We are in the process of finalising our postgraduate taught courses for 2026/27 entry. In the meantime, you can view our 2025/26 courses.
The Foundation Degree in Children's Development and Learning course enables you to develop the skills to progress in your career working with children, alongside your job.
This course is aimed at education practitioners who are working with children in an educational setting for at least 2.5 days per week. You will study at one of our partner colleges for half a day each week.
This vocational award is a work-based course, and your assignments and lessons are all designed to benefit your professional development. You'll build upon your experience through topics such as child development, safeguarding, creativity and critical thinking, and working in partnership with parents. College sessions include lectures, as well as tutorials and seminars. The course also incorporates a great deal of group work, which will be an opportunity to share experiences with fellow professionals working in a range of settings.
There is plenty of support available to help you get the most out of your course. You will be given an academic tutor who will have regular one-to-one meetings with you. You'll also nominate someone from within your own workplace, such as a manager or colleague, to become your mentor. Additionally, you'll benefit from small learning groups and access to facilities and support at your college and the University of Reading.
In the National Student Survey 2024, 96% of our students said the course has developed the knowledge and skills they think they will need for their future (National Student Survey 2024, 95.73% of responders from the Institute of Education).
To apply for the course, please visit one of our partner colleges' websites:
For more information, please visit the Institute of Education website.
