Early Childhood Education and Care

Overview

The past two decades have seen a rapid expansion in early childhood services in Ireland and an increasing awareness of the educational and training needs of early childhood practitioners. This is an applied programme, where the emphasis is on achieving high academic standards and delivering work-based learning in supervised practice placements. We also teach the necessary managerial skills to set up and run a service. This approach is all about helping you to get the knowledge, values and skills needed to perform exceptionally in your chosen field, to engage in research or manage a facility.

This degree programme is delivered through a blend of lectures, workshops, practicals, tutorials and online support. Work placements are an integral part of the programme. All students participate in a supervised work placement in one of a variety of settings in Ireland or abroad for two full semesters. In the final year of the programme, you study research methods, specialise in chosen areas and complete a dissertation on a topic of your choice.

Our graduates often comment on the extremely enjoyable yet challenging nature of the programme, the high level of networking between staff and students and the peer support and camaraderie of fellow students. We promote current best practice in early childhood studies and have Erasmus links with a range of partner EU institutions. All students are encouraged to develop their own learning styles and professional pathways. To that end, staff teaching on these programmes are supported by a range of professionals, guest lecturers, therapists, and specialists who offer workshops and seminars to deliver a highly interactive learning environment.

What will I study?

First year at a glance

• Introduction to Sociology in the Early Years: introduces the discipline of sociology and sociological perspectives in general and begins to explore how the development of a sociological approach can inform a wide range of disciplines, including early childhood education and care (ECEC)
• Early Learning and Play: enables students to appreciate the practical and theoretical importance of play as a medium of development and learning in young children’s lives
• Aistear through Creative Dance and Drama in Education: applies the principles of Aistear to the teaching of dance and drama
• Maternal, Infant and Child Health: teaches students to recognise the value of good quality child and maternal environment during pregnancy, infancy and the early years and how this may have life-long consequences
• Language, Numeracy and Literacy: teaches students appropriate methodologies which enhance learning in early childhood
• Childhood and Social Policy: introduces the concept of the social construction of childhood and to the process of policy- making. Also provides a comprehensive overview of key policy developments and contemporary debates within ECEC in Ireland.

Entry Requirements

Entry 2024

For admission to a programme, standard applicants must

• score the necessary CAO points and
• meet the minimum entry requirements

Leaving Certificate in six subjects i.e. H5 in two subjects and O6/H7 in four other subjects. The six subjects must include Mathematics* and either English or Irish grade O6/H7.

NOTE 1: *A grade of F2 or above in foundation level Maths fulfils the Maths entry requirements for this programme.

NOTE 2: Vetting by an Garda Síochána is a mandatory requirement for this programme.

For Non-EU International Entry Requirements please visit https://www.mtu.ie/international/non-eu/.

Career options

Employment Opportunities

There are increasing demands for qualified graduates in early childhood education in both the private and public sectors, and because this award is internationally recognised, graduates also have the opportunity to work abroad.

Our graduates take up roles such as

• Centre leader/manager
• Curriculum developer
• Community outreach
• In special education
• Early intervention specialists

Progression

Further Studies

Suitably qualified graduates are eligible to apply to

• Master of Arts in Social Studies (Advanced Professional Practice) at MTU Kerry North Campus or to research at either master or PhD level.
• Professional Master of Education (primary teaching). Please note, applicants to the PME must meet the required Leaving Certificate Irish standard for primary teaching i.e. H4 or equivalent.