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Early Intervention and Inclusive Practice for Children – MA

Course Overview

The Master of Arts in Early Intervention and Inclusive Practice for Children is a pioneering programme designed to provide postgraduate-level study for those who wish to enhance their knowledge, skills and competencies in working with children (Birth – 12 years) from diverse backgrounds who experience adversity and a resultant inability to meaningfully participate in their education.

More Information

The key features of this master’s programme have been designed to evaluate the evolving international theoretical frameworks, policies and varied research in relation to Early Intervention and to explore its links to supporting the inclusion of children and their families. The key features of these programmes will be discussed throughout the document but can be summarised as:

• Delivered as a one year full-time or two year part-time on-campus Level 9 master’s degree
• A focus on the skills and early intervention strategies that may be used in supporting the inclusion of children from birth to 12 years and their families.
• Specialised skills and knowledge of strategies to ensure that graduates are industry ready following completion of either programme.
• The programme is underpinned by Sustainable Development Goals, students will be afforded the opportunity to discuss contemporary issues in the that context.

Funding

Students can potentially access funding through SUSI or the 2024 Learner Fund Graduate Bursary.

Delivery

• Part time – One day a week for 2 years as per the academic Calander
• Full time – Two days a week for 1 year as per the academic Calander

Entry Requirements

The programmes entry requirements for Level 8 (2.2) in cognate discipline. RPL including– application form, mature applications.

Module Overview

Semester 1

• Historical & Contemporary Perspectives Of Inclusion
  • Credits: 5
  • This module provides a broad foundation for learning and studying inclusion. It is designed to enable students to gain an understanding of the field of inclusive practice both internationally and in Ireland.
• Early Intervention Through Physical Education
  • Credits: 10
  • The purpose of this module is to critically examine the role of physical activity and the development of physical education in structured settings in line with the Aistear theme of Well-being.
• Therapeutic & Creative Play Skills
  • Credits: 10
  • The focus of the module to empower students to understand how therapeutic play and the creative arts can support in the holistic and in particular their emotional development of children.
• Wellbeing and Professional Development

Semester 2

• Adversity Trauma & Resilience
  • Credits: 5
  • This module aims to explore the critical perspectives and applications to practice in relation to complexity and trauma in children and young people.
• Strategies for early intervention and practices
  • Credits: 10
  • This module will aim to critically examine current legislation and policy relating to children and young people’s mental health and wellbeing.
• Positive Behaviour Strategies & Child Development
  • Credits: 10
  • This module is designed to provide students with the necessary skills and knowledge to evaluate and examine the cultural, social and psychological perspectives of behaviour and development.
• Applied Research Methods
  • Credits: 5

Semester 3

• Early Intervention And Inclusive Practice Research Project
  • Credits: 30
  • The module aims to encourage learners to develop an integrative approach to learning and critical thinking as they bring together a range of concepts, theories, frameworks and practices within a research setting.

What can you do after the course?

Career Opportunities

Master of Arts in Early Intervention and Inclusive Practice graduates may find work in the private and public sectors nationally and locally. Settings include but are not limited to ELC & SAC settings, Primary Schools, Government departments and agencies including but not limited to DCEDIY, NCCA, Pobal, Tusla, Better Start (Area based Childhood, Family Resource Centres, Family Support services, youth work other agencies such as Enable Ireland, Coolmine, youth services Therapeutic Community, City and county-based Early Intervention Services.

International Employment Opportunities

Students may find opportunities to work in the UK and other European countries on targeted early intervention programmes. Students could potentially source employment with statutory, non-statutory or charitable organizations.

Further Study

Upon successful completion of this programme, graduates have the opportunity to complete Level 9/10 programmes here at TUS or elsewhere.