The past two decades have seen a rapid expansion in early childhood services in Ireland and an increasing awareness of the educational and training needs of early childhood practitioners. This is an applied programme, where the emphasis is on achieving high academic standards and delivering work-based learning in supervised practice placements. We also teach the necessary managerial skills to set up and run a childcare service. This approach is all about helping you to get the knowledge, values and skills needed to perform exceptionally in your chosen field, to engage in research or manage a facility.
This degree programme is delivered through a blend of lectures, workshops, practicals, tutorials and online support. Work placements are an integral part of the programme. All students participate in a supervised work placement in one of a variety of settings in Ireland or abroad for two full semesters. In the final year of the programme, you study research methods, specialise in chosen areas and complete a dissertation on a topic of your choice.
Our graduates often comment on the extremely enjoyable yet challenging nature of the programme, the high level of networking between staff and students and the peer support and camaraderie of fellow students.
We promote current best practice in early childhood studies and have Erasmus links with a range of partner EU institutions. All students are encouraged to develop their own learning styles and professional pathways. To that end, staff teaching on these programmes are supported by a range of professionals, guest lecturers, therapists, and specialists who offer workshops and seminars to deliver a highly interactive learning environment.
