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BA EARLY CHILDHOOD TEACHING and LEARNING (FULL TIME)
- Qualification
- Bachelor Of Arts Degree
- CAO Points
- 389
- CAO/MU Apply code
- MH003
- Award Type and NFQ level
- Undergraduate Degree (8)
- Study Mode
- Full time
- Closing Date
- 01 July 2025
Overview
Degree Overview
>Full time, level 8, honours degree, catering for those aspiring to enter the Early Childhood Education and Care sector from Leaving Certificate, further education or mature student paths. Those currently working in the ECEC sector may be interested in the flexible BA in Early Childhood Teaching and Learning (MH004 - see p. 110).
>The programme is closely linked with Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) practice, and staff are experienced in the development, delivery and advocacy of Early Childhood Education and Care.
>Work placements take place in Tusla-notified Early Childhood Education and Care settings.
>It is a progressive level 8 degree, supporting the development of outstanding early childhood educators.
>Students can graduate with a level 7 qualification after 3rd year or a level 8 qualification after 4th year.
>This degree offers graduates the option of progressing their careers in Early Childhood Education and Care in varied professional roles.
Course structure
Duration: 4 years full-time
Duration: 4 years (full-time)
This full-time degree will prepare you for a range of leadership roles in the Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) sector. Lectures are 3 days a week and students spend 2 days a week in settings (for example, in 2023-2024 it was Monday and Friday in settings and Tuesday to Thursday in lectures).
Possible topics:
1st year
- Reflective Practice: Educator as Learner
- Introduction to Child Psychology
- Introduction to Social and Legal Studies
- Introduction to Curriculum and Pedagogy
- Health and Well-being for Infants and Toddlers
- Inclusion in Early Childhood Education
- Philosophy, Culture and Constructs of Early Childhood Education and Care
- Professional Practice 1
2nd year
- Reflective Practice: Integrating Theory and Practice
- Learning and Development Practices (Birth to 6 years)
- Play
- Health and Well-Being for Young Children
- Children’s Spaces
- Building Relationships with Children, Families and Communities
- Exploring Curricula and Pedagogy
- Professional Practice 2
3rd year
- Reflective Practice: Educator as Change Agent
- Learning and Development in Context
- Social Justice, Ethics and Diversity
- Supporting Creativity and Imagination
- Social and Legal Context of Childhood
- Community as Context
- Supporting Enquiry/Enacting the Curriculum
- Professional Practice 3
Final year
- Reflective Practice: Educator as Action Researcher
- Learning and Development: Challenges
- Leadership and Management
- Transitions in the Early Years
- Dominant Discourses in Early Childhood Education and Care
- Curriculum, Pedagogy and Assessment
- Literacy Numeracy and Scientific Enquiry
- Professional Practice 4
Modules may change.
Disclaimer
The modules below are indicative of the content associated with this course of study.
The modules are subject to change as the curriculum is revised and reviewed annually.
After Undergraduation
After Graduation
>Graduates emerge as early years teaching professionals. Career progression within this sector, for those with a level 7 or level 8 Childhood degree, is expanding rapidly within and beyond Early Childhood Education and Care settings to include opportunities within policy development and evaluation agencies within government departments, semi-state bodies and NGO’s.
>The Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Teaching and Learning positions graduates to spearhead and lead learning in Early Childhood Education and Care services.
>Graduates may also take up roles with local development agencies within the early childhood sector both nationally and internationally.
>The Department offers a range of postgraduate study options.
Visit the Department website for more information about postgraduate options.
Entry Requirements
2H5 and 4O6/H7, Irish and English
This table displays the requirements for Leaving Certificate applicants.
|
Subject |
Required |
Ordinary Level Grade |
Higher Level Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
Irish |
Yes |
O6 |
H7 |
English |
Yes |
O6 |
H7 |
Language |
No |
N/A |
N/A |
Mathematics |
No |
N/A |
N/A |
Science |
No |
N/A |
N/A |
* This course requires 4 additional subjects.
How to apply
APPLY TO THE CAO - WWW.CAO.IE
The application process depends on the type of applicant you are. Click here for all information about how to apply.
Categories of applicant:
- School-leavers (Leaving Certificate students)
- Mature students (23 years or older by 1st January in the year of entry to the University/part-time degrees the mature age is 21)
- EU/EFTA/UK students
- International students (outside the EU)
- QQI (Further Education) students
- Transferring students
- Deferring students