Program Overview

BA (Honours) in Early Childhood Education and Care

Course Overview

• Description: The BA (Honours) in Early Childhood Education and Care provides a comprehensive foundation in Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) to practice in a variety of early childhood settings. The curriculum emphasizes the holistic development and learning of children from birth to six years. Students benefit from a specialized Education Play Lab that facilitates hands-on learning experiences.
• Duration: 4 years
• NFQ Level: Level 8
• Location: IFSC Campus
• Start Date: 14 September 2026
• CAO Course Code: NC030

Programme Accreditation

This programme is approved by the Qualifications Advisory Board, aligning with professional award criteria and guidelines, and is recognized as a professional qualification by the Department of Education (DE) and the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Inclusion and Youth (DECDIY).

Course Structure and Content

Year 1

• Holistic Child Learning and Development
• Foundations of Early Childhood Education and Care
• Music, Movement, Art and Drama
• Academic Foundations and Scholarship
• Essential Legislation and Regulation in ECEC
• Child Health, Nutrition and Wellbeing

Field visits to diverse early childhood settings will be integrated within all or some of these modules.

Year 2

• Core Pedagogies and Curriculum in ECEC
• Dispositions and Dynamics of Behaviour in Children
• Managing Your Learning and Academic Practice
• Supervised Professional Practice Placement: Observation and Reflection in ECEC Practice
• Play and Creativity in ECEC
• Diversity and Pluralism in Learning Language and Literacies

Year 3

• Quality Assurance in ECEC Environments
• Early Learning in a Digital World
• Inquiry Learning Design and Evaluation of Curriculum in ECEC
• Supervised Professional Practice Placement: Application of Strategies in Learning Environments in ECEC Practice
• The Child, Family and Society Stakeholders in ECEC
• Leadership and Governance in ECEC Environments

Year 4

• ECEC Research Methods and Inquiry
• Social, Political and Cultural Contexts of ECEC
• Working in Multi-Professional Contexts
• Personal and Professional Identity
• Capstone ECEC Practice-based Project

Professional Recognition

The programme includes a significant component of supervised professional practice placements across a range of early childhood settings, with over 1,000 hours dedicated to placement-related activities. Students are expected to complete placements that engage with children from diverse backgrounds and culminate in a practice-based capstone project in the final year.

Career Prospects

Graduates will be equipped for roles such as:

• Room Leader or Supervisor
• Setting-based Practitioner or Manager
• Early Childhood Inspector
• Specialist roles in better start programs

In light of government strategies promoting a graduate-led workforce in ECEC, there are increasing opportunities for graduates from this programme.

Further Study Options

Graduates may progress to:

• Postgraduate Diploma in Educational Practice in Teaching for Further Education at NCI
• Master of Arts in Educational Practice at NCI
• Specialized graduate study areas including policy development, childhood studies, or therapeutic applications of play.

Minimum Entry Requirements

• H5 in two subjects, and O6/H7 in four subjects in the Leaving Certificate or equivalent, which must include English and Mathematics.
• For PLC/further education applicants, a full Level 5/6 award with three distinctions is required, in addition to meeting CAO points requirements.
• Advanced entry into Year 2 is available for those with a major award in Early Learning and Care/Early Childhood Education and Care at NFQ Level 6.

Tuition Fees

• Self-Funded Fee: 4,800 per annum for domestic students.
• International Students: Effective from September 2026, the fee is 12,000 per year.
• Students may qualify for the Student Grant Scheme.

Garda Vetting

All students are required to undergo Garda Vetting due to the professional nature of the programme and engagement with children. The process includes submission of required forms and documentation, with support provided by Student Services. International students or those who have resided abroad for six months are also required to provide police clearance certificates.

Additional Information

Students are expected to adhere to a Bring Your Own Device policy, and specifications for the recommended portable computing device are provided, ensuring that students can effectively participate in all aspects of the course.