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NRC Logo

Course Code
PFFM02064
Level
Level 3
Course Type
Further Education
Study Mode
Full-time
Duration
1 Year
Start & End
1 September 2025 - 5 June 2026
Location
Magherafelt
Interview Required?
Yes

To achieve the Extended Diploma learners are required to successfully complete:

  • 66 credits from the 7 Extended Diploma graded mandatory units 
  • 1 (one) external assessment 

The 7 Extended Diploma graded mandatory unit titles are: 

  • Developing study skills for professional practice 
  • Enabling Play Environments 
  • Partnership working in early years 
  • Understanding perspectives on childhood in society 
  • Understanding Special Educational Needs and Disability in children 
  • Understanding neuroscience in early years 
  • Planning for improved outcomes when working with babies and children in an early years' setting 

Some of our students explain what to expect if you choose to study the Level 3 course.

Level 3 Extended Children’s Care Learning and Development
Jane Porter

This qualification supports learners’ progression to Higher Education by providing evidence of learners’ higher level skills. Equivalent to studying 3 A-Levels, this qualification carries UCAS tariff points up to 168 for an A* grade. 90% of our students last year achieved overall A-Level grade of C and above.

This course allows students to progress onto higher education and university such as Foundation Degree (offered with Stranmillis College, Queen's University Belfast) Early Childhood Studies or to the top up Early Childhood Degree with the University of Doncaster. 

To progress onto the Extended Diploma learners must have successfully completed the Level 3 Diploma.

Course Fees

This course is free of charge.

Further Education (Level 1-3) full-time courses including Apprenticeships have no course fees for most students:

Level 3 Further Education (full-time)

There are no tuition fees for Level 1 - 3 full-time students aged between 16 and 18.

If you are aged 19-24 and have already achieved a Level 3 qualification, fees will apply. Details of fees are available from any campus reception.

If you are aged 25 or older, fees will apply unless in receipt of a FE grant. (If you are aged 25 or older, admission to a full-time Further Education course will be considered on an individual basis at the College's discretion).

Level 3 Access Courses (full-time)

If you are in receipt of a FE grant, no fees apply.

If you are aged 19 or older and have already achieved a Level 3 qualification (3 A Level equivalent), fees will apply.

Details of fees are available from any campus reception.

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