Early Childhood Care & Education

The BA (Hons) in Early Childhood Care and Education is a four year course of study. The course is designed under four important academic foundations namely, theory, practice, research and reflective integration. Early Childhood Care and Education is aimed at producing professionally qualified graduates who can work in a range of early years’ contexts, working with children up to the age of eight in both care and education settings. The course involves the study of related disciplines of early years’ care, education, psychology, sociology, law and personal and professional development and supervised professional early years, practice placements. Special Feature of BA (Hons) in Early Childhood Care and Education Students have the opportunity to complete supervised work-based placements, one in semester three, six and eight of the course. These opportunities allow students gain valuable experience and skills in areas of care or education or both. These placement experiences will facilitate the students’ application of knowledge from the disciplines studied to professional practice. Students will conclude their fourth year with a written thesis which allows them focus on a specific area of interest to them in relation to early years’ care and education. Note: Garda clearance is required for all students taking this course