Program Overview

Are you interested in exploring how children in the early years phase develop, and studying the theories and research that influence the methods we use today? If you are, come and join us at Aberystwyth University on our BA Early Childhood Studies with Early Years Practitioner Status delivered by our School of Education.

Drawing on aspects of psychology, sociology, childhood and educational studies, this degree will combine theory and practice to allow you to develop a clear understanding of this time in children’s lives. Working at a stage when development seems to happen in the blink of an eye, you will learn about how practitioners keep track of this development, to allow them to plan appropriately for each child’s next steps.

With over 700 hours working in settings with young children, you will develop the professional and academic skills that are needed to progress in a career in early childhood.

Why study the BA Early Childhood Studies with Early Year Practitioner Status at Aberystwyth University?

• The School of Education at Aberystwyth University has been offering stimulating and innovative study programmes for over 100 years.
• Research-led teaching informs our syllabus and the exceptional teaching quality has been recognised by the University being awarded University of the Year for Teaching Quality two years consecutively - the first and only university in the UK to be awarded such an accolade by the Times and Sunday Times, Good University Guide (2018 and 2019).
• The BA Early Childhood Studies with Early Years Practitioner Status will enable you to gain a recognised professional qualification as an integral part of your degree.
• You will learn about the vital role that practitioners have to play in children’s early years and how to work effectively within this role.
• You will have an opportunity to develop an understanding of the complex knowledge associated with children's early years' development.
• You will have the opportunity to engage with key issues and current research in the field of Education and critically reflect on and manage your own learning and performance.
• You will acquire employability skills and the personal attributes and values that are necessary for employment, training or further education.
• After graduating from this course, you will be well placed to progress to a postgraduate teaching course (PGCE Primary), also available at Aberystwyth, or to further study at Masters level and beyond.