Early Childhood Studies with Early Years Practitioner Status with a Foundation Year, 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.

The Foundation Year gives you an exciting introduction to Higher Education, setting you up with the skills, confidence, and knowledge that you’ll need to be successful on your undergraduate degree. It’s ideal if you need a little more support after Further Education or are returning to education after a gap.

Students spend 700 hours (approximately 20 weeks) on placement in early childhood settings and are required to display competency in National Occupational Standards set by Social Care Wales. Graduates will qualify with the Early Years Practitioner Status qualification awarded by Social Care Wales.

WHY EARLY CHILDHOOD STUDIES WITH EYPS FOUNDATION YEAR 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. Early Childhood Studies 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 EYPS WITH A FOUNDATION YEAR EXPERIENCE

During your Foundation Year, you will learn the key skills you’ll need to make your degree a success while developing knowledge of your subject area and how it relates to the humanities and social sciences.

You will start the degree course in your second year. Early Childhood Studies with EYPS with a foundation year 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 work placements in organisations such as schools, local authorities, businesses and charities to enhance your student experience and your career prospects.

EARLY CHILDHOOD STUDIES WITH EYPS FOUNDATION YEAR 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 your Foundation Year, you will take a selection of modules that will provide you with key study skills, subject knowledge, and awareness of the importance of the humanities and social sciences. You’ll then progress to your degree

In the following three years, you will study areas that include contemporary education; the origin and theory of educational research and education in other countries; child development; protecting and promoting wellbeing in education; educational neuroscience and difference and diversity in education.

You will complete an independent research-based dissertation in the final year, developing the knowledge and skills to become a research-effective educationalist.

View the Early Childhood Studies Reading List.

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