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BA in Early Childhood – Teaching and Learning

About the Degree

The National University of Ireland, Maynooth, Froebel College of Education and Early Childhood Ireland in partnership are offering a part-time, level 8, honours degree in Early Childhood – Teaching and Learning.

This programme in early childhood education has been developed in response to the sector’s demand for flexible progression routes to degree level and as a consequence of relevant policy changes at national level.

It is delivered over the course of evenings, weekends and a one week block, across the three locations, to facilitate students who are unable to attend on a full-time basis during the day.

With innovative features such as flexible delivery and modularisation, students may advance in a systematic and student focused way towards an early childhood degree.

Closing Date for Applications Extended to 1st March 2012

To facilitate mature applicants interested in undertaking the BA Degree in Early Childhood – Teaching and Learning, the closing date for receipt of applications has been extended until 1st March 2012.

This is the first year that application for this course is made through the CAO and NUI Maynooth.

If you wish to apply you need to do the following:

  • Complete the application form on the NUI Maynooth web site (At this stage you will not be able to complete details on your CAO number or date of application to CAO)

  • Make application online through the CAO as soon as possible after March 5th.

For further information on the application process please read through the list of frequently asked questions below.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Below we have provided you with answers to some frequently asked questions to assist you in applying for the degree:

 

What are the admission criteria?

Category of Student Criteria/What is required?
Mature Student
  • Must be at least 21 years of age on or before 1.1.2012 for admission in 2012
  • A minimum of three years experience in practice
  • The ability to complete placement in a HSE/DES notified service (100 hours per academic year)
  • Possession of sufficient language, literacy, numeracy and ICT skills
  • A written essay and then an interview if shortlisted
  • Secure Garda Vetting

Leaving Certificate Student
(who is due to sit examinations in 2012)

 
  • For matriculation, students are required to possess at least 2 Higher Grade C3s or better in Leaving Certificate subjects plus 4 ordinary OD3/HD3 with a pass in Irish and English
  • Leaving Certificate candidates are ranked by points
  • For applicants presenting with GCE qualifications, please consult NUI Maynooth Prospectus
  • Ability to complete placement in a HSE/DES notified service (approx. 300 hours per academic year)
  • Possession of sufficient language, literacy, numeracy and ICT skills
  • Secure Garda Vetting
FETAC Student
(with relevant awards Early childhood)
  • In the first instance FETAC places are offered to candidates less than 21 years of age on the 1.1.2012. In the event that the FETAC quota is not filled, places are offered to the mature student cohort
  • A full Childcare award at FETAC Level 5 or Level 6 with at least 5 distinctions
  • The ability to complete placement in a HSE/DES notified service (approx. 300 hours per academic year)
  • Possession of sufficient language, literacy, numeracy and ICT skills
  • Secure Garda Vetting

 

 

Where can I get information on the course?

You can find detailed information about the BA Degree in Early Childhood in the training section of this website, as well as on the following 2 websites:

 

 

How do I apply?

All applications for the course will be processed by the Central Applications Office (CAO). The relevant course code is MH003.

The CAO processes all offers made by third level institutions to applicants entering their first year of a third level programme of study, including mature applicants.

Mature Students

Please note that applications (for Mature Students) must be made in two ways:

1. Firstly through the Central Applications Office (CAO)
AND
2. Secondly through NUI Maynooth

Applications must be submitted by 5.15pm on 1st March 2012.

Application fee is €30 for on-line applications to CAO before 5.15pm on January 20th, 2012 and €40 for paper applications at any time up to the closing date for on-line applications between January 20th, 5.15pm and March 1st at 5.15pm.

Please note there is no application fee for the Maynooth on-line application.

Other Applicants

Applicants applying on the basis of FETAC or Leaving Certificate qualifications must apply to CAO before 1 May 2012 and such applicants may add the course to their programme at any time up to July 1, under the CAO change of mind procedure.

 

What happens after I have submitted my application?

  • Everyone who meets the application criteria will be invited to come to NUI Maynooth on Saturday 31 March 2012, where they will be required to complete a written piece for evaluation.

  • After this a shortlist will be compiled and prospective candidates will be invited to attend an interview at a later date. (date to be confirmed)

 

 

Are any exemptions available?

