Foundation Degree proves to be “childs play” for Newry woman
A Foundation degree in Early Childhood Studies proved the right move for local woman Aine Kelly.
Aine Kelly completed her Foundation degree in Early Childhood Studies
A Foundation degree is a recognised Higher Education qualification in its own right and offers a progression route to an Honours degree at University.
It allows flexible studying methods, which means that they are available to people already in work, those wishing to embark on a career change and to those who have recently completed level three qualifications.
Employment and Learning Minister, Dr Stephen Farry said, “Foundation Degrees are higher education qualifications that combine academic study with on-the-job experience. This mix can help boost students’ skills and career prospects whilst benefitting employers and their business.
“This means Foundation degree students graduate with a very specialised set of skills designed to meet the specific needs of employers in a particular sector. Foundation Degrees also help learners improve their career prospects by equipping them with the academic knowledge and sector specific skills required to progress in the workplace.”
Aine was working full time in a private domiciliary and support services organisation when she discovered the Early Childhood Studies Foundation degree through Southern Regional College’s online prospectus.
Aine explained, “I wanted to gain a recognised qualification in Early Childhood Studies but as I worked full-time, I needed the course to fit in with my work and personal commitments.
“The Foundation degree sounded perfect. In the final year of my Foundation degree, I changed work, taking up a post with Save the Children. The post was undoubtedly secured through my knowledge gained in the course, coupled with my work experience and voluntary placements,” she insisted.
“I believe I have gained a great deal from completing the Foundation degree course. It has given me the theoretical background for early childhood learning along with the reflective practice element of the course, making it practical and enjoyable.
“The proximity of the course was particularly beneficial, in that it was close to home with smaller classes allowing for more meaningful discussions and debate.”
Asked if she would recommend a Foundation degree to others Aine said, “I would recommend anyone to complete the Foundation degree in their chosen sector. It is an excellent opportunity to get a qualification and for anyone out of the studying arena for a while, it helped to gradually re-introduce me to studying at a pace suitable to me.”
Further information about Foundation degrees and how they can benefit employers, employees and students is available at: www.nidirect.gov.uk/foundation.
Photo 1: The Department for Employment and Learning recently launched a campaign to raise awareness and understanding of Foundation degrees and to promote this as an option to employers, employees and students. Pictured is Aine Kelly who completed her Foundation degree in Early Childhood Studies.
Photo 2: Aine Kelly who completed her Foundation degree in Early Childhood Studies.
Foundation Degree proves to be “childs play” for Newry woman
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Posted by Newry Times News
on Dec 5 2013. Filed under Community.
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