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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
7 September 2026 - 4 June 2027
Location
Magherafelt
Information Session 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 

Meet our Students

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
  • BSc (Hons) Nursing - Queen's University Belfast and Ulster University
  • BSc (Hons) Midwifery - Queen's University Belfast
  • BSc (Hons) Psychology - UK universities
  • BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies - Liverpool John Moores

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

Course Fees

No fees.

For most students, full-time Further Education courses at Level 1-3, including Apprenticeships, have no course fees.  


Level 1-3 Further Education (full-time)

  • Aged 16-18: no tuition fees apply.  
  • Aged 19:24: If you have already achieved a full Level 3 qualification, fees will apply.  
  • Aged 25 or over: Tuition fees will apply unless you are in receipt of a Further Education (FE) grant. Admission to full-time Further Education courses for applicants aged 25+ 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 Further Education (FE) grant, no fees apply.
  • If you are aged 19 or over and have already achieved a Level 3 qualification (equivalent to 3 A-Levels), fees will apply.

Fee information is available from any campus reception.

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