Program Overview

Early Childhood Education & Care (Bachelor of Arts (Hons), L8, 60 ECTS)

Course Overview

The aim of this flexible, blended learning programme is to provide students with the opportunity to enhance and develop their overall professional early years practice. The programme encourages the development of one’s knowledge to lead and manage quality inclusive early years education and care practice. There is an emphasis on the enhancement of play both within the indoor and outdoor learning environments. A specific focus of the programmes includes fostering a comprehensive understanding of partnership working with children, families and communities. Students will be encouraged to critically reflect on their own professional practice throughout the programme.

Entry Requirements

• A Level 7 Ordinary degree in a cognate discipline or equivalent qualification.
• Recognised Prior Learning (RPL) – Assessment: Please review the entry requirements for this programme. If you do not hold these qualifications but would like your application to be assessed under RPL, please select YES on the online application form.
• ENGLISH LANGUAGE: Applicants who do not have English as their first language must ensure they satisfy English Language requirements. For entry to undergraduate courses, a score of 5.5 in an IELTS or equivalent exam is required. For postgraduate courses, a score of 6.0 in an IELTS or equivalent exam is required.

Module Outline

• Leadership and Change Management
• Advancing Outdoor Learning in Early Years
• Child Family and Community
• The Early Years Professional
• Management and Governance in ECEC
• Transitions in the Early Years
• Therapeutic Play For ECEC
• Problem Based Action research

Delivery

• The proposed delivery schedule is subject to change.
• Modules are to be delivered over one year in a blended learning format.
• Monday & Wednesday evenings, 7-9pm (online) plus 4 in-person Saturday classes per semester alternating between TUS Moylish & TUS Thurles campuses, commencing September 2026. Start date To be confirmed.

Assessment

• The assessment will include a variety of methods these include, written, assignments, portfolios, skills demonstration and a possible exam. A Problem Based Learning Action Research Project will also be part of the programme.

Qualification

• Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Early Childhood Education and Care (Level 8, 60 ECTS)

Fees

• €4,800 (€2,400 per academic year) – Indicative course fee for 2026

Application Deadline

• To be confirmed for September 2026 intake.