This course will provide students with a QQI Level 8 Honours Degree. Graduates from this degree will be well positioned to spearhead and lead learning in Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) settings, in local development agencies and in national voluntary organisations and other early childhood fields both 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.
Please visit the links to some of our student testimonials in relation to this course:
Video 1: https://youtu.be/GWkUI37hiCY
Video 2: https://youtu.be/cGc9EnJvAMw
Video 3: https://youtu.be/v68TJ9M7BD8
Video 4: https://youtu.be/gO7zoNEdwIo
The course content consists of a variety of modules. All modules are compulsory. Students will take modules as follows:-
Year 2
- Reflective Practice: Learning to Learn 1 (10 Credits)
- Learning and Development: Perspectives (5 Credits)
- Building Relationships with Children, Families and Communities ( 5 credits)
- Exploring Curricula and Pedagogy (5 credits)
- Children’s Well-Being (5 credits)
- Philosophy, Culture and Constructions of ECCE (5 credits)
- Play ( 5 credits)
- Professional Practice 1 (20 credits)
Year 3
- Reflective Practice: Integrating Theory and Practice 2 (10 Credits)
- Learning and Development: Practices (5 credits)
- Social Justice, Ethics and Diversity (5 credits)
- Supporting Enquiry/Enacting the Curriculum (5 credits)
- Children’s Spaces (5 credits)
- Social and Legal Context of Childhood (5 credits)
- Supporting Creativity and Imagination (5 credits)
- Professional Practice 2 (20 Credits)
Year 4
- Reflective Practice: Research & Dissertation 3 (10 credits)
- Learning and Development: Challenges (5 credits)
- Leading Practice (5 credits)
- Curriculum, Pedagogy and Assessment (5 credits)
- Transitions in ECCE (5 credits)
- Dominant Discourses in ECCE (5 credits)
- Literacy, Numeracy & Scientific Enquiry (5 credits)
- Professional Practice 3 (20 credits)
Further details on all modules can be found at the following link http://apps.maynoothuniversity.ie/courses/?Target=QS&Mode=VIEW&QUALIFICATION_CODE=ECED&TARGET_SOURCE=QUALIFICATION
Applications for 2022 as follows:-
| Category of Student |
Criteria/What is required? |
| Mature Student |
As this is a part-time degree, the mature age is at least 21 years or older by 1st January in the year of entry to the University. Admission is based on your application, and interview. All mature applicants must:
- Be at least 21 years of age on or before 1.1.2022 for admission in 2022-2023
- Complete placement in a Tusla notified setting service (300 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 15 additional hours in an alternate setting. Those currently working in a notified service may use their own setting for the purposes of work placement.
- Possess sufficient language, literacy, numeracy and ICT skills
- Attend for interview if shortlisted
- Undertake vetting by the National Vetting Bureau
- Priority will be given to mature students who have experience of working with young children and who have completed Level 5 and/or Level 6 in early years studies.
Apply to the CAO by February 1st 2022. Late applications from mature students may be accepted after this date - consult the Undergraduate Studies website for updates. Application may not be made to the CAO after May 1st 2022.
Mature students must complete the CAO section for mature applicants 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.
|
|
Leaving Certificate Student
(who is due to sit examinations in 2022) |
- For matriculation, students are required to possess 2 Higher Grade H5s or better in Leaving Certificate subjects plus 4 subjects with O6/H7 to include an O6/H7 in Irish and English
- Leaving Certificate candidates are ranked by points.
- The ability to complete placement in a Tusla notified service (minimum 300 hours per academic year plus 15 hours in an alternative placement.)
- Possession of sufficient language, literacy, numeracy and ICT skills
- Secure Garda Vetting
For applicants presenting with GCE qualifications, please consult Maynooth University Prospectus. |
| QQI/FETAC Student
(with Major relevant Award in Early Childhood) |
In the first instance QQI/FETAC places are offered to candidates less than 21 years of age on the 1.1.2022.
In the event that the QQI/FETAC quota is not filled, places are offered to the mature student cohort.
