BA (Hons) in Leadership and Management for the Early Years Sector
Three great reasons to consider this course
- QQI Level 8 Award
- Blended course delivery (online & in-class) to allow greater flexibility to learners as they manage full-time employment and part-time study.
- Programme is recognised on the Department of Children and Youth Affairs early years qualifications listing that meets the regulatory requirements for working in the Early Years sector in Ireland.
Course Summary
The aim of the programme is to provide learners with a specialised knowledge and understanding that enables them to respond effectively to ongoing and future developments in the Early Years Sector.

Important notice about this course
Application deadline Tuesday 5th September or until all places are taken, whichever comes first.
The aim of the programme is to provide learners with a specialised knowledge and understanding that enables them to respond effectively to ongoing and future developments in the Early Years Sector.
Students will be empowered to become more knowledgeable, skilled and autonomous early childhood practitioners who can critically evaluate and reflect on current practice and who are committed to active and supportive team leadership. The programme aims to nurture students' personal, social and professional development with a view to producing a highly competent professional educator who strives towards achieving ethical, evidence-based practice within the Early Years sector
Stage 1 / Semester 1
- Leadership and Mentoring in the Early Years Sector
- Early Years Evidence Based Project ( Part 1 of 2 )
- Reflective Pedagogy and the Professional Educator
Stage 1 / Semester 2
The course takes place over one academic year (two semesters). The course uses a blended learning approach, whereby learners engage in class contact and online delivery.
Programmes are now being delivered online on Mondays and Wednesdays (18.00hrs to 21.30hrs) and full 3 Saturdays (09.00hrs to 16.00hrs) face to face (in either DkIT or CCOC, Cork).
Please note this is subject to change
Due to the blended learning delivery within this course, students should have access to PC / Mac and a broadband internet connection from home, so as to be able to fully participate in the course.
€2,500 per annum payable in four payments.
- Payment 1 = Offer Acceptance Fee of €100 (non-refundable)
- Payment 2 = €1,150 (payable by 31st October)
- Payment 3 = €1,250 (payable by 28th February)
Level 7 BA in Early years or equivalent. The level 7 academic programme must have included research.
Graduates of other disciplines will be assessed for entry through the recognition of prior learning process on an individual case by case basis. Candidates may be interviewed.
Work experience while undertaking the BA (Hons) in Leadership and Management for the Early Years Sector:
Applicants should have access to a Tusla Registered Early Years’ service or work in another relevant organisation in the Early Years Sector throughout their Programme for a minimum of 15 hours per week. This is to facilitate the integration of theory with practice (focus on reflexivity) and to meet the programme learning outcomes.
Caroline McDonnell
Lecturer in Early Childhood Studies
Phone: +353 42 9370200Email: Caroline.McDonnell@dkit.ie
Dr. Geraldine O’Connor
Head of Section (Part time courses), School of Health and Science
Phone: +353 42 9370200Email: geraldine.oconnor@dkit.ie
Course ID | DK_NNLME_8 |
Course Type | Flexible & Professional |
Study Mode | Part-Time |
Level | 8 |
Duration | 1 Year |
Fees | €2500 per annum |
Starting Date | Monday 18th September 2023 |
School | School of Health & Science |
Department | Nursing, Midwifery and Early Years |
Credits | 60 |
Awarding Body | Dundalk Institute of Technology |
Delivery Method | Blended |