Program Overview

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Early Years and Childhood Studies

Overview

This four-year degree course is designed for people working towards careers in services for children, young people, and their families. It caters to the demand for highly qualified early years and childhood professionals, while also developing future researchers in the field.

Course Outline

This course will expose you to interdisciplinary perspectives from the Schools of Applied Psychology, Applied Social Studies and Education, with input from Music, Drama and Theatre Studies; Occupational Therapy; and Physical Education and Sport Studies.

The curriculum emphasizes academic theory, research skills, and professional and reflective practice. It includes a broad range of perspectives on childhood, the child in society, child development, early years care and education, and child health.

Supervised work-based placements in diverse childhood-related settings form an integral part of this course. You will undertake a 13-week placement in both Years 2 and 3 of the course and a one-week on-site placement in Year 4.

Modules

Year 1

• AP1022 Social Psychology
• AP1023 Lifespan Development
• AP1123 Introduction to Biological and Cognitive Perspectives on Psychology
• AP1504 Research Methods for Evidence-Informed Professionals
• ED1010 Historical Developments in the Irish Education Sector
• ED1012 Early Years and Childhood Studies: Pedagogical Principles and Practices
• ED1015 Early Years and Childhood Play and Pedagogy
• ED1016 Infant, Toddler and Childhood Health, Development and Safety
• MU1012 Creative Practice in Music in Early Years Childhood Settings
• SS1019 Children's Social and Cultural Worlds
• SS1020 Social Policy and Society (10 Credits)

Year 2

• Early Years and Childhood Health and Wellbeing Project
• Drama Practice in Early Years and Childhood Settings
• The Curriculum in Special Needs Education
• Physical Activity and Childhood Development
• Practice Preparation and Placement Year 2
• Child Care Policy: Contemporary Issues
• Play Provision for Inclusion in Early Childhood

Year 3

• Psychology of Childhood and Adolescence
• Child and Family Health Psychology
• Educational Leadership in the Early Years Setting
• Early Years and Childhood Education: Policy, Planning and Practice
• Placement Year 3
• Qualitative Research Methods with Children
• Diversity and Gender in Childhood

Year 4

• Applied Quantitative Research Methods
• Applied Developmental Psychology
• Special Educational Needs: Aetiology, Assessment, and Intervention
• Contemporary Developments in Early Years and Childhood Experience
• Science, Technology and Sustainability in Early Education
• Working with Children and Families
• Group Dynamics and Teamwork
• Early Years Research Report

Course Practicalities

Expected Practical Hours

You will undertake a 13-week placement in both Years 2 and 3 of the course and a one-week on-site placement in Year 4.

Assessment

Written exams will take place before Christmas and in May. Not all modules will have formal examinations. Many modules use other types of assessment including portfolio work, research projects and essays, as well as group and individual presentations.

Why Choose This Course

This course allowed me to think critically about pedagogy, personal reflection and how educators can support children to develop their full potential.

• Luke Condon

This qualification opens pathways to pursuing careers in primary school teaching, social care, and psychology.

• Michelle Meaney

The highlight of studying EYCS was my work placements.

• Stella O'Driscoll

Placement or Study Abroad Information

You will undertake a 13-week placement in both Years 2 and 3 of the course and a one-week on-site placement in Year 4.

Erasmus Exchange Partnership

Students have an opportunity to complete their placement with UIC Barcelona, with the University of Adger in Norway, or with the University of Granada as part of the Practice Preparation and Placement module in Year 2 of the programme.

Skills and Careers Information

Several pathways from the degree provide opportunities in the following fields:

• Early years care and education professional
• National school teaching
• Social work
• Youth and community work
• Speech and language therapy
• Play specialist
• Guidance counselling
• Audiology
• Occupational Therapy

Graduates have secured employment as managers of early childhood care and education centres, supervisors and staff, play therapists, primary school teachers, social workers, youth and community workers and disability nurses, among other roles.

Requirements

Leaving Certificate Entry Requirements

At least six subjects must be presented. Minimum grade H5 in two subjects and minimum grade O6/H7 in four other subjects. English and Irish are requirements for all programmes unless the applicant is exempt from Irish.

EU/EFTA/UK Qualifications

EU/EFTA/UK applicants presenting an equivalent school-leaving qualification should review the EU/EFTA/UK Applicants page for information on equivalent grades and how to prove their level of English.

Mature Students

To compete through the mature entry route, applicants must be 23 years of age on or before 1 January of the application year and apply online via the CAO by 1 February.

QQI FET Entry

Applicants who meet the required level of distinctions in required subjects can apply for entry to this course using specific QQI FET qualifications.

Fitness To Practise

This programme is subject to UCC's Fitness to Practise Policy

Student Garda Vetting

All students in this course will come into contact with the public and assume positions of trust through educational and training opportunities. To ensure the protection of the public, and to justify public trust and confidence, UCC is committed to ensuring that only suitable candidates are allowed to undertake this programme.

Fees and Costs

• Whether you are an EU or Non-EU student will affect the course fees applicable to you.
• The State will pay the tuition fees for EU students who are eligible under the Free Fees Scheme.
• The annual student contribution and capitation fees are payable by the student.

How To Apply

Irish and European (EU/EFTA/UK) Applicants

Apply via the CAO.

Mature Applicants

Apply via the CAO by 1 February.

QQI/FET Applicants

Apply via the CAO.

Non-EU Applicants

If you are from outside the EU/EFTA/UK, apply online via the UCC Apply portal.