BA (Honors) in Early Childhood Care and Education

Key Points

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This comprehensive honors degree program in Early Childhood Education and Care is a four-year award. It is designed for individuals interested in seeking opportunities in the early childhood education and care (ECEC) sector. This is a sector that is experiencing growing demand, as research shows us the vital importance of early childhood education in the formation of children and our society.

During the course, you will cover a wide range of topics to gain an in-depth understanding of infants and children from birth to six years of age. This course will provide you with the knowledge and skills to work with children and their families during their crucial early childhood years.

The aim of the degree is to provide you with a solid foundation in early childhood education and care, to practice in a variety of professional settings. It will provide you with a comprehensive foundation in the principles and pillars of professional practice, a strong theoretical framework, and exposure to practical experience through professional placements during your four years of study.

The course incorporates key topics that include whole child learning / development; Health, Nutrition and Wellbeing; Legislation and Essential Regulatory Practices; Music, Movement, Art and Drama; Creativity and play; ECEC methods and approaches; Work in multiprofessional environments; Parental and family involvement; as well as aspects of leadership, management and governance in the sector. Students are encouraged to critically think, reflect, inquire, and investigate a variety of theoretical and practical pedagogical approaches to early childhood learning and development.

NCI has a long tradition of working with educators, and this exciting program will equip you to achieve your ambitions at ECEC.

Program structure

An essential and enormously beneficial element of the program is the strong emphasis placed on supervised professional practice in various areas of early childhood, included in the course from the first year. During the four years of the program, more than 1,000 hours are specially allocated to supervised placement-related activities. Among other skills, such as observations and ethical practice, placement includes planning and developing a curriculum for young children. The senior year provides an opportunity for students to combine their experiences and skills in a final project.

Career opportunities

Upon completion, you will possess the skills to work as a room leader or supervisor, working directly with children, as a professional or environment-based administrator, in mentoring, mentoring, training, and leadership roles.

Government strategies have established a vision for a graduate-led workforce at ECEC and the ECCE Scheme (Free Preschool Years) also offers a higher capitation fee to providers where all leaders are qualified. These changes highlight the opportunities for graduates of this program.

Garda Vetting

All applicants must be screened by the Garda as part of the admission process.

Admission requirements

The minimum requirements for entry to the program are H5 in two subjects and O6 / H7 in four subjects on the Leaving Certificate or equivalent, which must include English and mathematics. Applicants who successfully complete a QQI Major award at level 5 can apply through the CAO’s Higher Education and Links Scheme (HELS).

Students with a major award in Early Learning and Care / Early Childhood Education and Care at NFQ level 6 will be eligible for advanced entry to the second year of the program, subject to certain criteria.

The minimum entry requirement for this program is a Level 5 qualification in any discipline, including three distinctions, ideally with professional involvement in the delivery of learning in early childhood education and care.

Please note that exams can be scheduled in the morning, afternoon, or evening from Monday to Saturday.

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