Qualification : BACHELOR OF ARTS DEGREE
Award Type and NFQ level : UNDERGRADUATE DEGREE (8)
CAO/PAC code : MH003
CAO Points : 381
Closing Date : 01 July 2022
Full time, Level 8, honours degree, catering for those aspiring to enter the Early Childhood Education and Care sector from Leaving Certificate, further education or mature student paths. Those currently working in the ECEC sector may be interested in the flexible BA in Early Childhood Teaching and Learning (MH004).
Why choose this degree?
- The programme is closely linked with Early Childhood Education and Care practice, and its staff 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. Placement is 420 hours across the academic year and varies according to the year the student is in e.g 1st years work with babies and toddlers. Students are encouraged to find their own placement but extensive support is provided by the Placement Coordinator to ensure all students are in a quality setting and if students can’t find a placement we will locate one for them.
- It is a progressive Level 8 degree, supporting the development of outstanding early childhood educators.
- This degree offers graduates the option of progressing their careers in Early Childhood Education and Care in varied professional roles.
- This programme is approved by the Qualifications Advisory Board (instituted to review Level 7 and Level 8 Degree Programmes for the Early Learning and Care Sector) as meeting the requirements of the Professional Award Criteria and Guidelines standards.
This full-time degree will prepare you to spearhead and lead learning and development in Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE).
1st year
Reflective Practice: Educator as Learner > Introduction to Child Psychology > Introduction to Social and Legal Studies > Introduction to Curriculum and Pedagogy > Health and Well-being for Infants and Toddlers > Inclusion in Early Childhood Education > Philosophy, Culture and Constructs of Early Childhood Education and Care > Professional Practice 1 >
2nd year
> Reflective Practice: Integrating Theory & Practice > Learning & Development Practices (Birth to 6 years) > Play > Health and Well-Being for Young Children > Children’s Spaces > Building Relationships with Children, Families and Communities > Exploring Curricula & Pedagogy > Professional Practice 2
3rd year
> Reflective Practice: Educator as Change Agent > Learning & Development in Context > Social Justice, Ethics & Diversity > Supporting Creativity & Imagination > Social & Legal Context of Childhood > Community as Context > Supporting Enquiry/Enacting the Curriculum > Professional Practice 3
Final year
> Reflective Practice: Educator as Action Researcher > Learning & Development: Challenges > Leadership and Management > Transitions in the Early Years > Dominant Discourses in Early Childhood Education and Care > Curriculum, Pedagogy and Assessment > Literacy Numeracy and Scientific Enquiry > Professional Practice 4
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 ALL Institute
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| Subject | Required | Ordinary Level Grade | Higher Level Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Irish | Yes | O6 | H7 |
| English | Yes | O6 | H7 |
| 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
- Be at least 23 years of age on or before 1.1.2022 for admission in September 2022
- Complete placement in a Tusla notified setting (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 an additional 15 hours in an alternate setting.
- Possess sufficient language, literacy, numeracy and ICT skills
- Attend for interview if shortlisted
- Undertake vetting by 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.
Mature students who meet the application criteria will be shortlisted and invited to come to Maynooth University in March/April for an interview and will be advised accordingly.
Mature student applicants who have a disability
If you have a disability or specific learning difficulty (e.g. dyslexia), please contact the Access Office.
01 February 2022
01 July 2022
Additional Information
APPLY TO THE CAO
WWW.CAO.IE
The application process depends on the type of applicant you are. Click here for all information about how to apply.
Categories of applicant:
- School-leavers (Leaving Certificate students)
- Mature students (23 years or older by 1st January in the year of entry to the University/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