BA in Early Childhood Teaching and Learning
About the Degree
Early Childhood Ireland and Froebel Department of Primary and Early Childhood Education, Maynooth University Partnership
Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Teaching and Learning
In partnership with the Froebel Department of Primary and Early Childhood Education at Maynooth University, Early Childhood Ireland offer a level 8 honours BA in Early Childhood Teaching and Learning degree course.
This is a 4 year programme, but applicants with a QQI Level 6 qualification in Early Childhood Education may be exempt from year 1, so you might be able to complete the degree in 3 years. The degree is delivered in blended format – both online and on the beautiful Maynooth University campus. Each academic year, on-campus lectures are delivered across two evenings and eight Saturdays, along with two block weeks, one in Autumn (October) and one in Spring (February or March). Additionally, online lectures will take place one evening per week. There is also a requirement to complete 420 hours of placement (which can be located in a student’s workplace) as well as additional hours in an alternate setting.
For further details, see here: BA EARLY CHILDHOOD TEACHING & LEARNING (FLEXIBLE) | Maynooth University
Applications are through the CAO advanced entry portal : Central Applications Office (cao.ie). The closing date for applications is February 1st. In the event of places still being available after February 1st late applications will be considered up until May 1st.
What do the course aim to do?
This course will provide students with a QQI Level 8 Honours Degree. This degree positions graduates to spearhead and lead learning in Early Childhood Care and Education settings, and as well as leadership positions in practice. Many graduates progress to careers in policy development, government and non-government organisations and local development agencies, nationally and internationally. Graduates from this degree can also apply for a range of postgraduate courses subject to any additional entry requirements of the desired course.
This degree does not equip graduates to teach in primary school. However, honours graduates from this Level 8 degree can apply for entry to a PMEd., professional Masters in Education Course (Primary Teaching) subject to meeting other PMEd. course requirements.
What does the course content include?
The course content consists of a variety of modules. All modules are compulsory. Students will take modules as follows:-
Year 2 Module code
| Module title | |
| EDC211 | Reflective practice : Integrating theory and practice | |
| EDC212 | Learning and development – perspectives | |
| EDC213 | Building relationships with children, families and communities | |
| EDC214 | Play | |
| EDC215 | Health and wellbeing for young children | |
| EDC216 | Philosophy, culture and constructs of Early Childhood Care & Education | |
| EDC217 | Exploring curricula and pedagogy | |
| EDC218 | Professional practice: Focus on interactions and relationships | |
| Year 2 | Total of credits for the year | |
| Year 3 Module code | Module title | |
| EDC311 | Reflective practice: educator as change agent | |
| EDC312 | Learning and development practices | |
| EDC313 | Social justice, ethics and diversity | |
| EDC314 | Supporting enquiry, enacting the curriculum | |
| EDC315 | Children’s spaces | |
| EDC316 | Social and legal context | |
| EDC317 | Supporting creativity and imagination | |
| EDC318 | Professional practice 3 Focus on curriculum and assessment | |
| Year 3 | Total of credits for the year | |
| Year 4 Module code | Module title | |
| EDC411 | Reflective practice: Educator as action researcher | |
| EDC412 | Learning and development challenges | |
| EDC413 | Leadership and management | |
| EDC414 | Curriculum, pedagogy and assessment | |
| EDC415 | Transitions in the Early Years | |
| EDC416 | Dominant discourses in Early Childhood Education and Care | |
| EDC417 | Literacy, numeracy and scientific enquiry | |
| EDC418 | Practice focus on professionalism and leadership | |
Mature Students
Admission is based on your application and you may be called to interview. All mature applicants must:
Be at least 21 years of age on or before 1.1.2023 for admission in 2023.
Complete placement in a Tusla registered setting (420 hours per academic year minimum working directly with children aged from birth to six years – own work setting acceptable). In each year students must also complete some placement hours an alternative setting.
Possess sufficient language, literacy, numeracy and ICT skills
Attend for interview, if called
Undertake vetting by National Vetting Bureau.
Priority will be given to mature students who have experience of working with young children and who have completed a full Level 6 in early childhood education.
Mature students must complete the CAO section for advanced entry fully, indicating clearly past or current studies, and outlining educational goals and objectives. Applicants are assessed on the basis of the information provided on their CAO application form. All questions should be answered in full.
What is involved in obtaining the degree?
Over four years of the course students are required to have completed 240 credits to successfully obtain their award. Students are awarded 240 credits, even if exempt from 1st year.
Attendance at class either online or on campus as directed by the timetable, as well as independent reading and assessment tasks.
Work placement is an integral part of the course and students must complete placement as outlined above.
Each module will involve written and / or oral assignments and classroom-based work.
Contact Information
Maynooth University, Froebel Department of Primary and Early Childhood Education, Maynooth University, Maynooth, Co. Kildare, Ireland.
T: 01 474 7413
Further details on the programme are available on the Maynooth University website here: BA EARLY CHILDHOOD TEACHING & LEARNING (FLEXIBLE) | Maynooth University
