BA (Hons) Early Childhood Education and Care

BA (Hons) Early Childhood Education and Care – Level 8

Duration: 4 Years
Level: NFQ Level 8
Learning Modes: Full-Time Classroom | Blended Online Learning | Part-Time

Our BA (Hons) in Early Childhood Education and Care is designed for learners who are passionate about supporting and educating young children in meaningful, ethical, and inclusive ways. This comprehensive degree equips learners with the professional knowledge, practical skills, and leadership capabilities required to thrive in modern early years settings in Ireland and internationally.

The programme supports both school leavers entering the sector for the first time and experienced early years professionals seeking to upskill to degree level. Learners will engage with contemporary theory, reflective practice, child-centred pedagogy, and extensive work placement experience throughout the programme.

Learning Modes

Full-Time Classroom
Delivered on campus over 3 full days per week, plus placement days.

Blended Online Learning
Live online evening lectures combined with independent learning and placement practice.

Part-Time Classroom
Evening delivery on campus, ideal for working professionals seeking flexible study options.

Qualifications

Upon successful completion of the programme, learners will achieve:

• BA (Hons) in Early Childhood Education and Care – Level 8

The programme also includes the following exit awards:

• Higher Certificate in ECEC – Level 6
• BA Ordinary Degree in ECEC – Level 7

Course Structure

The programme combines theoretical learning, professional practice, placement experience, and reflective development across four academic years.

Years 1 & 2
Learners are introduced to foundational concepts in child development, psychology, inclusion, pedagogy, and professional practice within Early Childhood Education and Care.

Year 3
Focuses on leadership, curriculum planning, assessment, policy development, advocacy, and advanced professional practice in ECEC settings.

Year 4
Learners specialise in advanced areas of practice while completing a research dissertation and engaging in deeper critical analysis of contemporary ECEC discourse.

Specialism options may include:

• Special Educational Needs
• Equality & Diversity
• Training & Mentoring
• Birth to Three Pedagogy
• Arts & Creativity

Modules

Year 1 Modules

• Placement
• Introduction to ECEC in Ireland
• Academic Skills
• Introduction to Child Psychology
• Introduction to Child Development
• Educational Philosophy
• Approaches, Methods & Curricula
• Inclusion, Equality & Diversity in ECEC
• Holistic Development Birth to Three Years
• Sociology of Childhood
• Global Childhoods

Year 2 Modules

• Placement
• Leadership & Legislation
• Advanced Child Psychology & Development
• Transitions & Transitional Practice
• Children’s Rights & Voice in ECEC
• Holistic Development Three to Six Years
• Professional Development
• Stakeholder & Advocacy in ECEC
• Art & Creativity in ECEC
• ELC Environments

Year 3 Modules

• Placement
• Advanced Art & Creativity in ECEC
• Assessment, Observation & Planning
• Advanced Approaches, Methods & Curricula
• Policy Development in ECEC
• Professional Skills
• Research Methods

Year 4 Modules

• Placement
• Curriculum Development
• Writing for Research
• Discourse Analysis in ECEC
• ITC Research Skills
• Research & Dissertation
• SEN Specialism
• Equality & Diversity Specialism
• Training & Mentoring Specialism
• Birth to Three Years Pedagogy
• Creative Arts Specialism

Entry Requirements

Applicants should meet one of the following:

• Leaving Certificate with:
– Grade H5 or above in two Higher Level subjects
– Minimum O6/H7 in four additional subjects including Maths and English or Irish

• QQI/FETAC Level 5 or Level 6 Major Award in ECCE or related discipline

• Mature applicants (23 years or older) with relevant experience are also welcome to apply

International applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate English language proficiency equivalent to IELTS 6 or recognised equivalent.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) applications are considered on a case-by-case basis.

Smart Assessment

The programme uses a smart assessment model designed to encourage critical thinking while reducing unnecessary duplication of coursework. Assessments are integrated across modules to support reflective and applied learning.

Work Placement

Placement is a core element of the programme and forms the backbone of professional development throughout the degree.

Learners are required to complete:

• 300 hours of placement per academic year

Placement requirements include:

• 260 hours in an anchor setting
• 40 hours in a second distinct ECEC setting

All learners must complete Tusla Children First training prior to placement.

Garda Vetting

Garda Vetting is mandatory before learners can begin placement.

Students who have lived outside Ireland for more than 6 consecutive months since the age of 18 must also provide Police Clearance Certification from relevant countries.

Fees

Full-Time Classroom

• Irish/EU Students: €4,650 per year
• Non-EU Overseas Students: €6,650 Year 1, €4,650 thereafter

Blended Online

• Year 1: €2,500
• Year 2: €2,750
• Year 3: €3,500
• Year 4: €3,800

Part-Time

• Year 1: €3,250
• Year 2: €3,250
• Year 3: €3,500
• Year 4: €3,850

(Fees subject to annual review)

Tax relief may apply for eligible Irish taxpayers.

Why Choose This Course?

✔️ Industry-recognised Level 8 qualification
✔️ Flexible study modes to suit different lifestyles
✔️ Extensive placement experience throughout the programme
✔️ Strong focus on child-centred and ethical practice
✔️ Opportunities to specialise in advanced ECEC areas
✔️ Pathway to postgraduate study and leadership roles in the sector
✔️ Learn from experienced practitioners and researchers in Early Childhood Education

Location & Start Dates

Full-Time Classroom
Start Date: 7th September 2026

Part-Time Classroom
Start Date: 7th September 2026

Blended Online Learning
Start Date: 14th September 2026

Duration: 4 Years