What You Will Study
Please note this course is subject to approval by CAVA (Cambridge Access Validating Agency) prior to the course commencing in September 2026.
This Access to Higher Education (Childhood Studies) course provides foundational skills and knowledge to prepare adult learners to progress into a range of local and national HE courses from Level 4 through to full Bachelors programmes. The course aims to ensure that students have the fundamental skills across a range of topics to be successful in their next steps and in the world of work. A strong focus on safeguarding, reflective practice, child development and equality and diversity will ensure that students progressing from the programme have a grounding in key concepts for a range of roles post study.
Course delivery will be face to face delivery with teaching taking place at City College Norwich’s Norfolk House in the heart of the city.
City College Norwich’s strong links with the Childhood and Youth sector ensure that the delivery of the programme will be enhanced by a range of guest speakers.
The course will be delivered across 2.5 days initially on a standard academic year pattern.
Entry Requirements
You need to have achieved, or be working towards, GCSE English language and maths at grade 4 or above.
How You Will Be Assessed
Assessment is continuous over the whole year and is based on a number of set pieces of work such as essays, projects, presentations and examinations.
You will be supported throughout the course by a personal tutor who will also give you guidance in applying for Higher Education courses. You will study a core of communications, research and study skills. You will be awarded credits on completion of each units with a pass, merit or distinction grade. All credits are awarded are awarded at Level 3 which broadly equates to A Level study.
Course Progression
This course will prepare you to progress one of the following HE courses at City College Norwich: FdA Early Childhood Studies, BA (Hons) Childhood and Youth Studies, BA (Hons) Additional Needs and Disabilities (Children and Young People) or our BA (Hons) Youth Work degree.
The Access to Higher Education Diploma in Childhood Studies is widely recognised by UK universities. If you are planning to study a degree course at a specific university, it would be useful to contact them to check that the course you have chosen is in an appropriate subject area and is recognised by the university or college. Please be aware that university entry criteria can change at any time.
Where Your Course Can Take You
This course could lead to a range of careers in education, social care and health settings.
Fees
Please contact the Advice Shop for information on fees and financial support which may be available. We recommend you also check our Finance pages for further information including student travel offers.
Similar Courses
FdA Early Childhood Studies
Level 5, Full Time, 2 years, Norfolk House campus
We were awarded a TEF Silver rating overall in 2023, achieving this for both student experience and student outcomes.
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