13May
UndergraduateCourse summary
The Early Years Education and Care: Early Years Practitioner Status is a full-time, one-year CertHE programme designed for those interested in making a real difference in the lives of young children. This course combines engaging lectures with valuable practical experience to help students gain the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in the early years sector. The timetable is structured to ensure students have ample time to engage in both placement experiences and university-based learning. Suitable placements for this programme may include: Maintained and non-maintained nurseries Crèches Cylchoedd Meithrin (Welsh language playgroups) Foundation Phase classes in primary schools Flying Start Centres These placements allow students to work hands-on in different environments, gaining insights into how children learn and develop from birth to age eight. This holistic approach helps students understand the importance of nurturing young minds and supporting their growth. This programme serves as an alternative entry to the BA programme which can lead to exciting career opportunities, whether in nurseries, schools, or community organisations. With the emphasis on care and the well-being of children, students will be prepared to eventually become effective practitioners who can respond to the diverse needs of families and children. The skills learned during this programme are highly valued in the sector, making graduates attractive candidates for employers. By completing the Early Years Education and Care programme, students position themselves at the forefront of early childhood education, equipped with the necessary tools to support the next generation. If you are passionate about working with children and want to contribute to their development during such a crucial stage of their lives, this course is an excellent opportunity. Join us in shaping the future of early years education and care.
Modules
Throughout the year, students will explore key areas of child development, focusing on the first 1,000 days, children’s play, and multilingual practices. Modules include human development, safeguarding, and professional practice, integrating theoretical insights with practical application in real-world settings. Students will also develop research skills, engage in reflective practice, and learn to foster inclusive, child-centred environments, preparing them for roles in early childhood education and care. Human Development (20 credits) The Professional Practitioner (20 credits) Children's Play: Theory and Practice (20 credits) The first 1000 days (20 credits) Developing Successful Academic Skills (20 credits) Multilingual Practice in the Early Years (20 credits)
Assessment method
All our programmes are assessed by 100% coursework. There are no exams. We have found that using a varied range of assessment methods increases employability skills. Employers seek graduates who are problem-solvers and who have a range of transferable employability skills. Assessment provides opportunities to develop skills such as the ability to work in a team, have effective oral and written communication while using a range of information-sharing methods, including briefing papers, academic posters, group debates and professional discussions. There are also opportunities for practical work experiences, supporting employability, professional development and careers. Bilingual and Welsh-medium study is at the heart of our provision; you can choose to enrol on the Welsh-medium or English-medium programme and present your assignments in either language.
Qualified teacher status (QTS)
To work as a teacher at a state school in England or Wales, you will need to achieve qualified teacher status (QTS). This is offered on this course for the following level:
- Course does not award QTS
How to apply
29Jan
This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.
Application codes
Please select a course option – you will then see the application code you need to use to apply for the course.
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
International applicants
If you are not from the UK and you do not already have residency here, you may need to apply for a visa. For courses of more than six months’ duration you will require a Student visa. International students who require a Student visa should apply for our full-time courses as these qualify for Student visa sponsorship. For full information read our visa application and guides. Please note students receiving US Federal Aid are only able to apply for in-person, on-campus programmes which will have no elements of online study.
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
UCAS Tariff - 88 points
Additional entry requirements
Criminal records declaration (DBS/Disclosure Scotland)
English language requirements
If English is not your first language or you have not previously studied in English, our usual requirement is the equivalent of an International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic Test) score of 6.0, with not less than 5.5 in each of the sub-tests. We also accept other English language tests.
Acceptable Evidence of English
https://www.uwtsd.ac.uk/apply/international-applications/english-language-requirements
Student Outcomes
Operated by the Office for Students
There is no data available for this course. For further information visit the Discover Uni website.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| England | £9535 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £9535 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £9535 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £9535 | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £9535 | Year 1 |
| Republic of Ireland | £9535 | Year 1 |
| EU | £15525 | Year 1 |
| International | £15525 | Year 1 |
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
Students are required to apply for, and obtain, a UWTSD Enhanced Disclosure Barring Check (DBS). The fee for this is dependent on the DBS.
Students are required to gain the equivalent of 700 hours’ practical experience in places such as early years settings. This will incur travelling costs and refreshment costs. (Only applies to Early Years Practitioner Status programmes.)
Students may incur additional costs as they are required to attend some module lectures with appropriate clothing for study outdoors.
Mandatory study experiences and enhancement activities are organised for students studying Early Years. The cost of travelling and the study on offer is covered by the Early Years discipline. However, students would need to supply their own refreshments for some visits.
Additionally, Early Years organises optional opportunities for students to gain additional qualifications during the latter part of their programme, for example, Health and Safety, Safeguarding. These incur costs for the students; the cost is determined by the provider.
The School of Early Years also offers students optional opportunities to partake in visits beyond the campus, for example, Cardiff, London, Sweden and Canada. The costs of these optional visits are incurred by the students.
Provider information
University of Wales Trinity Saint David
College Road
Carmarthen
SA31 3EP