BA (Hons) Early Years Education and Professional Practice with Early Years Practitioner Status (EYPS) Bachelor's degree at Cardiff Metropolitan University
BA (Hons) Early Years Education and Professional Practice with Early Years Practitioner Status (EYPS) at CMU leads to a nationally recognised Bachelor's degree and equips you with professional status in early years practice.
About this course
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BA (Hons) Early Years Education and Professional Practice with Early Years Practitioner Status (EYPS) is a Bachelor's degree (BA (Hons)) at CMU, based in Cyncoed Campus. It runs 3 years, studied full-time.
For Health and social care graduates from this provider, 90% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 50% in highly skilled roles, typical earnings around £32,000. (HESA Graduate Outcomes / LEO, via Discover Uni.)
For the typical curriculum, specialisations, career paths and graduate earnings for Nursing & Health, see the sections below.
Course evidence score
The arithmetic mean of the official measures available for this course: NSS satisfaction, graduate activity and continuation.
Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Stronger evidence Published sample: 295. Cohort 2021-22. Graduate Outcomes work or further study 90% (2022-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Published threshold met Discover Uni suppresses continuation data below its publication threshold. Cohort 2022-23. Continuation 55% (2022-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Curriculum & modules
Real modules published for this course, grouped only where the source gives a year, stage or level.
Year One 7 modules
- Mastering Academic SkillsCore
Module details
This module focuses on developing understanding of the skills required for successful academic writing including critical analysis of sources and being a critical thinker. The importance of reflection and using feedback will also be explored. Such skills will be used and built upon throughout the programme.
- Child DevelopmentCore
Module details
The Child Development module will help to develop understanding of the factors which influence growth and development in children. Key theories and concepts of child development, including physical, cognitive, emotional, and social growth from birth to adolescence will be introduced. Foundational skills in observing, analysing, and interpreting children's developmental milestones and behaviours will be explored and applied in a practice. The influence of the family, community, culture, and polic
- Safeguarding and the Wellbeing of ChildrenCore
Module details
Safeguarding and the Wellbeing of Children module will provide opportunities to develop knowledge in relation to the identification of policy and practice relating to the protection and safeguarding of children. The concepts of young children's well-being in terms of both their physical and mental health will be explored along with the factors which impact upon children's well-being. This is then be linked to an exploration of the impact of government policies and strategies/initiatives on child
- The Emerging Early Years PractitionerCore
Module details
This module will identify theoretical perspectives related to professional practice in the Early Years and provide strategies to allow links to be made between theory and practice. As your Early Years Practitioner journey begins the importance of the leader in ensuring quality care and education will be examined. The National Occupational Standards related to Early Years practice will be explored in examples shared of how these can be achieved within placement settings.
- The Play Work ApproachCore
Module details
This module allows for the achievement of the Play Wales Level 2 award in Playwork Practice (L2APP). The module will provide understanding of the importance of play in children's learning and holistic development and the role of the play work practitioner within this. Theoretical theories which underpin play and play work practice, linking to national and international concepts and perspectives will be explored. The role of the adult, supporting and facilitating play opportunities, organisationa
- Children's Worlds and Empowering ChildrenCore
Module details
The Children's Worlds and Empowering Children module presents a range of discourses of early childhood, placing an emphasis on the notion of multiple knowledges and ways of interpreting the world. It will provide an overview of different discourses and social theories, exploring how early childhood has been constructed from a range of philosophical, psychological, global, cultural and socio-political perspectives. Policy and legislation in relation to children's rights, from a UK and global pers
- Professional Development Placement 1Core
Module details
This module aims to enable students to develop initial skills through active observation in the placement setting. It will allow for clear links to be made between the theoretical aspects presented within other modules and actual practice. Professional Development Placement 1 will contribute towards the achievement of the National Occupation Standards (NOS) whilst spending approximately 240 hours in an Early Years placement setting organised by the university.
Year Two 7 modules
- Becoming a ResearcherCore
Module details
This module will develop the ability to critically engage with peer reviewed academic sources. A range of methodological approaches and innovative research tools will be evaluated to provide experience in their implementation and analysis of data. Critical issues in relation to undertaking research including ethical issues and gaining informed consent/assent will also be examined as part of module content.
