skip to main content

Early Childhood Education and Care (Level 5 Higher National Diploma)

Pearson BTEC
Early Years

Course Overview

The Pearson BTEC Level 5 Higher National Diploma (HND) in Early Childhood Education and Care builds on the knowledge and skills developed in Year 1 (HNC). The course focuses on developing advanced practice skills, leadership and management capabilities, and the ability to critically evaluate policy and practice in early years. Students complete core units in research and quality improvement, alongside specialist and optional units tailored to their chosen pathway.As placement is an integral part of your qualification, a self-declaration of current health status is implicit as part of the overall risk assessment process. Enrolment on this course is subject to a satisfactory Access NI check. Grant support may be available during your studies. Contact Student Services for more details.
  • Start Date
    7 Sept 2026
  • Study Mode
    Full-Time
  • Duration
    1 Year
  • Campus
    Strand Road

Available Sessions

  • Course
    Campus
    Type
    Start Date
    Fees
    Apply now
  • Course: Pearson BTEC Level 5 Higher National Diploma Early Childhood Education and Care
    Campus: Strand Road
    Type: Full Time
    Start Date: 07/09/2026 (P)
    Fees:
     £2,500 per annum (subject to change)
    Apply now

Course Offering

  • Site location Strand Road

Course Modules

  • 9 Investigating Childhood: Action Research for Early Childhood Practitioners (Pearson-set Project)
  • 10 Improving Quality in Early Childhood Education and Care Environments
  • 29 Innovative Approaches to Childrens Play and Learning in Practice
  • 1 Professional Development Through Reflective Practice
  • 27 Outdoor Play and Learning
  • 21 Trauma in Childhood: Addressing the Impact of Adverse Experiences on Child Health and Wellbeing
  • Unit 17 Advanced Practice in Safeguarding and child protection for the early childhood practitioner
Fees & Finance Information
Want to book your place?
Apply Now

Entry Requirements

UK Requirements

The Pearson BTEC Level 5 Higher National Diploma (HND) in Early Childhood Education and Care builds on the Level 4 Higher National Certificate (HNC)

ROI Requirements

The Pearson BTEC Level 5 Higher National Diploma (HND) in Early Childhood Education and Care builds on the Level 4 Higher National Certificate (HNC)

Additional Requirements Prior to Entry

Access NI Check
Attendance at Information Session

Work Placement

150 hours at Level 5

Fee Information

  • Additional Fees
  • Uniform - £20 - £40

What's Next?

Further Study

You can progress into employment or to university - Teacher Training qualification, an (Hons) Degree in Early Childhood Studies, Psychology, Nursing, Paediatrics, Social Work, Youth Work or another related profession. We work closely with our partners in universities to develop opportunities for our students to continue their studies at degree level. In addition our students are well sought after in the local area for jobs as classroom assistants and early years practitioners.

Career Prospects

Teacher Training, Classroom assistant, Playgroup leader, Creche leader, Childminder

Enquiry

Meet our students

  • Image of Joycie Rajan
    I have always enjoyed Engineering and Computer Science. My course at NWRC has helped me secure a place at Queens University.
    Joycie Rajan
  • Image of Declan McEleney (ApprenticeshipNI Welding)
    Apprenticeships differ from school because you can actually earn a wage while gaining your qualifications.
    Declan McEleney (ApprenticeshipNI Welding)

Discover our other courses

Want to know more?

Your browser is out-of-date!

Update your browser to view this website correctly. Update my browser now

×