/ Higher Technical /
Start date:
September 2025
You'll need:
72 UCAS points (or equivalent) for mature students
UCAS code:
X500
Gain key skills needed to start a career within the early education and care sector. This course is equivalent to the first year of undergraduate study.
Did you know?
You'll gain the specialist skills employers want and improve your chances of future employment or progression within your current role.
Top 3 modern university in London
(Complete University Guide 2025)
Ranked in the top 15% in the world
Times Higher Education Young University Rankings 2024
#8 in England for undergraduate student satisfaction
National Student Survey 2024
Modules
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Skills
Make your mark with the professional skills that matter most to employers.
Our two year Higher National Diploma Early Childhood Education and Care course is suitable for students finishing college or those re-entering education after employment or career break.
You will continue to build on the essential skills, knowledge and behaviours necessary for all early childhood practitioners whilst working through a number of subject-specific specialist and optional units.
An industry-recognised qualification, known to provide the practical and problem-solving skills needed by employers, will support a fast-track entry to employment for students entering or choosing a career-change within the employment market.
This course is equivalent to the first two years of undergraduate study.
Roehampton is internationally renowned for its work in early childhood studies. With a team of highly-regarded tutors, who are all experts in their specialisms, you will learn from some of the best in the field.
Three specialist pathways are available to support progression into relevant occupational areas or on to degree-level study. These are:
- Education
- Leadership and Management
- Social and Community Care Practice.
These pathways are linked to Professional Body and Apprenticeship Standards and can provide apprenticeship or progression towards professional status or entry into the later stages of an appropriate degree.
There is also a non-specialist pathway, which allows you to complete your Diploma without committing to a particular professional specialism. This offers additional flexibility and supports progression into a range of early education and care-related degrees.
In addition to your learning, you must undertake a work placement or gain experience in early education and/or care settings. This should total 525 cumulative hours. You will also complete a Practical Reflective Evidence Portfolio (PREP), including reflective accounts. These must be completed over the duration of the programme.
On finishing the course, you will have the confidence to enter the employment market, with a sound understanding of the Early Education and Care Industries, or progress to a related degree in early childhood education, and work towards gaining Qualified Teacher Status if appropriate.
Learning
Get the jump in early education and care.
Our full-time course include four modules (15 credits x 4) each semester, totalling eight modules (15 credits x 8) a year.
Lessons will be taught across two days per week (full-time).
You will be taught using a range of methods, including lectures, practical sessions, seminars, workshops and work-based learning (placements).
Industry-expert tutors will provide you with employer-led teaching materials that enable you to learn what it is like to work within relevant industries.
Industry-expert tutors will provide you with employer-led teaching materials that enable you to learn what it is like to work within relevant industries.
Programme leaders will also provide engagement and networking opportunities with local employers so you can develop relationships with potential future employers.
You will also be provided with additional academic support through an academic guidance tutor.
In addition to your learning modules, you must undertake a work placement or gain experience in early education and/or care settings.
This should total 525 cumulative hours. You will also complete a Practical Reflective Evidence Portfolio (PREP), including reflective accounts. These must be completed over the duration of the programme.
Assessment
Benefit from assessments that prepare you for life beyond your study.
You'll be assessed using a variety of methods, tailored to both meet the needs of specific industries, and that best prepare you for the requirements of employment within their specialist areas.
Assessment methods will include written coursework, portfolios, presentations, academic posters, interviews, professional discussions, practical assessments and exams. (Other assessment methods may be used depending on subject specialism).
Assessments will be scheduled appropriately throughout semester 1 and 2 to provide you with the opportunity to utilise regular feedback opportunities with tutors.
You will be provided individual tutorial support prior to all assessment submissions.
Career
Our Higher National Diploma Early Childhood Education and Care will put you in a strong position for pursuing jobs in a variety of early years settings, including:
- Social and community care support
- Family Support Worker
- Early Years Intervention Support Worker
- Childminder
- Other leadership and management roles in a range of early childhood environment
You could also progress on to further study through a degree, a higher apprenticeship programme or continuing professional development.