- The Child, Family and SocietyCore
Module details
The Child, Family and Society module will focus on a range of societal policies and practice impacting on children and their early childhood experiences as well as families and society. The concept of the family will be explored along with an appreciation of the diversity of family groups that children live in and different parenting styles. The role of social media and the use of technology on the child, family and society will also form part of this module.
- Numbers, Words and Wires in the Modern WorldCore
Module details
This module will explore the processes and theoretical perspectives of language acquisition, early mathematical and scientific enquiry development. A range of factors including digital technologies and online resources will be evaluated in terms of both opportunities and the challenges these present for young children living in the digital age. The role of the adult will be explored in relation to structuring conceptual understanding for language and mathematical development.
- The Developing Early Years PractitionerCore
Module details
This module will develop a critical understanding of professional practice, incorporating the promotion of active involvement with parents, carers, families and communities. It will develop and build upon the importance of the Early Years leader/manager in promoting the benefits of collaborative working. There will also be opportunities to develop and build upon reflective practice and writing whilst developing further knowledge and understanding of the National Occupational Standards (NOS) for
- Embracing Inclusion: Developing Best Practice for AllCore
Module details
The Embracing Inclusion: Developing Best Practice for All module will critically examine the key principles and practice of inclusion in the Early Years, including the role of the Early Years Practitioner. Key legislation and policy will be critically evaluated alongside an analysis of the key issues related to children with additional learning needs. In order to support inclusion and children with additional learning needs and an exploration and evaluation of planning and organisation of interv
- Leadership and ManagementCore
Module details
This module will enable you to evidence your leadership capabilities and will lead to a recognised ILM Level 5 Certificate in Leadership and Management which will prove to be beneficial in future leadership roles. As part of the module, you will focus on different ways to motivate people in the workplace, the characteristics needed to become an effective leader and how to lead innovation and change in the workplace as a potential middle manager. You will also have the opportunity to develop your
- Professional Development Placement 2Core
Module details
This module aims to support students to continue the development of their practice skills within a different setting to the one at level 4, but still within the Early Years sector. It will build on the theoretical aspects presented within other modules and actual practice. Professional Development Placement 2 will continue to contribute towards the achievement of the National Occupation Standards (NOS) whilst spending approximately 240 hours in an Early Years placement setting organised by the u
Year Three 5 modules
- Independent ProjectCore
Module details
This module will allow you to develop your ability to research independently in an area of specific interest to you related to the Early Years. In particular, you will be able to select, rationalise and implement an extended written project and then to coherently, and fully, present the project in an academic style. There is an element of choice within this module in relation to the type of project you would like to develop, allowing you the opportunity to make this very personal to your own int
- Demonstrating Innovation in the Early YearsCore
Module details
Demonstrating Innovation in the Early Years will allow for the development of skills to reflect on implementing value creation processes and identifying key qualities that enable success. There will be opportunities within the module to enhance confidence, agency, and entrepreneurial effectiveness, fostering the ability to drive positive change. A critical evaluation of the professional significance of enterprise and entrepreneurship, particularly in Early Years contexts will be explored as well
- Supporting Creativity in the Early YearsCore
Module details
The content of this module will allow for the exploration of key policies and frameworks that support creativity, imagination, and innovation, with a focus on their relevance to the New Curriculum for Wales and Early Years pedagogy. A critical examination of the challenges of embedding creativity and imagination in early years practice will be undertaken alongside consideration of the possible tensions between policy and real-world applications. The role of play-based learning and child-centred
- The Competent Early Years PractitionerCore
Module details
The Competent Early Years Practitioner module will provide the skills to support learning and continuous professional development with an emphasis on the creation and participation in communities of practice. This will allow for the demonstration of the skills required for leading and supporting effective early years education and care provision. This will be linked to extending knowledge and understanding of the requirements of the National Occupational Standards (NOS) in preparation for future
- Professional Development Placement 3Core
Module details
This module aims to consolidate knowledge, skills and experience, within a different setting to the ones at level 4 and 5, through active participation in the placement setting. It will consolidate the theoretical aspects presented within other modules and actual practice. Professional Development Placement 3 will continue to contribute towards the achievement of the National Occupation Standards (NOS) whilst spending approximately 220 hours in an Early Years placement setting organised by the u
Source: provider course page. Modules can change; required/optional status, credits, descriptions and assessment are shown only when explicitly published.
