Early Childhood Studies with Early Years Practitioner Status, BA (Hons)

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Course Overview

Early Childhood Studies with Early Years Practitioner Status (EYPS) offers a holistic approach to understanding children from birth to eight years. It marks the importance of early childhood as a significant period in life which is the basis for a life-long-learning, where children are viewed as capable and competent members of society.

On this course students are required to spend a minimum of 700 hours (approximately 20 weeks) on placement in early childhood settings and are required to display competency in National Occupational Standards to meet Social Care Wales standards. Placements are full-time and set out in blocks of between five and ten weeks. Graduates will qualify with the Early Years Practitioner Status qualification.

Why Early Childhood Studies with Early Years Practitioner Status at Swansea?

Early Childhood Studies at Swansea is ranked:

  • 3rd in the UK for Research Quality (Complete University Guide 2025)
  • 5th in the UK Overall (Complete University Guide 2025)

You will learn how to support children and recognise them as being at the centre of families, communities and the wider socio-economic world. You will study diversity, the uniqueness of each child and how Early Childhood professionals can support children in difficult situations such as those suffering from trauma and in social crisis. ECS currently has an increasingly significant high profile internationally at government level and within international organisations, where children’s rights, health, well-being and social problems have attracted much attention due to recent global movements and the refugee crisis. The course aims to provide specific education and training for those wanting to work with infants, toddlers and young children in a professional capacity.

Your Early Childhood Studies with Early Years Practitioner Status Experience

Early Childhood Studies at Swansea is a flexible degree offering a wide-range of specialist modules that allow you to tailor your future career goals while developing your individual interests. You will learn about the best ways to support children and families and community connections. You will earn qualified Early Years Practitioner Status (EYPS), gaining practical work-based experience combined with theoretical and policy-based knowledge as well as the transferable skills required for effective Early Years practice.

You will have the opportunity to undertake placements in organisations such as Flying Start centres, primary schools, private nurseries and other childcare settings to enhance your student experience and your career prospects.

Early Childhood Studies with Early Years Practitioner Status Employment Opportunities

Our graduates will qualify with the Early Years Practitioner Status qualification awarded by Social Care Wales.

Careers can include:

  • Early Years Teaching
  • Family and Community Support Workers
  • Teaching Assistants
  • Postgraduate study

You will need an additional study for some careers, such as Initial Teacher Education (ITE) or Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) qualification to become a teacher.

Modules

In the first year of study, you will be taught through lectures and tutorials. Assessment will be coursework, essay and examination.

In the second year, you will learn through seminars and group-work. Assessment will be varied including coursework, essays, group presentations and examination.

In the final year, you will undertake independent study through research methods, a dissertation or practice portfolio and also be taught through seminars and group-work. Assessment includes independent research dissertation, independent presentation, coursework and examination.

700 hours of placement are carried out across the three year course.

View the Early Childhood Studies Reading List

Early Childhood Studies with Early Years Practitioner Status, BA (Hons)

Early Childhood Studies with Early Years Practitioner Status with a Year Abroad, BA (Hons)