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Early Years Education and Practice (with Early Years Practitioner status)
- BA (Hons)
- 3 Years
- Full-time
- 21/09/2026
- Undergraduate
- Newport
- Awarded by:
- University of South Wales (Prifysgol De Cymru)
Course summary
The Early Years Education and Practice degree focuses on working with children from birth to eight years. It equips you with the understanding and skills to support the learning and development needs of young children.
You'll undertake a placement for one day per week, as well as in week-long blocks throughout the year. This will allow you to link theory to practice around areas such as activity planning, assessment and recording procedures, and Welsh language development. You'll also develop a range of professional and entrepreneurial skills by working as part of a team with practitioners in a range of settings.
USW's Early Years Education degree course is recognised by Social Care Wales (SCW) and can be found on their List of Required Qualifications. Graduates will achieve Early Years Practitioner status alongside their academic qualifications.
Career paths typically include those in education, working in schools, nurseries, children's charities and integrated children's centres, as well as some graduates going on to gain their Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) and becoming qualified teachers.
USW's Early Years Education and Practice degree is based in Newport City Campus. Right at the heart of the city, overlooking the River Usk, is one of the University’s most iconic buildings and it couldn’t be in a better location to embrace city life in Newport. Plus, the Halls of Residence are just a few minutes’ walk away, so you won’t have to get up too early for your 9am lectures!
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
Apply by
14 January
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
- Course code:
- DYW3
- Institution code:
- W01
- Campus name:
- Newport
- Campus Code:
- C
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
Chat to student ambassadors
Discover what it's like to study Early Years Education and Practice (with Early Years Practitioner status) at University of South Wales: insights on the course, making friends, personal statement tips, uni prep, and recommended books, podcasts, and videos.
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Millissa
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University of South WalesMSc Forensic Audit and AccountingI am someone who is deeply passionate about reading, learning new things and researching. I hold a BSc in Accounting and an MSc in Forensic Audit and Accounting in view. I am on a mission to earn my professional certifications as a forensic accountant, not limited to but including the ACFE and ACCA bodies, which is one of my key future goals. I genuinely love helping others and putting them first, and I believe in making a difference through supporting and uplifting my community. As an ambassador, I am here to bring enthusiasm, dedication and a little bit of my forensic mindset into everything we do together. I am just a click away and readily accessible to provide support at any time. Kirsty
University of South WalesBSc (Hons) Psychology with Criminology and Criminal JusticeMy name is Kirsty, and I'm a 23-year-old third year student pursuing a degree in Psychology with Criminology and Criminal Justice. I've previously worked as a qualified childcare practitioner. My interests lie in understanding human behavior, and in my free time, I enjoy reading, working out, and having fun. I'm currently learning Spanish and Welsh, and I'm also a young carer for my grandmother. If anyone else is in a similar situation, I'd be happy to share my experiences, especially if they're trying to attend university while caring for someone. As a local student, I commute to the University, and I also have dyslexia, which makes it challenging to understand coursework. However, I've developed practical techniques to overcome these hurdles and am willing to share them with anyone who might benefit. After completing my degree, I plan to pursue a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) and eventually become a lecturer in South Wales. Jessica
University of South WalesLLM Legal PracticeHello! Im Jessica, I am a second year part-time masters student, studying the Legal Practice Course. I am interested in a range of legal areas, with a particular focus on international human rights law, especially concerning women's rights. I currently live in student accommodation on the USW treforest campus. I am a representative of the Bar Society and a member of USW formula student team and the Rocketry and Christian Societies. I am happy to answer any questions you may have :) Chloe
University of South WalesBA (Hons) English and Creative WritingHi I'm Chloe, a 27 year old student ambassador. When I finish this degree I am hoping to do a postgraduate degree in Film Screenwriting or a PHD in English. I want to be a novel writer and/ or go into the publishing industry. However, I'm still discovering my options. I live in the University Mountain Halls and I love to read any books that interest me such as Percy Jackson, The Hunger Games and more. I love movies such as Ghostbusters, The Conjuring Movies and others that interest me. Anything I can do to help just give me a text. I'm here to help you with whatever questions or queries you have. Kate
University of South WalesBA (Hons) EducationShwmae! I'm Kate a 19 year old student ambassador and navigator currently studying at USW Newport campus :) I studied on the BA ITE course my first year, and am now studying on the BA Education course, so am happy to help with questions on either! I'm happy to answer questions on it all! Classes, Newport accommodation, and all there is to do whilst your at uni (other than study, obviously!) Anodiwa
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Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
UCAS Tariff - 88 points
A level - CCD
to exclude General Studies
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - MMM
Access to HE Diploma
Pass Access to HE Diploma in with a minimum of 88 UCAS Tariff points
Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (last awarded Summer 2024) - D
and CC at A Level to exclude General Studies
GCSE/National 4/National 5
The University normally requires Mathematics/Numeracy and English at Grade C/4 or above, or their equivalent, but consideration is given to individual circumstances.
T Level - Pass (C and above)
Passing the T Level with Pass (C or above in the Core)
GCSEs: The University normally requires a minimum 5 GCSEs including Mathematics/Numeracy and English at Grade C or Grade 4 or above, or their equivalent, but consideration is given to individual circumstances.
Find out more about qualification requirements for this course.
Additional entry requirements
- Criminal records declaration (DBS/Disclosure Scotland)
- A satisfactory Enhanced Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) check is required (additional cost applies; no offences are considered spent). Applicants who have identified that they have a conviction will, in the first instance, be contacted by the University to complete a self-disclosure form so that any issues around placements, professional practice etc., can be considered at the earlier stages of the admissions process. Applicants who are successful in their application, and who are offered a place which they then accept, will be contacted three months prior to enrolment (where possible) with details of the University’s online DBS service. Full details are available on the University website and, if applicants have any questions regarding their DBS, they should contact the Enquiries and Admissions Team at dbsenquiries@southwales.ac.uk. Subscription to the DBS update service is strongly recommended.
Historical entry grades data BETA
This section shows the range of grades students (with UK A-Levels or Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diplomas) who received offers were previously accepted with (learn more). It is designed to support your research but does not guarantee whether you will or won't get a place. Admissions teams consider various factors, including interviews, subject requirements, and entrance tests. Check all course entry requirements for eligibility.
Not enough data available
We are unable to show previous accepted grades for this course. This could be because the course is new, it's a postgraduate course, there isn't enough historical data, or the provider has opted out of sharing their entry grades data for this course - learn more.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| Location | Fee | Year |
|---|---|---|
| EU | £9000 | Year 1 |
| England | £9000 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £9000 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £9000 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £9000 | Year 1 |
| International | £12600 | 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 have access to a wide range of resources including textbooks, publications, and computers in the University’s library and via online resources. In most cases they are more than sufficient to complete a course of study. Where there are additional costs, either obligatory or optional, these are detailed on the University website (on individual course pages). Of course students may choose to purchase their own additional personal resources/tools over and above those listed to support their studies at their own expense. All stationery and printing costs are at a student’s own expense.
Students from Wales and the EU may be eligible for a means-tested Welsh Government Learning Grant. Please visit the University website for full details.
University of South Wales
Llantwit Road
Treforest
Pontypridd
CF37 1DL
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Course contact details
Enquiries and Admissions Team
Email:enquiries@southwales.ac.uk
Phone:03455767778
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