Course in depth
What this course covers, who it suits and where it leads.
What you'll study
This degree combines early years education theory with supervised practice to prepare you for professional work with young children. You'll usually begin with foundations in child development, communication and person-centred care, alongside core knowledge of how children learn and grow. Year 2 typically moves into more specialist areas such as curriculum planning, safeguarding, and family engagement, building on practical placements throughout. Year 3 usually focuses on leadership, evidence-based practice and complex case work, culminating in a final consolidation placement that leads to Early Years Practitioner Status registration. Supervised practice in early years settings runs across all three years, mirroring professional standards.
Who it's for
The course welcomes students from diverse educational backgrounds. Among recent entrants, 70% held A-levels or equivalent qualifications. The typical UCAS tariff band for accepted students was 64–79 points. You'll study full-time over three years and develop both theoretical knowledge and practical competence in early years settings.
Careers & job market
Across Nursing & Health courses nationally, 90% of graduates are in work or further study within 15 months of graduating. Of those working, 87% are in highly skilled roles or pursuing further study. National graduate earnings data shows starting salaries (at 15 months) typically range from £27,000 to £30,500, rising to £27,200–£38,400 after five years. These figures reflect national outcomes; your own career path will depend on your choices and circumstances. Early years practitioners work in nurseries, schools, children's centres and other settings supporting young children's development and wellbeing.
University & format
This is a full-time, three-year BA (Hons) degree studied at Cardiff Metropolitan University, a university located at Cyncoed Campus in Cardiff. Taught in English, the course leads to a nationally recognised Bachelor's degree and Early Years Practitioner Status (EYPS). Cardiff Metropolitan University is a UK degree-awarding body; qualifications are nationally recognised. The university was founded in 1996.
Student satisfaction
How students on this course answered the National Student Survey, by theme.
Share of students responding positively. Overall student satisfaction: 87%.
Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Applicant information
The next application dates for this course, followed by facts the provider publishes.
- 2027 entryCompleted applications can be submitted
Your application needs a reference before you can send it.
- 2026 entryFinal date for 2026 applications
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
- 2026 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
- 2027 entryEqual-consideration deadline
18:00 UK time for most undergraduate courses.
Show 5 later dates
- 2027 entryUCAS Extra opens
Applicants who used all five choices and hold no offer may be able to add another choice.
- 2027 entryLast day applications go directly to providers
Applications received after 18:00 UK time are entered into Clearing.
- 2027 entryClearing opens
Eligible applicants can see vacancies and release themselves into Clearing.
- 2027 entryFinal date for 2027 applications
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
- 2027 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
The provider publishes contextual-offer information. Eligibility and any reduced offer are applicant-specific.
See and book current events. Dates can fill or change.
Entry & how to get in
Who gets in
What recently admitted students actually held, official admissions data, not a stated requirement.
UCAS tariff of entrants
Grades are the A-level equivalent of each points band. Tap a band to check your own chances below.
Qualifications held on entry
| Qualification | Share |
|---|---|
| A-levels or equivalent | 70% |
| another higher-education qualification | 10% |
| a previous degree | 5% |
| an Access course | 5% |
| No / unknown prior qualifications | 5% |
| Other | 5% |
Entry & your chances
An honest read from the official entry data, plus your personal match.
Accepted students came in with a broad spread of qualifications and UCAS points. If you're worried about grades, this course has historically taken a wide range, and contextual offers may apply.
Will you get in? Plot your grades
Pick your predicted A-levels and watch your UCAS points land on the real spread of students admitted to this course.
Each bar is the share of admitted students in that UCAS-points band (lower → higher). Grades show the A-level equivalent.
Based on the official admitted-student tariff distribution. Many universities make contextual (reduced-grade) offers, so a result below the range doesn’t rule you out.
How to apply
Undergraduate applications go through UCAS. Here’s what matters for this course, the right deadline, the grades to aim for, and the steps in order.
- 1Register on UCAS Hub
Create your UCAS application and add this course (code XYP1). One application covers up to five choices.
