Qualification : BACHELOR OF ARTS DEGREE
Award Type and NFQ level : UNDERGRADUATE DEGREE (8)
CAO/MU Apply code : MH004
CAO Points : 000
Closing Date : 01 July 2025
Degree Overview
>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.
>The Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Teaching and Learning is a progressive Level 8 degree, supporting the development of outstanding early childhood educators.
>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.
>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, short, alternative placements are also required each year.
>Applicants with full level 6 qualification in ECEC are exempt from 1st year.
>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.
*Placement is required (420 hours per academic year)
Course structure
>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.
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
Department of Faculty of Social Sciences
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Department of Lárionad na Gaeilge
Department of Froebel Department of Primary and Early Childhood Education
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| 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
Mature Applicants
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.
Mature applicants who have a disability
If you have a disability or specific learning difficulty (e.g. dyslexia), and require support for any required written exercise/interview/ online video audition which may form part of your application assessment, you must complete an online request form and submit supporting documentation by 15 March 2025. Applications for alternative examination accommodation cannot be considered after this deadline.
01 July 2025
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.
Please note that MH004 BA Early Childhood Teaching & Learning (flexible) will run subject to sufficient numbers in 2025. A decision on September 2025 intake will be made in May 2025. For more details please contact the Department.
APPLY TO THE CAO | WWW.CAO.IE
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.
Please note that MH004 BA Early Childhood Teaching & Learning (flexible) will run subject to sufficient numbers in 2025. A decision on September 2025 intake will be made in May 2025. For more details please contact the Department.
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