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BA EARLY CHILDHOOD TEACHING & LEARNING (FLEXIBLE)

Qualification : BACHELOR OF ARTS DEGREE

Award Type and NFQ level : UNDERGRADUATE DEGREE (8)

CAO/PAC code : MH004

CAO Points : 000

Closing Date : 01 July 2025

View QQI details

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.

Course Duration: 4 years (flexible)

Graduates emerge as early years teaching professionals. Career progression within this sector for those with a level 8 Early Childhood degree is expanding rapidly within and beyond Early Childhood Education and Care settings to include opportunities within policy development and evaluation agencies within government departments, semi-state bodies and NGO’s.

The Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Teaching and Learning positions graduates to spearhead and lead learning in Early Childhood Education and Care services. Graduates may also take up roles with local development agencies within the early childhood sector, both nationally and internationally.

Visit the Graduate Studies website for more information about postgraduate options.

This table displays the requirements for Leaving Certificate applicants.
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.

Click here to be taken to our mature applicant information page - tab 3 on that page outlines application steps for this degree.

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.

For further information on the supporting documentation required, as well as examination and other supports visit the Access Office website.

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
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