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BA Early Childhood Studies With Early Years Practitioner Status with a Foundation Year
About this course
Early childhood studies addresses the period from birth to eight years, a time that researchers across developmental psychology, neuroscience, education, and sociology increasingly recognise as foundational for the whole of a child's life. It asks how young children develop physically, cognitively, socially, and emotionally, how they experience the world, and what conditions best support their flourishing. Combining this with Early Years Practitioner Status gives the degree a direct professional dimension, preparing graduates not just to understand early childhood but to work effectively with young children. At Swansea University, this four-year full-time BA takes a holistic and critically informed approach to understanding children from birth through to age eight. The programme is rooted in inclusive, ethical, and rights-based teaching that recognises children as capable, competent, and active participants in their own development and learning. You will engage with early childhood as a foundational period, studying how social, cultural, economic, and policy contexts shape children's experiences, and you will develop the professional knowledge and skills needed to work in a range of early years settings. The foundation year provides a structured entry for students who need additional preparation before the main degree. Early Years Practitioner Status is embedded in the programme, meaning that alongside the academic degree you gain a recognised professional qualification. Graduates from early childhood studies programmes with practitioner status are well placed for careers in nurseries, children's centres, early intervention services, primary schools, family support organisations, and the voluntary sector working with young children and their families. Many graduates go on to qualified teacher training, particularly focusing on the early years and primary phases. Others move into early years management, policy, and research roles. Postgraduate study in education, social work, or child development provides a natural continuation.
Syllabus & Modules
Typical curriculumStudent Satisfaction
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