Our careers support team is available to support you from the start of your studies until after you graduate. They will help you build your CV, prepare for interviews, and meet and learn from successful graduates working at the top of their careers.
You’ll also have opportunities to benefit from our teaching teams links with industry, work with our university partners across London and globally, and to attend a Roehampton jobs fair where you can find out about graduate opportunities and meet employers.
Open days
Get a real taste of our campus, community and what it’s like to study at Roehampton
Applying
Full-time UK undergraduate students apply through UCAS.
Course subject to curriculum review and validation.
The application process for Higher National Qualifications is to apply in the same way as undergraduate degree programmes.
Full-time students
Apply through UCAS (Roehampton UCAS institution code is R48). Our HNQs are in the undergraduate listings – search by course subject or use the filter option to select HNCs and HNDs.
Part-time students
Apply using our direct application form. Select undergraduate in the intended level of study dropdown, and then select the HNC or HND you want in the 'Which programme do you wish to apply for' dropdown.
If you need any help or advice with your application, or just want to ask us a question before you apply, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Detailed advice on applying for an undergraduate degree is available here.
Entry tariff
72 UCAS points (or equivalent) for mature students
We welcome applications from students studying T Levels.
For all courses we also accept a wide range of other qualifications and experience. Contact us to find out more.
When we consider applications to study with us, we form a complete view of your achievements to date, and future potential, and can offer flexibility in entry requirements. Find out more about our Contextual Offer scheme.
Specific entry requirements
Applications are welcome from non-standard academic backgrounds and/or mature career changers.
Advanced entry (into the second year, Level 5 of the HND) is available upon successful completion of an appropriate Higher National Certificate year (at the University of Roehampton or elsewhere).
Other qualifications will also be considered as well as relevant work experience, or an international equivalent to the above qualifications, credits achieved at other colleges, universities and your work/life experience.
If you would like individual advice, please get in touch through our enquiry form.
General entry requirements
September 2025 entry tuition fees
Year one fees
UK (home) tuition fees
Year one fees
Higher National Diploma: £7,950
We also provide other ways to support the cost of living, including free buses and on-campus car parking, hardship support and some of the most affordable student accommodation and catering in London. Find out more about how we can support you.
International undergraduate students apply through our direct application system.
Course subject to curriculum review and validation.
The application process for Higher National Qualifications is to apply in the same way as undergraduate degree programmes.
International students
Apply using our direct application form. Select undergraduate in the intended level of study dropdown, and then select the HNC or HND you want in the 'Which programme do you wish to apply for' dropdown.
If you need any help or advice with your application, or just want to ask us a question before you apply, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Detailed advice on applying for an undergraduate degree is available here.
Entry tariff
72 UCAS points (or equivalent) for mature students
We welcome applications from students studying T Levels.
For all courses we also accept a wide range of other qualifications and experience. Contact us to find out more.
When we consider applications to study with us, we form a complete view of your achievements to date, and future potential, and can offer flexibility in entry requirements. Find out more about our Contextual Offer scheme.
Specific entry requirements
Applications are welcome from non-standard academic backgrounds and/or mature career changers.
Advanced entry (into the second year, Level 5 of the HND) is available upon successful completion of an appropriate Higher National Certificate year (at the University of Roehampton or elsewhere).
Other qualifications will also be considered as well as relevant work experience, or an international equivalent to the above qualifications, credits achieved at other colleges, universities and your work/life experience.
If you would like individual advice, please get in touch through our enquiry form.
General entry requirements
September 2025 entry tuition fees
Year one fees
EU and international tuition fees
Year one fees
Higher National Diploma: £15,000
We also provide other ways to support the cost of living, including free buses and on-campus car parking, hardship support and some of the most affordable student accommodation and catering in London. Find out more about how we can support you.
Need help or advice before applying?
Continuing Education
Our range of vocational qualifications will provide you with alternative pathways into your chosen career.