- A Major Childcare Award at QQI Level 5 or Level 6 with at least 5 distinctions
- The ability to complete placement in a Tusla notified service (minimum 300 hours per academic year plus 15 hours alternative placement)
- Possession of sufficient language, literacy, numeracy and ICT skills
- Secure Garda Vetting
|
- Over the three years of the course students are required to have completed 180 credits to successfully obtain their award.
- Attendance at class 5pm-9pm one evening per week, one Saturday per month 10am – 4pm and 2 block weeks per academic year.
- Work placement is an integral part of the course and students must complete placement in a Tusla notified setting 300 hours per academic year minimum working directly with children aged from birth to six year - own work setting acceptable). In each year students must complete 15 additional hours in an alternate setting
- Each module will involve written assignments and classroom-based work.
Participants will be assessed on the basis of full attendance at the course, together with successful completion of assignments and tasks and satisfactory assessment of Professional Practice placements. Assessment is continuous and may involve assignments, projects – group and individual and presentations.
What happens after I have submitted my application?
Mature students who meet the application criteria will be shortlisted and invited to come to Maynooth University for an interview and will be advised accordingly.
If I have a degree already do I have to do all modules?
Yes, all modules are compulsory.
Are any exemptions available?
Yes, students will be exempted from one 5 credit module (Social and Legal Context of Childhood) in second year upon producing a QQI Major Award at Level 6 with a distinction in Social and Legal Issues.
Does having other qualifications enhance my application?
Typically most successful candidates hold a QQI Major Award at Level 5 or 6, or equivalent in Early Childhood Education.
What subjects are covered?
The programme covers all main areas of working with children, their families and communities in the context of a teaching and learning environment. For further details please see full programme description on Maynooth University website.
What is the cost of the degree?
Please, see here https://www.maynoothuniversity.ie/student-fees-grants/undergraduate
How are fees paid?
Fees are payable directly to Maynooth University with acceptance of a place on the course.
Fees are eligible for tax relief.
A non-refundable Administration Fee applies. Fees will be refunded if the programme does not proceed.
Please refer to Maynooth University (Fees Office) for further details on payment of fees.
Is there funding available?
As this is a part-time course it is not eligible for student grants. Local County/City Childcare Committees may have bursaries available for those living and working in their respective area. Financial support can be requested from employers.
What is the timeframe for the degree?
The course is delivered over Trimesters:
- September – December
- January – March
- April – May
How is the degree accredited?
The BA (Hons) in Early Childhood Teaching & Learning is positioned at Level 8 on the National Framework of Qualifications and will be awarded by Maynooth University Ireland. Students are required to have completed 180 credits to successfully obtain the degree.
What supports are available?
Library resources and materials from Maynooth University and Early Childhood Ireland will be available to students. Tutorials will be built in to the course and feedback will be given on all continuous assessment. All Maynooth University student supports are available to BA in Early Childhood Teaching & Learning students.
Are there core textbooks?
Materials will differ for each module and lecturers will provide reading lists. Programme registration will provide access to resources in Early Childhood Ireland and Maynooth University including on-line journals.
Do I need IT skills to complete the course?
Students should have basic computer skills in undertaking this course. Lectures, readings and notes will be uploaded to Moodle (the course on-line management system) Students will have access to computers on campus at Maynooth University.
All applications for the programme will be processed by the Central Applications Office http://www.CAO.ie The CAO processes all offers made by third level institutions to applicants entering their first year of a third level programme of study, including mature applicants. The relevant course code for BA in Early Childhood Teaching & Learning is MH004.
CAO Closing Dates:
Normal closing date for applications - 1st February at17:00
Closing date for late applications - 1st May at 17:00
Leaving Certificate Students
Students (under 23) sitting Leaving Certificate in 2022 must apply through the Central Applications Office (www.CAO.ie)
Mature Students
If you wish to apply as a mature student (over 21 years of age as this is a part-time course) then you must do so through the Central Applications Office (www.CAO.ie). Late applications may be accepted from mature students
QQI/FETAC/Leaving Certificate - prior to 2018
Applicants applying on the basis of QQI/FETAC or Leaving Certificate qualifications prior to 2018 must be made through the Central Applications Office http://www.CAO.ie
For further information please email leah.otoole@mu.ie or telephone Leah on (01) 4747405
