Skip to content

Studying Early Years at Cardiff Met: My experience so far

Anna
Anna

Hello, my name is Anna and I’m studying the BA Early Childhood Studies with EYPS (now called BA Early Years Education and Professional Practice with EYPS) which has flown by. Certainly one of the most difficult choices about going to university is choosing which subject to study. Deciding on an area you will focus on for the next few years is not easy. The best advice I can give is to choose a topic that you enjoy and that really interests you.

My experience in my first year has been interesting, wide ranging, rewarding and fun. The course has offered a number of different modules including; professional practice, safeguarding and protecting children and developing effective practice. I have learned valuable information and developed professional skills that will be essential in preparing for the workplace. It has also given me an idea of the wide range of careers associated with the course; such as family support work, health and social care and community work.

Half of the degree involves university-based teaching and the other half is an opportunity to get out on a practical placement. During the course we get the opportunity to work in a different Nursery or Primary School every year. The ability to gain work experience related to the course was important to me in developing confidence early in working with young children. Over the summer holidays I had the opportunity to take a fortnight of work experience with Cardiff Council in the Early Childhood sector looking at how they work with different installations and looking at work happening behind the scenes.

, Studying Early Years at Cardiff Met: My experience so far, CARDIFF MET BLOG
With our lecturers and fellow students on the course

My lecturers have been extremely supportive of any piece of work and are available to help with any questions or concerns we have about the course.

There are more opportunities available by studying bilingually including practice placements, different jobs and the opportunity to study in Welsh. Studying aspects of my degree through the medium of Welsh has been a huge advantage for me: it has meant that I have had to understand my subject in two languages, which is a very a beneficial resource. I’ve also had the experience of contributing to the Welsh prospectus.

One of my favourite things about this degree is that there is no set job or career at the end of the degree as it offers very broad avenues of nursery management, educational welfare or local education officers for authorities. So your career options after graduation are excellent!