Program Overview

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Early Childhood Education

Course Details

CAO Code:

DC001

Course Type:

Undergraduate

NFQ Level:

• Please see for further information

Placement:

Yes

Delivery Modes

• Full-Time

Minimum Points:

420

Duration:

4 years

Overview

This course will prepare you for a highly rewarding career, educating and supporting young children during a vital time in their development. The BECE prepares you for work as a professional in a variety of early childhood educational settings, from preschools and crèches, to child and family support programmes and it equips graduates to work with children of all needs. The BECE enables graduates to follow a career in a range of voluntary and statutory organisations that work on behalf of children and families.

Theory and Practice

The BECE degree combines theory with practical learning. You’ll learn applied skills through workshops, seminars and independent group study. This could involve working in the Lego room programming ‘Beebots’, or designing play environments for young children, or developing literacy sacks to support them as readers. You’ll also put your knowledge into practice during yearly work placements.

BECE graduates are in high demand at home and abroad. In Year 3, you can consider studying abroad on an Erasmus programme, in Norway, Belgium or Hungary.

Why DCU

• Education at DCU ranks among the top 150 education courses globally
• DCU Institute of Education has the highest graduate employment rate in DCU
• The Institute of Education has the highest Undergraduate student completion rate in DCU
• There are almost 4,000 students in the DCU Institute of Education

Careers & Further Options

Careers

The BECE degree is a gateway to a number of careers.

• City and County Childcare Committees
• Crèches
• Development Agencies
• Naíonraí
• National Voluntary Organisations
• Pre School
• Statutory Bodies

Career Prospects

• Early childhood educator
• Manager in a preschool, community playgroup, Naíonra or crèche
• Early years inspector
• Early years specialist
• Training coordinator
• Director
• Entrepreneur in the ECE field

Entry Requirements

General Entry Requirements

There are no additional entry requirements for this programme apart from the general entry requirements for admission to the university.

Leaving Cert

There are no additional entry requirements for this programme apart from the general entry requirements for admission to the university.

GCE A Level

There are no additional entry requirements for this programme apart from the general entry requirements for admission to the university.

FET Level 5

Please visit our Admissions webpage for details on course requirements or how to apply to DCU.

Mature Applicants

Mature entry is a competitive process. Applicants must demonstrate:

• a genuine interest in the programme(s) they are applying for
• academic experience and competency in their chosen field of study
• an ability to engage and succeed on the programme

Advanced Entry

Applications are made via the CAO Advanced Entry route which will open from 5th November to 1st July.

International Applications

International candidates are expected to have educational qualifications of a standard equivalent to those outlined above. In addition, where such candidates are non-native speakers of the English language they must satisfy the university of their competency in the English language.

Course Structure

Overview

This degree will expose you to areas of psychology, sociology, the arts, critical thinking and philosophy, with a strong emphasis on literacy, maths, science (STEM) and educational leadership. The core focus of the degree is on curriculum, pedagogy and practice.

Modules

Over the four years of the programme you will develop the skills to support childrens’ wellbeing, to plan for their learning through play and to work effectively as part of a professional team. Modules will equip you with an understanding of ethical research and its role in bringing about change.

Fees and Funding

Fees

• Student Contribution: €3,043 per annum
• EU Status Fee: €5,607 per annum
• Non EU Fee: €15,400 per annum
• Material Charge: €175 Year 1 only

How To Apply

Applicants presenting EU school leaving examinations (EU, EFTA & UK)

Apply through the Central Applications Office (CAO) by 1st February or 1st May

Applicants presenting examinations from outside the EU

Candidates should apply directly here.

Mature Applicants

All mature applicants apply through the CAO by 1st February.

Advanced Entry

Applications are made via the CAO Advanced Entry route which will open from 5th November to 1st July.

Life On Campus

Overview

At DCU, our students can expect a unique campus experience. We are known for our excellent teaching and learning facilities, our active clubs and societies, and our great social and sporting facilities.

Facilities

• Modern learning theatres
• Research centres
• A new media and TV studio
• Radio/podcast studios
• Computer suites
• Advanced labs in the areas of Languages, Engineering, Physics, Chemistry and Biotechnology
• A Sports Performance centre
• A training hospital ward

Campus Life

• Over 140 clubs and societies
• Sports Complex with a 25 metre swimming pool, fitness centre gym, all-weather pitches and squash courts
• The U, our purpose built, state-of-the-art student centre
• The Helix, our renowned performing arts centre

FAQs

What courses are offered by the DCU Institute of Education?

DCU Institute of Education brings together students of education and provides a rich menu of undergraduate courses across all sectors from early childhood, to primary and post-primary and further and higher education.

Is there Garda vetting for students who study DCU Institute of Education courses?

Garda vetting is required for all students who have unsupervised access to children and vulnerable adults as part of their studies at DCU.

What are the potential teaching pathways for primary, post-primary and further education and training offered by DCU?

Please see our website for details on primary, post-primary and further education and training pathways.