Early Years Education and Professional Practice with Early Years Practitioner Status (EYPS) (with Foundation Year) BA (Hons)

This is a four-year programme that includes a year of foundational study at our Llandaff campus and leads directly into the degree course, which will be taught at our Cyncoed campus. Our foundation year offers the chance to strengthen your skills, knowledge and confidence, before you advance to stage one of your honours degree.

Work with children from birth to eight years of age and their families.

On this degree you will become a highly skilled early years practitioner. You will earn qualified Early Years Practitioner Status (EYPS), gaining practical work-based experience combined with theoretical and policy-based knowledge, as well as the transferable skills required for effective early years practice, including the management of early years settings.

A central aspect of this innovative degree is the assessed practice-based experience that you will complete in order to gain EYPS. This is made up of a placement during each year of your study in a range of relevant settings such as Foundation Phase classrooms, private nurseries, children’s centres and primary schools.

You will spend time in our campus-based Forest School provision, where you will be able to gain first-hand experience of outdoor learning opportunities for early years children. Whilst completing the degree, you will also be able to achieve additional qualifications, enhancing your employability skills. These are the Play Wales Level 2 Award in Playwork Practice (L2APP) and the Level 5 Certificate in Leadership and Management which is endorsed by the Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM).

During the degree, you will be taught by research active academics and early years specialists including guest lecturers from associated settings, such as Play Wales and Tŷ Hafan, to provide additional teaching and learning opportunities.

By gaining a degree which sits at the forefront of changes within the sector, your qualification will be highly valued by prospective employers within this field. This degree also provides firm foundations for a range of related careers such as family support work, health and social care and community work.

There are two pathways of study available:
• BA (Hons) Early Years Education and Professional Practice with Early Years Practitioner Status (EYPS)



• BA (Anrh) Addysg Gynnar ac Ymarfer Proffesiynol gydag SYBC (Dwyieithog)

There’s still time to secure an award-winning university experience at Cardiff Met, ranked a top 3 Welsh university (Uni Compare Rankings 2026).

Whatever your goals, you’ll be supported to reach your full potential through expert teaching and a supportive environment. Gain real-world experience via placements and live briefs, and graduate with the skills to make a positive impact.

Professionally accredited courses prepare you for the world of work, alongside year-round careers support, entrepreneurship opportunities and options to study abroad.

Cardiff is also one of the UK’s most affordable cities (NatWest Student Living Index 2025), offering vibrant food, nightlife, green spaces and more on a student budget.

Into sport? Cardiff Met is a leading UK university for student sport, supporting both academic and athletic success.