Semester 1

• Personal and Professional Development through Reflective Practice
• Protecting Children in Early Education and Care Environments
• Play and Learning in Early Childhood
• Supporting and Promoting Children’s Development (Babies and Toddlers)

Semester 2

• Supporting and Promoting Children’s Development (Young Children)
• Promoting Healthy Living
• Preparing for Research (Pearson-set Project)
• Promoting Inclusive Early Education and Care Environments

Semester 3

• Investigating Childhood: Action Research for Early Childhood Practitioners (Pearson-set project)
• Improving Quality in Early Education and Care Environments
• Child-centered Practice with Children, Families and Communities

Semester 4

• Managing Children’s Early Education and Care Environments
• Innovative Approaches to Children’s Play and Learning in Practice
• Working in Partnership across Health, Education and Social Care Services

• Two passes in the G.C.E. Advanced Level examination and a Credit (C) pass in English at the G.C.E. Ordinary Level examination
  OR
• A Credit (C) pass in English at the G.C.E. Ordinary Level examination along with a recognized Diploma qualification
  OR
• Completion of the Pearson BTEC International Level 3 Foundation Diploma

In addition, all applicants must meet the Pearson English language proficiency requirements.
Pearson accepts a range of English competency qualifications, including IELTS (minimum overall score of 5.5), or equivalent qualifications as listed in the relevant Pearson Higher National specifications.

For the Pearson BTEC Level 5 Higher National Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care, students are required to complete a minimum of 525 cumulative hours of work placement in early education and/or care settings over the two-year duration of the qualification.

Placement Structure:

• Level 4 (Year 1): Students must complete a minimum of 375 hours of placement.
  • These hours must include practical experience in each of the following age ranges:
    • Birth to 1 year, 11 months
    • 2 years to 4 years, 11 months
    • 5 years to 7 years, 11 months

• Level 5 (Year 2): Students must complete an additional 150 hours of placement.
  • These hours may be undertaken in one setting and with any of the above age groups, depending on the student’s chosen area of focus and availability of placement opportunities.

Note: Completion of the full 375 placement hours at Level 4 is essential. Students who complete only Level 4 units and the full placement requirement may be eligible for the Pearson BTEC Level 4 Higher National Certificate (HNC).

Students progressing to Level 5 must complete both carried-over hours from Level 4 and the additional 150 hours required at Level 5.

• 24 Months (Weekend Sessions)

Completing the Pearson BTEC Higher National Diploma (HND) in Early Childhood Education and Care opens up exciting academic and career pathways for students.

• Academic Progression

Graduates are eligible for direct entry into the 3rd year of a relevant Bachelor’s degree, such as:

• BA (Hons) in Early Childhood Education and Care
• Bachelor of Early Childhood Education

With hands-on experience and specialized knowledge, HND graduates can confidently step into roles such as:

• Childcare Center Director
• Preschool Teacher
• Child Development Specialist
• Educational Consultant
• Parent Educator
• Special Education Teacher (Early Childhood)
• Educational Program Coordinator
• Family Support Worker
• Educational Researcher
• Early Childhood Lecturer

• Recognized by The Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation (OFQUAL) in England.
• Recognized by many worldwide universities listed in the BTEC Pearson website.