These programmes will provide students with a QQI Level 8 Honours Degree. Graduates from these degrees 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 consists of a variety of modules. All modules are compulsory.
You can explore the course and each module using the links below:
Applications for 2024 as follows:-
| Category of Student |
Criteria/What is required? |
|
Leaving Certificate Student
(who is due to sit examinations in 2024)
|
- 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 420 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 1.1.2024.
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
- Applicants with Level 6 full award may progress to year 2 through advanced entry
- The ability to complete placement in a Tusla notified service (minimum 420 hours per academic year plus 15 hours alternative placement)
- Possession of sufficient language, literacy, numeracy and ICT skills
- Secure Garda Vetting
|
| Mature Student |
For the flexible programme (MH004) the mature age is at least 21 years or older by 1st January in the year of entry to the University.
For the full-time programme (MH003) the mature age is at least 23 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:
- Complete placement in a Tusla notified setting service (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 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 2024. 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 2024. Applications for advanced entry may be accepted at a later date – please contact the department for details (froebel.department@mu.ie).
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 based on the information provided on their CAO application form. All questions should be answered in full.
|
- Over the four years of the course (three years with advanced entry) students are required to have completed 240 credits to successfully obtain their award.
- The full-time programme is delivered over four years, with a combination of lectures on campus and placement in early childhood settings.
- The flexible programme is delivered over four years, one evening per week, one Saturday per month and some block weeks. It is a blended programme with some lectures delivered on line and some delivered on campus.
- Work placement is an integral part of the course and students must complete placement in a Tusla notified setting 420 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 independent study, 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.
If I have a degree already do I have to do all modules?
Yes, all modules are compulsory.
Are any exemptions available?
Applicants with full Level 6 award may progress to 2nd year through advanced entry. Applicants with full Level 7 award may be considered for advanced entry to either 3rd or 4th year.
What subjects are covered?
The programmes cover all main areas of working with babies, toddlers and young 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?
The full-time programme is eligible for SUSI. The flexible programme 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.
On 8th December, 2023 the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, Roderic O’Gorman, announced a pilot of a new Nurturing Skills Learner Fund. The Nurturing Skills Learner Fund pilot will make a significant contribution to course fees that early years educators face while pursuing QAB-approved ELC qualifications at levels 7 and 8 on the National Framework of Qualifications. The funding will be paid directly to the higher education institution on behalf of the early years educator in order to minimise the financial and administrative barrier the educator faces when seeking to undertake further studies. Further information can be found here.
What is the timeframe for the degree?
The course is delivered over the academic year from September to 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 240 credits to successfully obtain the degree.
What supports are available?
Library resources and materials from Maynooth University will be available to students. Feedback will be given on all continuous assessment. All Maynooth University student supports, such as the Writing Centre, 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 Maynooth University library.
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. Students on the flexible programme will need to be able to engage with online tuition.
The Central Applications Office processes all offers made by third level institutions to applicants entering their first year of a third level programme of study, including mature applicants. Those applying for advanced entry must do so through the advanced entry portal of the CAO website. The relevant course code for BA in Early Childhood Teaching & Learning is MH003 for the full-time programme and MH004 for the flexible programme.
CAO Closing Dates:
Normal closing date for applications - 1st February at 17:00
Closing date for late applications - 1st May at 17:00
Advanced entry applications may be accepted at a later date
Leaving Certificate Students
Students (under 23) sitting Leaving Certificate in 2024 must apply through the Central Applications Office.
Mature Students
If you wish to apply as a mature student (over 21 years of age for flexible programme / over 23 years for full-time programme) then you must do so through the Central Applications Office. 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.
Further information on entry requirements can be obtained by contacting:
Admissions Office
Maynooth University
Maynooth
Co Kildare
Telephone: (01) 708 3822
Email: admissions@mu.ie
Further information on course content can be obtained by contacting:
Froebel Department of Primary and Early Childhood Education
Maynooth University
Maynooth
Co Kildare
Telephone: (01) 474 7400
Email: froebel.department@mu.ie
