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

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.

Key Course Details

• UK/EU Fees: £5,760 (Year 1)
• International Fees: £19,950 (Year 1)
• UCAS Code: X31F
• Mode of Study: Campus Based
• Typical Offer: CCD-DDD
• Location: Singleton Park Campus

Course Overview

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?

• Ranked 4th in the UK for Research Quality (Complete University Guide 2026)
• Ranked 4th in the UK Overall (Complete University Guide 2026)

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.

Modules

The course includes a variety of modules such as:

• Safeguarding and Children's Rights
• The Social Construction of Childhood
• An Introduction to Reflective Practice
• Child Development
• Policy and Curriculum in the Early Years: National and International Perspectives
• Play Throughout the Early Years
• Culture, Communication, Language and Literacy
• Embedding and Extending Reflective Practice
• Protecting and Promoting Wellbeing in Education
• Research methods in Education and Early Childhood Studies
• Dissertation
• Professional Reflective Practice
• Child-Centred Learning and Teaching: Embedding Innovative Proposals
• Working in Partnership and Leading Others

Entry Requirements

We consider all applicants on their own merits and welcome applications from students with a wide range of qualifications.

• A level (or equivalent) typical offer: CCD-DDD DBS
• BTEC: MMP DBS
• UK Access: N/A
• T Levels: Merit
• Mixed Qualifications: 80 UCAS tariff points from 3 highest qualifications
• International Baccalaureate: 26 points

How You're Taught

At Swansea, you will benefit from a high-quality, research-informed education that combines a range of effective and inclusive teaching methods, carefully tailored to suit the needs of your course.

Tuition Fees

• UK: £5,760 (Year 1)
• International: £19,950 (Year 1)

Funding and Scholarships

You may be eligible for funding to help support your study. To find out about scholarships, bursaries and other funding opportunities that are available please visit the University's scholarships and bursaries page.

Careers and Employability

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

Academic Support

As well as subject specific support by college teaching staff and your personal tutor, the Centre for Academic Success provides courses, workshops and one-to-one support in areas such as academic writing, maths and statistics, critical thinking, time management, digital skills, presentation skills, note taking, revision, memory and exam techniques, and English language skills.

Study Abroad and Global Opportunities

To learn more about study abroad, visit our Go Global webpages. International summer programmes are open to students from all schools. Programmes typically range from 2 to 6 weeks, across destinations such as Sri Lanka, South Korea, Fiji, Bali, the USA and across Europe.

Degree Overview:

Early Childhood Studies with Early Years Practitioner Status (EYPS) at Swansea University offers a holistic approach to understanding children from birth to eight years. It emphasizes the importance of early childhood as a significant period in life, where children are viewed as capable and competent members of society. The program aims to provide students with the knowledge and skills to support children's development and well-being in various settings.

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Outline:

The program consists of a Foundation Year followed by three years of study.

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Foundation Year:

The Foundation Year provides an introduction to higher education, exploring humanities and social sciences to prepare students for the degree program.

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Year 1:

• Safeguarding and Children's Rights
• The Social Construction of Childhood
• An Introduction to Reflective Practice
• Child Development
• Policy and Curriculum in the Early Years

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Year 2:

• Play Throughout the Early Years
• Embedding and Extending Reflective Practice
• Communication, Language, and Literacy
• Protecting and Promoting Wellbeing in Education
• Research with Children, Families, and Practitioners

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Year 3:

• Research Project
• Professional Reflective Practice
• Working in Partnership and Leading Others

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Assessment:

Assessment methods may include essays, presentations, portfolios, and examinations. The program emphasizes the development of research skills, critical thinking, and reflective practice.

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Teaching:

The program is delivered through a combination of lectures, seminars, workshops, and practical placements. Students benefit from the expertise of academic staff and practicing professionals. The program also incorporates innovative teaching methods, such as problem-based learning and peer-to-peer learning.

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Careers:

Graduates are qualified as Early Years Practitioners and can pursue careers in:

• Early Years Teaching
• Family and Community Support Work
• Teaching Assistants
• Postgraduate study in education or related fields

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Tuition Fees and Payment Information:

Start Date UK International September 2023 £ 9,000 £ 17,250 September 2024 £ 9,000 £ 18,100 £ 17,250 September 2024 £ 9,000 £ 18,100 Fees for full time Undergraduate UK students may be increased in subsequent years of study by an inflationary amount determined by Welsh Government. Fees for full time Undergraduate EU/International students will increase by 3% for each subsequent year of study.

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Overview:

• Founded in 1920 as University College of Swansea
• Received its Royal Charter in 1948, becoming Swansea University
• Consistently ranked among the top 30 universities in the UK
• Home to over 20,000 students from over 140 countries
• Notable achievements include:
  • 2019 Queen's Anniversary Prize for Higher and Further Education for its work in developing and delivering innovative teaching methods
  • 2018 Times Higher Education Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Local Community
  • 2017 Research Excellence Framework (REF) results showed that 90% of Swansea University's research was rated as world-leading or internationally excellent

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Student Life:

• Over 150 student clubs and societies
• Sports teams in a variety of disciplines, including rugby, football, and basketball
• Student support services include:
  • Counseling and mental health support
  • Disability support
  • Financial advice
  • International student support
• Campus facilities include:
  • Bay Campus: Modern campus with state-of-the-art facilities, including a library, sports center, and student union
  • Singleton Campus: Historic campus with a mix of traditional and modern buildings, including the iconic Singleton Abbey
  • Tycoch Campus: Home to the College of Engineering and the School of Management

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Academics:

• Academic resources include:
  • Over 400 undergraduate and postgraduate programs
  • World-class research facilities
  • Extensive library resources
• Faculty:
  • Over 1,000 academic staff, including internationally renowned researchers and industry experts
• Teaching methodologies:
  • Focus on student-centered learning
  • Use of innovative teaching methods, such as problem-based learning and flipped classrooms
• Academic support services:
  • Academic skills workshops
  • Writing center
  • Math and statistics support
• Unique academic programs or initiatives:
  • Swansea Employability Academy: Provides students with opportunities to develop employability skills
  • Swansea University Global: Offers international study and research opportunities

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Top Reasons to Study Here:

• Top 30 UK university
• Excellent teaching and research
• World-class facilities
• Strong industry connections
• Vibrant student life
• Notable alumni include:
  • Michael Sheen, actor
  • Catherine Zeta-Jones, actress
  • Sir Terry Matthews, entrepreneur

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Services:

• Counseling and mental health support
• Health center
• Housing services
• Library resources:
  • Over 1 million books and journals
  • Access to online databases and e-resources
• Technology support:
  • Free Wi-Fi across campus
  • Computer labs and printing facilities
• Career development services:
  • Career counseling
  • Job search assistance
  • Employer networking events