerging Pedagogies in Early Childhood Education and Care
  • 21 Trauma in Childhood: Addressing the Impact of Adverse Experiences on Child Health and Wellbeing
  • 27 Outdoor Play and Learning
  • 5 Supporting and Promoting Children’s Development - Young Children
  • 6 Promoting Healthy Living
Want to book your place?
Apply Now

Entry Requirements

UK Requirements

48 UCAS Points- Grade C (or above) in GCSE English is essential. Access 40%. Applicants must have a Level 3 Qualification, e.g. National Certificate/Diploma in Early Years or CCLD, CACHE Level 3 Diploma/ Extended Diploma, DCE, an AVCE/advanced GNVQ in an appropriate Vocational area, GCE A level/ Leaving Cert. 525 work placement hours are required. Access NI check & Health Declaration all required. Attendance at an information session is essential. Students cannot be enrolled unless form signed by course coordinator.

ROI Requirements

48 UCAS points and minimum of OLC English at grade O5 is essential. 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. 525 work placement hours are required. Access NI check & Health Declaration all required. Attendance at an information session is essential. Students cannot be enrolled unless form signed by course coordinator.

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 by the end of semester 2 of year 2 of the part time programme.

Fee Information

  • Additional Fees
  • Uniform - £25.00

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, Family Support Worker

Enquiry

  • Image of Jack McDonald (Art & Design)
    During my time at NWRC Limavady, I felt nothing but accepted, welcomed and encouraged. The tutors push you to achieve at the highest level.
    Jack McDonald (Art & Design)
  • Image of Stephen McAteer (Limavady)
    I studied the OCN Level 2 Award in Bakery & Patisserie. My course was delivered in the College's kitchens. There was a sense of community and a warm relaxing atmosphere throughout. If I was to describe my experience in 3 words it would be fun, exciting and therapeutic!
    Stephen McAteer (Limavady)
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