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BA EARLY CHILDHOOD TEACHING & LEARNING (FLEXIBLE)

Qualification : BACHELOR OF ARTS DEGREE

Award Type and NFQ level : UNDERGRADUATE DEGREE (8)

CAO/PAC code : MH004

CAO Points :

Closing Date : 01 July 2023

View QQI details

Flexible, Level 8, honours degree, catering for those currently working in the ECEC sector. Those aspiring to enter the Early Childhood Education and Care sector from Leaving Certificate or further education paths may be interested in the full-time programme MH003.

Why choose this degree?

  • The programme is closely linked with Early Childhood Education and Care practice, and its lecturers are experienced in the development, delivery and advocacy of Early Childhood Education and Care. The unique partnership between Maynooth University and Early Childhood Ireland ensures unparalleled support in linking theory and practice for excellence in ECEC.
  • Work placements take place in Tusla-notified Early Childhood Education and Care settings. Those working in the sector may use their workplace as their placement setting. However alternative placements are also required each year.
  • The Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Teaching and Learning is a progressive Level 8 degree, supporting the development of outstanding early childhood educators.
  • Students can graduate with Level 7 qualification after 3rd year or Level 8 qualification after 4th year.
  • This degree offers graduates the option of progressing their careers in varied professional roles.
  • This programme is approved by the Qualifications Advisory Board (instituted to review Level 7 and Level 8 Degree Programmes for the Early Learning and Care Sector) as meeting the requirements of the Professional Award Criteria and Guidelines standards.

Course structure

> This flexible degree will prepare you for a range of leadership roles in the Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) sector

> This programme is designed for Early Years Educators working in early childhood education and care settings. Applicants with a Level 6 qualification in Early Childhood Education and Care may apply for exemption from year 1.

> Those aspiring to enter the Early Childhood Education and Care sector from Leaving Certificate or further education paths may be interested in the full-time programme MH003.

Course Duration: 4 years (flexible)

Graduates emerge as early years teaching professionals. Career progression within this sector for those with a level 8 Early 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.

Visit the Graduate Studies website for more information about postgraduate options.

This table displays the requirements for Leaving Certificate applicants.
Subject Required Ordinary Level Grade Higher Level Grade
Irish No N/A N/A
English No N/A N/A
Language No N/A N/A
Math No N/A N/A
Science No N/A N/A

International & EU/EFTA Entry Requirements

Mature Students

As this is a flexible degree, the mature age is 21 years or older by 1st January in the year of entry to the University. Late application (for existing CAO applicants) accepted up to Friday 18th August 2023.

Click here to be taken to our mature applicant information page - tab 3 on that page outlines application steps for this degree.

Mature applicants who have a disability 

If you have a disability or specific learning difficulty (e.g. dyslexia), and require examination support for any written tests that may be required, please submit supporting documentation by 15 March 2023 to the Access Office. 

Unfortunately we are unable to consider applications for alternative examination accommodation after this deadline. 

For further information on the supporting documentation required, as well as examination and other supports visit the Access Office website.

01 July 2023

Additional Information

Applicants with a level 6 qualification in Early Childhood Education and Care may apply for exemption from year 1.

Please note that applications for the BA Early Childhood - Teaching & Learning (flexible) degree (CAO Code MH004) must be made through the Advanced Entry portal on the CAO application website.

APPLY TO THE CAO | WWW.CAO.IE

Please note that applications for the BA Early Childhood - Teaching & Learning (flexible) degree (CAO Code MH004) must be made through the Advanced Entry portal on the CAO application website. Applicants with a level 6 qualification in Early Childhood Education and Care may apply for exemption from year 1.

The application process depends on the type of applicant you are. Click here for all information about how to apply.

Categories of applicant:

  • Mature students (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
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