- 2Write your personal statement
A single statement covers all your choices, so keep it broad enough for similar courses while showing genuine interest in this subject.
- 3Submit by 13 January 2027, 18:00 UK time
UCAS equal-consideration deadline for most undergraduate courses. Source: UCAS 2027 dates.
- 4Reply to your offers
When decisions are in, pick a firm (first) choice and an insurance (back-up) choice with slightly lower grades.
- 5Results day & confirmation
On results day (mid-August) your place is confirmed if you meet the offer. Just missed? Talk to the university, or find a place through Clearing.
Fees & funding
What this course costs and how UK student finance covers it.
Tuition per year
Set under Wales's student-finance system; the provider's page is authoritative.
Check fees at CMU →If you normally live in Wales
2026/27 total maintenance support from Student Finance Wales. How much of it is grant and how much is loan depends on household income; the total does not. If you normally live elsewhere, use your home funding body.
Check your entitlement with Student Finance Wales →Paying for it
- Tuition Fee Loan: paid directly to the university by Student Finance Wales.
- Maintenance support: a mix of grant and loan from Student Finance Wales, weighted to household income.
- Repayment: only above the income threshold, and written off at the end of the plan term.
- Earn alongside: most students work part-time in term, part-time roles on the StudySmarter job board.
Wales runs its own system through Student Finance Wales; check studentfinancewales.co.uk for current rates.
Scholarships & bursaries you could qualify for
That does not mean no funding exists. Check the university directory for current amounts, eligibility and application dates.
National funding for this subject
- NHS Learning Support Fund: Eligible nursing, midwifery and allied-health students can receive a non-repayable training grant. Official guidance
We only display a named award when its provider source identifies the award and who it is for.
Still deciding what to study?
StudyKit brings course choice, applications and funding together in one place, with a personal AI assistant. Find what really fits you and start your UCAS application step by step.
Careers & earnings
What Nursing & Health graduates actually earn, from real outcome data, 15 months, 3 years and 5 years after graduating.
Graduate earnings: this course
| When | Median | Typical range | Graduates |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 months after | £32,000 | £25,000 – £35,000 | 295 |
| 3 years after | £21,500 | £17,000 – £26,500 | 100 |
| 5 years after | £26,500 | £22,500 – £36,000 | 130 |
Nominal earnings for graduates of this course/subject at this provider. Stronger evidence. Published sample: 295. Cohort 2021-22.
Graduate outcomes, 15 months on: this course
- 1Newly Qualified PractitionerPreceptorship / first post · 0–2 yrs
- 2Registered PractitionerAutonomous practice · 2–5 yrs
- 3Senior / SpecialistSpecialist or team lead · 5–10 yrs
- 4Advanced / Consultant PractitionerAdvanced practice or management · 10+ yrs
How pay grows: this course vs Nursing & Health nationally
National figures for Nursing & Health graduates, HESA Graduate Outcomes (15 months) and the Longitudinal Education Outcomes (LEO) dataset (3 & 5 years). These are national, not university-specific; actual pay varies by employer, region, role and experience. Different cohorts, so the bars are not one group over time.
Work out your pay
Headline figures hide a lot. Calculate realistic take-home pay for this field by role, region and experience, then check your CV before you apply.
What happened to 100 students?
Choose an outcome to translate the published percentage into a simple 100-person view. Each dot represents one percentage point, not an individual tracked student.
were in work or further study
15 months after graduation
Source: Discover Uni, using Graduate Outcomes and continuation data. Cohorts: 2022-23. Stronger evidence. Published sample: 295. Cohort 2021-22. Each tab is a separate published measure; categories can overlap and should not be added together.
Value compared with similar courses
How this course’s 5-year median earnings compare with Nursing & Health courses at the same study level.
Compared with 1,506 courses with compatible official earnings data. This is a course-value comparison, not a quality ranking.
UK occupations graduates enter
Published graduate destinations, joined conservatively to UK SOC 2020, ONS pay and Skills England demand.
