Qualification : BACHELOR OF ARTS DEGREE
Award Type and NFQ level : UNDERGRADUATE DEGREE (8)
CAO/PAC code : MH004
CAO Points :
Closing Date : 01 July 2022
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.
- 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.
1st year
EDC121: Reflective Practice: Educator as Learner
EDC122: Introduction to Child Psychology
EDC123: Introduction to Social and Legal Studies
EDC124: Introduction to Curriculum and Pedagogy
EDC125: Health and Wellbeing for Babies and Toddlers
EDC126: Inclusion in Early Childhood Education
EDC127: Philosophy, Culture and Constructs of Early Childhood Education and Care
EDC128: Professional Development and Professional Placement 1
2nd year
EDC221: Reflective Practice: Integrating Theory and Practice
EDC222: Early Childhood Learning and Development: Practices (birth-6 years)
EDC223: Building Relationships with Children, Families and Communities
EDC224: Exploring Curricula and Pedagogy: Supporting Enquiry
EDC225: Children’s Health and Wellbeing
EDC226: Social and Legal Context of Early Childhood
EDC227: Play
EDC228: Professional Development and Professional Placement 2
3rd year
EDC321: Reflective Practice: Educator as Change Agent
EDC322: Early Childhood Learning and Development in Context (birth-6 years)
EDC323: Inclusive Practices for Children and Families
EDC324: Supporting Creativity and Imagination
EDC325: Language and Literacy in Early Childhood
EDC326: Pedagogical Documentation and Assessment
EDC327: Establishing Quality Indoor and Outdoor Environments in Early Childhood
EDC328: Professional Development and Professional Placement 3
4th year
EDC421: Reflective Practice: Research and Methodology
EDC422: Early Childhood Learning and Development Challenges (birth-6 years)
EDC423: Leadership and Management in Early Childhood Education and Care
EDC424: Social Justice, Ethics and Diversity
EDC425: Transitions in Early Childhood Education and Care
EDC426: Dominant Discourse / Global Perspectives in Early Childhood Education and Care
EDC427: STEAM in Early Childhood Education and Care
EDC428: Professional Development and Professional Placement 4
Head of Department
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Department of Froebel Department of Primary and Early Childhood Education
Department of ALL Institute
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Department of Froebel Department of Primary and Early Childhood Education
Department of Sexualities and Gender
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Department of Froebel Department of Primary and Early Childhood Education
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| Subject | Required | Ordinary Level Grade | Higher Level Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Irish | Yes | O6 | H7 |
| English | Yes | O6 | H7 |
| 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
- Be at least 21 years of age on or before 1.1.2022 for admission in September 2022
- Complete placement in a Tusla notified 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 complete an additional placement in an alternate setting.
- Possess sufficient language, literacy, numeracy and ICT skills
- Attend for interview if invited
- 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 Level 6 in early years studies or equivalent.
Mature students who meet the application criteria may be invited to interview.
Mature student applicants who have a disability
If you have a disability or specific learning difficulty (e.g. dyslexia), please contact the Access Office.
01 July 2022
Additional Information
Applicants with a level 6 qualification in Early Childhood Education and Care may apply for exemption from year 1.
Leaving Certificate: 2H5 & 4O6/H7, Irish and English.
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