Production of full award at FETAC Level 6 will provide exemption for one 5 credit module.

 

What is the cost of the degree?

The fees in Year 1 will be €2,300.

Students are not required to pay the Student Contribution Charge which will be €2,250 in 2012.

A discount of €100 is offered in return for payment of fees in full, prior to course commencement.

A discount of €100 is offered for members of Early Childhood Ireland.

Fees paid on this course are eligible for Tax Relief.

 

How are fees paid?

Fees are payable directly to Froebel with the acceptance of a place.

Fees are payable by Giro in full, prior to commencement of course.

A non-refundable Administration Fee applies.

Fees will be refunded if the programme does not proceed.

 

Is there funding available for this course?

This part-time course is therefore, not eligible for student grants.

County/City Childcare Committees may have bursaries available for those living and working in their respective areas.

Support should be requested from employers.

 

How is the degree accredited?

The BA (Hons) in Early Childhood – Teaching and Learning degree is positioned at Level 8 on the National Framework of Qualifications and will be awarded by the National University of Ireland, Maynooth.

Students are required to have completed 180 credits to successfully obtain the degree.

 

How long will it take me to achieve the award?

This part-time degree will take 3 years to complete (180 Credits).

Credits will be allocated for each module successfully completed.

 

How is the course delivered?

The course will be delivered over a combination of the following:

  • one evening per week (4.30pm – 8.30pm) plus
  • one Saturday per month (10.00pm – 4.00pm) plus
  • one block week per academic year

 

The course will be delivered across three sites the Froebel College of Education (Blackrock, Co. Dublin [until 2013]); Early Childhood Ireland (Tallaght) and NUIM (Maynooth).

 

What are the start and finish dates?

The course will be delivered over Trimesters:

  • September – December (12 weeks)
  • January – March (12 weeks)
  • April – June (12 weeks)

 

 

Do I have to have IT skills to complete the course?

Students should have basic computer skills in undertaking this course.

Lectures, readings and notes will be uploaded to Moodle (the course on-line management system).

Students will have access to computers on campus at NUI Maynooth and Froebel College.

 

What subject areas will be covered on the course?

The course covers all main areas of working with children (their families and communities) in the context of a teaching and learning environment.

For further details please see the full course description on the NUI Maynooth website.

 

What supports will be available?

Library resources and materials from NUI Maynooth, Froebel College of Education and Early Childhood Ireland will be available to students.

Tutorials will be built in to the course and feedback will be given on all continuous assessment.

 

Are there elective modules on this course?

All modules are required to successfully obtain a Level 8 Honours degree.

 

I have a degree already do I have to do all the modules?

Yes, all modules are compulsory.

 

How are modules assessed?

Assessment is continuous and will include assignments, projects (group and individual), presentations and some examinations.

 

Are there core text books?

Materials will differ for each module and lecturers will provide reading lists.

Course registration will provide access to resources in Early Childhood Ireland, Froebel and NUI Maynooth including on-line journals.

 

Are books extra to the cost of the course?

Library resources will be available to all students.

Additional books/materials and printing will be at students own cost (this will be kept to a minimum).

 

What work placement/practice is required for this course?

  • Mature students with a minimum of 3 years direct and current experience in the sector must undertake a minimum of 100 hours placements per academic year in a notified early childhood setting(s)

  • Students with less than 3 years direct experience in the sector must undertake a minimum of 300 hours placement per academic year in a notified early childhood setting(s)

  • Those currently working in a notified service may use their own setting for the purposes of work placement in year 1 but experience in other services; in years 2 and 3 will be required.

 

Career opportunities

What will this degree enable me to do?

  • Graduates from this degree will be well placed to undertake pedagogical positions, curriculum leadership roles in childcare services, in local development agencies and in national voluntary organisations.

  • This degree does not equip graduates to teach in primary school. However, honours graduates from this Level 8 degree can apply for entry to the postgraduate course – higher Diploma (Primary Teaching) subject to meeting the other requirements.

 

Next Steps

For further information:

Please email (Enable Javascript to see the email address) or phone Kelly at Early Childhood Ireland (01) 4630011