Program Overview

University Foundation in Education Stage1 at Hertfordshire International College (HIC) is designed to prepare you for entry to university-level program. During Stage 1 you will complete a range of modules relevant to your chosen degree, as well as modules concentrating on the skills that are vital for University level education such as Critical Thinking.

A Foundation pathway is available for students who:

• Don’t meet the entry requirements to enter university level study directly (but hold GCSE level qualifications)
• Feel that additional support at the start of university studies will help them stand a better chance of success
• Have been away from studies for a period of time
• Come from a different academic environment to that of the UK
• Require additional English language training

If you fall into any of the above categories, choosing an undergraduate pathway at Hertfordshire International College (HIC) is the right decision. Depending on your academic needs here at Hertfordshire International College (HIC).

Progressing from Foundation

Stage 1 will be the first stage in the 4 stage process. Meaning that on successful completion of stage 1 you will seamlessly progress to stage 2, which is the first year of a bachelor’s degree. There is no need to reapply, you will simply just progress between each stage until you reach the final stage and graduate with a degree from Hertfordshire International College (HIC).

BA (Hons) Early Childhood Education

You want to work with children and families to help each child fulfil their potential.  You’re excited to learn about children’s education, development and care.  We’ll teach you the latest theory, philosophy and best practice.  There are so many different approaches you can try.  This is a chance to specialise in the development of young children between 0 – 7 years old.  We’ll teach you how to give every child you work with the best possible start.

• Gain practical experience
• Gain practical experience
• Learn from experts

What's the course about?

• In your first year, we’ll teach you the personal and professional skills needed by a range of early years practitioners.  You’ll reflect on your childhood and you’ll examine your own beliefs and values.  How could your background impact your future work with children?  You’ll develop inclusive activities and observe and plan lessons.  You’ll visit early childhood settings to see how practitioners engage young minds through play.  We’ll teach you the current issues in childhood development and education from a global and national viewpoint.  You’ll learn about the impact of government policy, culture and economics. We’ll teach you research skills and you’ll learn how to collect and interpret data.  By the end of this year, you’ll have the theoretical insight and growing self-awareness to see the potential of this rewarding career.   
• In your second year, you’ll choose your own path.  If you want to gain real life practical experience, you’ll benefit from work placements with employers.  If you want to specialise in research, you’ll immerse yourself in theory and analyse its impact through work-related learning.  Together we can explore the psychology of children and adults in early childhood settings.  You’ll design stimulating learning environments and observe children as they play and learn.  What do you notice?  You’ll gain the skills and knowledge to design effective interventions.  We’ll teach you how chronic illness, special educational needs and disability can affect how a child develops.  You’ll question your assumptions and theories.  You’ll see every challenge as a chance to think creatively.  By the end of this year, you’ll feel confident in the area you want to specialise in.     
• In your third year, you’ll investigate a range of concepts central to early childhood.  These could include children’s rights or cultural, political and economic factors.  We’ll teach you how to develop effective partnerships with child development professionals, parents, families and communities.  You’ll learn how to work with parents from all cultures and backgrounds, so everyone is included in the child’s development.  You’ll explore the philosophy of education.  You’ll design fun activities to teach mathematics, language and literacy.  You’ll learn how to support children with Autism, Asperger’s, Dyslexia and hearing impairments.  You’ll delve into an independent research project.  By the end of this year you’ll have everything you need to support a child’s development.