HNC in Early Childhood Education and Care

L4 Level 4
Full Time
15 September 2025 — 22 May 2026
City Centre Campus, Cardiff

About this course

The Pearson BTEC Higher National qualifications in Early Childhood Education and Care are aimed at students wanting to continue their education through applied learning. Higher Nationals provide a wide-ranging study of the early education and care sector and are designed for students who wish to pursue or advance their career in early education and care practice or related fields. In addition to the knowledge, understanding and skills that underpin the study of the early education and care sector, Pearson BTEC Higher Nationals in Early Childhood Education and Care give students experience of the breadth and depth of the sector that will prepare them for employment, progression within employment or further study.

What you will study

48 UCAS tariff points gained from either:


  • A Level 3 qualification in Child Care
  • A GCE Advanced Level profile that demonstrates strong performance in a relevant subject or adequate performance in more than one GCE subject. This profile is likely to be supported by GCSE grades A* to C (or equivalent), and/or 9 to 4 (or equivalent) in subjects such as maths and English
  • Other related Level 3 qualifications
  • An Access to Higher Education Diploma awarded by an approved further education institution
  • An international equivalent of the above.
  • Where applicants first language is not English, evidence of IELTS 5.5 (reading and writing must be at 5.5) or equivalent


CAVC will also consider applicants’ prior learning when considering their application on to the programme through Recognition of Prior Learning.

Course fee per year

Tuition Fees: £6,000.00

Entry requirements

3 A levels or equivalent in relevant subjects, or a level 3 qualification - Access diploma or Extended Diploma in Health and Social Care or Childcare. Enhanced DBS check must be completed prior to commencing the course, through the CAVC disclosure process.

Teaching and assessment methods

Learners will be assessed on this course through a combination of workplace observations and a Professional Learning and Development Portfolio, along with an externally set research project and unit assignments.

Learners are required to undertake at least 2 work placements of at least 375 hours per year in a suitable setting, which requires a fully enhanced DBS check on commencing the course. 

Facilitites

The city centre campus is CAVC’s biggest campus and has a wide range of facilities for learners to enjoy.

Students on this course will have access to a HE Unit that includes a high specification LSC, a social area for HE students, access to IT facilities and a quiet study zone.

Important points

  • The College welcomes contact with parents/guardians of students who are under 18.
  • Additional support is available for students with learning difficulties and disabilities.
  • Cardiff and Vale College is committed to inclusion and values diversity. We are determined to promote equality of opportunity and to treat everyone fairly and with respect.
  • Cardiff and Vale College reserves the right to make changes to this course without prior notice.
  • Course fees are subject to change. Your fee will be confirmed prior to enrolment.
  • All courses are accurate at the time of upload or print.
  • Courses can only run if there are sufficient numbers.
  • Please note, if you choose three or more course choices, then you may be referred for a careers appointment first. This does not apply to A Level or GCSE choices.
Key information

Start date

15 September 2025

End date

22 May 2026

Time of day

Day Time

Full Time

14 hours per week

Location

City Centre Campus, Cardiff
Maps & directions

Course code

ACCC4F02
L4

Qualification

HNC in Early Childhood Education and Care

Career prospects & further study

103,500

Currently, there are almost 103,500 people employed within this sector in the Cardiff Capital Region, with employment numbers expected to reach 105,000 by 2027 (Lightcast 2022).

Candidates who achieve these qualifications may go on to study further academic and professional qualifications or embark on health care support worker career. 

Locations

City Centre Campus, Cardiff
City Centre Campus, Cardiff

City Centre Campus,

Dumballs Road,

Cardiff,

CF10 5FE