Early Years Education and Professional Practice with Early 

Years Practitioner Status (EYPS) - BA (Hons)

We offer an innovative BA (Hons) degree programme in Early Years Education and Professional Practice which offers a diverse range of relevant practice and theory based modules.

There are two pathways of study available:

• BA (Hons) Early Years Education and Professional Practice with Early Years Practitioner Status (EYPS)
  
• BA (Anrh) Addysg Gynnar ac Ymarfer Proffesiynol gydag SYBC (Dwyieithog)
  

Within these programmes, 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, including the management of Early Years settings. The programme has been developed in direct response to changes in Early Years provision within Wales and the UK to provide well-qualified early childhood specialists working with young children and their families.

A fundamental aspect of the degree is the 700 hours of assessed practice based experience that you will complete in order to gain EYPS. This is made up of block placements during each year of your study in a range of relevant settings such as infant classrooms, private nurseries, integrated children's centres and day-care facilities. As part of your degree you will also spend time in our campus- based Forest School provision, where you will be able to gain first-hand experience of this dynamic approach to early education. In addition, you will also have an opportunity to spend time in our MiniMets room which has been developed to allow you to experience excellence in practice through practical sessions.

By gaining a degree which sits at the forefront of changes within the sector, your qualification will be highly valued by prospective employers within this field. This degree also provides firm foundations for a range of related careers such as family support work, health and social care and community work.

*The bilingual degree is focussed on developing your academic and practical understanding of early childhood in a bilingual context. Whilst some of the programme will be delivered through the medium of English most of the bilingual course is available in the medium of Welsh, including Welsh medium personal tutor support ad Welsh medium placement opportunities. Assessments can be submitted in English or in Welsh and the Welsh content can be tailored to suit your language ability. The course is designed to meet the increasing demand for graduates who have bilingual capabilities and qualifications.

In order to graduate with the bilingual award, students must take at least 80 credits in each year through the medium of Welsh. Students following this route will also qualify for a Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol scholarship worth up to £3000 over the three years.

Career

Employability skills are generated both through experience in work-based placements; within the teaching and learning environment and through a range of community engagement projects. In addition to the programme, you will have opportunities to further develop your knowledge, skills and experience. For example, we provide additional opportunities to gain accreditation in Forest School and NSPCC qualifications within two course modules.

Our graduates access a range of jobs and employment opportunities including further study in education via the Post Graduate Certificate in Education or Graduate Teacher Programme. Our graduates have pursued careers in a range of areas including nursery management, educational welfare and as local education officers for local education authorities. Graduates have also pursued careers in family support work and social care​.

Progression to PGCE Teacher Training:
We are pleased to guarantee an interview for the PGCE Primary Course at Cardiff Met for all graduates of this programme (subject to the course being open with UCAS). An Honours degree minimum classification of a 2:2 is currently required, and the statutory entry requirements for training in Wales (including B grades or equivalent at GCSE for English and Maths, C grade for Science) must also be met.

Opportunities for further postgraduate study at Cardiff Met are also available through the MA Education programme that we offer.