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Early Years Education (Top Up)

Course details
  • BA (Hons)
  • 1 Years
  • Full-time
  • 21 September 2026
  • Undergraduate
Course location
Newport
Awarded by:
University of South Wales (Prifysgol De Cymru)

Course summary

The BA (Hons) Early Years Top Up degree is a new degree which explores global best practice in early childhood education. On this degree you will gain knowledge, insight and understanding of fundamental issues to do with learning in the Early Years. Alongside studying early social, emotional and cognitive development in children aged 0-7, you will be supported through your academic studies with a bespoke academic English module provided by professionals from the Centre for International English.

On the course you will develop your own critical thinking skills, theoretical knowledge and what is considered best practice in early years learning and teaching. Academic research is a core element of the degree, therefore you will be supported as you increase your knowledge of critical enquiry and the importance of ethical approaches to discovery. The course is delivered by experienced lecturers, already published in the field of education and the Early Years.

During the average week, students will be given opportunities to develop their ability to work independently and collaboratively, through which they will build valuable graduate skills like problem solving, critical thinking, creativity and effective communication.
Our Early Years Education top up course would be the perfect option for you if you have a keen interest in current pedagogical research into Early Years Education and are interested in working with young children. Applications by students who have studied to a HND or level 5 in another country are welcomed. Equally, this course would also be a good choice if you are a UK student interested in studying global childhood education and would like to work alongside a multi-national student cohort.

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:
X301
Institution code:
W01
Campus name:
Newport
Campus Code:
C

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1

Entry requirements

UCAS Tariff
Not accepted

A level
Not accepted

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
Not accepted

Access to HE Diploma
Not accepted

Scottish Higher
Not accepted

GCSE/National 4/National 5

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 maybe given to individual circumstances.

HND (BTEC)

Applicants will need to demonstrate 240 credits (or equivalent) and the University’s Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy may feature in the decision to offer a place on the course.

T Level
Not accepted

Find out more about qualification requirements for this course.

Additional entry requirements

Criminal records declaration (DBS/Disclosure Scotland)

English language requirements

IELTS 6.0 overall with no lower than 5.5 in any one component.

USW English Language Requirementshttps://www.southwales.ac.uk/international/courses/ielts-english-programmes-requirements/

Historical entry grades data

This section shows the range of grades that students who received offers were previously accepted on to this course 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

Per year tuition fees

LocationFeeYear

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.

Clearing contact details

Clearing Enquiry Team

Email:enquiries@southwales.ac.uk

Phone:03455 760606

Course Clearing information

Additional information

Clearing 2025
Thursday 14th August 7.45am-7pm;
Friday 15th August 7.45am-7pm;
Saturday 16th August 10am-4pm;
Sunday 17th August 10am-4pm;

Monday 18th August 7.45am-6pm;
Tuesday 19th August 7.45am-5pm;
Wednesday 20th August 7.45am-5pm;
Thursday 21st August 7.45am-6pm;
Friday 22nd August 8.30am-4.30pm;

Monday 25th August Bank Holiday;
W/c Tuesday 26th August 8.30am - 5pm Monday-Thursday,
8.30am - 4.30pm Friday

Course contact details

Enquiries and Admissions Team

Email:enquiries@southwales.ac.uk

Phone:03455767778

University of South Wales

Llantwit Road
Treforest
Pontypridd
CF37 1DL

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