- Teaching and Childcare Support OccupationDiscover Uni category · 40% of published destinations
- Teaching ProfessionalsSOC 2020 231 · 20% of published destinations · ASHE median £42,660
- Teaching and Childcare Associate ProfessionalsSOC 2020 323 · 20% of published destinations · ASHE median £20,261
- Sales occupationsSOC 2020 71 · 15% of published destinations · ASHE median £15,975
Discover Uni JOBLIST/JOBTYPE; ONS ASHE 2025 provisional, all employee jobs; Skills England Occupations in Demand 2025. SOC is shown only for an exact normalised label match; demand is shown only at exact four-digit SOC. Published sample: 55; response rate: 50%. Pay describes the occupation across workers, not a guaranteed graduate salary.
Job market & outlook
How Nursing & Health graduates fare in the labour market, and how AI is reshaping the work.
How AI is changing the work
AI doesn't replace the profession, it shifts it: routine tasks get automated, while judgement, working with people and using AI well become more valuable.
What AI takes off your plate
- Routine documentation and triage support
- Scheduling and records admin
- First-pass risk flags from data
- Standard reference look-ups
More human than ever
- Hands-on, compassionate care
- Clinical judgement and accountability
- Communicating with patients and families
- Ethics and safeguarding decisions
The strongest graduates pair subject depth with the ability to use AI tools critically.
Roles & employers
Where Nursing & Health graduates typically go, indicative destinations from graduate career data. Each role links to live openings on the StudySmarter job board.
Roles graduates go into
Where they work
- NHS trusts
- Private healthcare
- Care providers
- Community & mental-health services
Jobs after this course
Current roles from the StudySmarter job board that suit Nursing & Health graduates.
Is this course right for you?
The essentials UK applicants ask about: finance, outcomes, entry and quality.
Student finance
Fees for this course are set under Wales's own student-finance system, not the England cap; check the provider's course page for the exact figure. If you normally live in Wales, Student Finance Wales can pay an eligible Tuition Fee Loan directly to the university, and maintenance support is a mix of grant and loan weighted to household income. You repay only above the income threshold.
Where graduates go
90% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, with a median salary of £32,000. See the full breakdown in Careers & earnings above.
Your entry chances
Use the UCAS points calculator above to see how your predicted grades compare with admitted students, and whether a contextual offer could apply.
Official-data snapshot
Averaging the official measures published for it, this course scores 7.8 out of 10: NSS 87.9% · in work or study 90% · continued 55%.
Who studies here and in this subject?
Provider- and UK subject-level context.
Cardiff Metropolitan University
Subjects allied to medicine across the UK
HESA student record 2024/25. Counts are rounded.
Local crime-data context
A neutral snapshot around the published teaching location.
Around Cyncoed Campus
506 street-level reports returned within roughly one mile across 2026-04 to 2026-06.
Police.uk street-level API. Approximate locations, not confined to campus. England, Wales and Northern Ireland; not Scotland.
Is Nursing & Health right for you?
Tick what applies to you and see how good a fit it is.
International students
What applying to CMU from outside the UK involves: fees, English, visa, funding and living costs.
Tuition fees
International tuition is set per course by CMU; international fees are typically £12,000–£30,000/year for classroom subjects and higher for lab/clinical ones. You’re not eligible for UK Tuition Fee or Maintenance Loans, so plan for fees plus living costs upfront.
English language
Most UK undergraduate courses ask for around IELTS 6.0–6.5 (no band below 5.5–6.0), or an accepted equivalent. If you’re just short, most universities run a pre-sessional English course that counts towards the requirement.
Student visa
You’ll usually need a Student visa (Student Route). After you accept an offer the university issues a CAS; you then show funds for fees plus about £1,023–£1,334/month living costs and pay the Immigration Health Surcharge for NHS access.
Scholarships & funding
Many universities offer international/global scholarships (often £2,000–£6,000/yr), check CMU’s funding pages.
Living costs
Budget roughly £1,100–£1,400/month outside London and £1,400–£1,800/month in London for rent, food and travel; the figure also matters for your visa.
Working while you study
A Student visa usually allows up to 20 hours/week in term time and full-time in holidays, useful alongside study, though not something to rely on for fees.
Visa rules and fees change. Always confirm the current requirements with CMU and gov.uk before you apply.
Related courses
More at CMU
Common questions
How competitive is entry?
What are the entry requirements?
What do graduates go on to do?
What will it cost me?
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