Online Advanced Diploma in Early Years Education

Online dual vocational training:

In accordance with Organic Law 3/2022, a number of significant changes will be introduced to the vocational training system in Spain from the 2024–25 academic year onwards 

• Virtual DUAL Methodology: Students undertaking distance-learning vocational training will complete their work placements in a single 500-hour period during the second year. They will be eligible to undertake these placements once they have passed 30 per cent of the vocational modules and received a favourable assessment from the teaching staff.

_{^{This transition to the new vocational training regulations, known as ‘Dual’ (a standardised framework for the whole country, except for the order of modules and the teaching load set by each Autonomous Community) affects all first-year courses in any of their formats (face-to-face or online), except for the Higher Vocational Training Course in Dietetics, which remains under the LOGSE training plan, predating the current LOE*}}

At UAX, practical training is one of the cornerstones of our learning methodology. That is why the Higher National Diploma in Early Years Education includes a Work-Based Learning module, through which you will be able to undertake 500 hours of professional work experience in over 500 state, private and state-subsidised educational establishments throughout Spain, such as:

• KING’S COLLEGE
• THE BRITISH SCHOOL OF MADRID
• NEMOMARLIN

You will put all the knowledge you have acquired in the classroom to the test in a real-world setting and in direct contact with professionals in the sector. Upon completion of your work placement, you will be ready to enter the job market.

José Manuel Bermejo: teacher with a degree in social work, with an official Master's degree in Guidance and Family Mediation, and also works as Coordinator of the Asperger's Syndrome-TEA Association of Salamanca.

Noemí Sánchez Brea: qualified teacher in early childhood education and foreign language, with more than 15 years of experience as a classroom tutor in early childhood education. Specialist in English at this stage and updated in new teaching pedagogies, active methodologies and neurodivergences.

Patricia Yañez Conde: teacher with a degree in psychology, specialising in peaceful conflict resolution and mediation.

Laura Gómez Olmedo: teacher with a degree in physical education, with experience as director of an early childhood education centre.

Alberto Acedo Fernández-Cid: a graduate teacher in primary and infant education, expert in emotional education and intervention strategies for students with ADHD.

Request your personalised credit transfer plan

Whether you’ve already completed another qualification, want to change institutions, or are planning to study for a bachelor’s degree after your current course, at UAX we have the perfect plan for you. 

What’s more, you can request a personalised credit transfer assessment to continue your studies with the Bachelor’s Degree in Early Years Education, building on the qualifications you’ve already gained from the Higher Vocational Qualification in Early Years Education. The plan will be assessed on an individual basis, taking into account your academic background and the degree you wish to pursue.

Get in touch to find out about your free, personalised credit transfer plan, designed based on the qualifications you’ve already completed and those you wish to study. 
 

You can access this Higher Level Training Cycle if:

• You are 18 years old or you turn 18 in the year in which the training course begins.
• You are over 16 years old and you are registered as a worker, you are a high-level sportsperson or you have an illness, physical difficulty or dependence that prevents you from attending the training cycle in person.

In addition, you must have at least one of the following academic qualifications:

• Baccalaureate (LOE or LOGSE).
• Specialist Technician or Higher Vocational Training Technician Degree.
• Intermediate Vocational Training Technician's Degree
• Training Cycle or Intermediate Degree
• University Degree
• COU or Pre-university Certificate
• Document that proves that you have passed the 2nd year of any modality of the experimental Baccalaureate.
• Certificate of successful completion of the entrance exams to higher level training cycles.

Number of new admission places offered

• 90 places

Yes. The UAX online Early Years Education vocational training course is an official vocational training qualification leading to the award of the Higher Technician in Early Years Education qualification, which is recognised both academically and professionally throughout Spain.

The online Higher National Diploma in Early Years Education is designed for people with a clear commitment to serving children and their families, who wish to support and guide children’s holistic development from their earliest stages. The typical student profile includes qualities such as empathy, patience, communication skills and creativity, as well as an interest in child development.

This qualification is suitable both for those who already have experience working with children and for those seeking a career change, provided they share a motivation to contribute to the wellbeing and growth of young children and to develop as a Senior Early Years Educator.

To enrol on the online Higher Level Vocational Training Course in Early Years Education, you must meet the academic requirements set out for higher-level vocational training courses, such as holding a Baccalaureate qualification, a Vocational Training Technician qualification or one of the equivalent qualifications specified in current regulations.

The curriculum for the Higher Technical Diploma in Early Years Education includes modules such as Teaching Methods in Early Years Education, Personal Autonomy and Child Health, Cognitive and Motor Development, Expression and Communication, Socio-emotional Development, Social Skills and Intervention with Families and Care for Children at Social Risk, as well as Work-Based Learning (WBL), where you will be able to apply the knowledge you have acquired in professional settings.

The online Early Years Education vocational training course is delivered via a virtual campus where students can access theoretical content, self-assessment activities and practical exercises. In addition, they have access to consultation sessions and virtual classes that facilitate regular contact with the teaching team.

We use active teaching methods tailored to each module, such as role-play, simulations, real-life case studies, Kahoot and educational videos, to encourage dynamic and participatory learning.

Assessment is continuous and includes self-assessment activities and specific projects, ensuring that students acquire both the theoretical knowledge and practical skills essential for their future careers as Senior Early Years Educators.

The online Higher National Diploma in Early Years Education lasts for two academic years. During this period, you will acquire the skills required to work in the field of early years education and complete your Work-Based Learning (WBL) at partner educational institutions.

Work-based Learning (WBL) takes place at partner educational institutions, where students can put the knowledge and skills acquired during the course into practice. UAX has a network of more than 500 partner educational institutions spread throughout Spain.

The Higher National Diploma in Early Years Education enables graduates to pursue a career in both formal and non-formal education. Key career opportunities include roles as early years educators in nursery schools, child care programmes, play centres, educational leisure centres, children’s libraries, educational farms, and family support and socio-educational intervention services.

A Senior Early Years Educator can work in nursery schools, childcare programmes, play centres, educational leisure centres, children’s libraries, educational farms, and family support and socio-educational intervention services.

The Higher Vocational Qualification in Early Years Education is an official vocational training qualification designed to equip students with the practical skills required to work with children aged 0 to 6 in nursery schools and other educational settings. The Bachelor’s Degree in Early Years Education, meanwhile, is a university qualification that qualifies holders to work as teachers at this stage of education, in accordance with current regulations.

Furthermore, students who complete the Higher Technical Diploma in Early Years Education may apply for a personalised assessment of credit transfers to continue their studies towards the Bachelor’s Degree in Early Years Education. Thanks to this credit recognition, it is possible to complete the degree in less time than usual, potentially finishing it in under three years depending on the credits transferred.

Yes. Once you have completed the Higher Technical Diploma in Early Years Education, you can apply for a personalised assessment of credit transfers to continue your studies on the Bachelor’s Degree in Early Years Education, in accordance with the current academic criteria and your previous academic record.

In addition to the official qualification as a Higher-Level Early Years Education Technician, you will be able to undertake micro-credentials in areas such as digital creativity, active learning and teacher collaboration. These courses complement your professional profile and may count towards credit recognition to enable you to continue your studies towards a Bachelor’s degree in Early Years Education, subject to the applicable academic criteria.

The cost of the online Early Years Education vocational training course may vary depending on the conditions applicable at the time of enrolment. UAX offers various funding options, payment plans and study grants. In addition, students who meet the established criteria may apply for official grants from the Ministry of Education. To find out the current cost of the course and the financial support available, you can request information and receive personalised advice.