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Undergraduate

BA (Hons) in Early Childhood Studies

Build strong foundations and shape bright futures
DK876
226 Points

CAO Code

DK876

Start Date

September 2024

Course Capacity

25

Duration

4 Years

Work Placement

Yes

NFQ Level

8

Discipline Area

Early Childhood Studies, Teaching & Learning

Course Type

Undergraduate

Study Mode

Full-Time

Delivery

On Campus

Course Overview

This course provides comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the early years of a child’s life. This course is focused on the holistic development of young children and aims to equip students with the necessary skills to work effectively with children, families, and communities. Students explore key theories, research findings, and practical approaches related to child development, learning, and wellbeing.

The curriculum covers a wide range of topics, including early literacy and numeracy, play-based learning, inclusive education, and family engagement. Students also gain insights into early intervention strategies, assessment methods, and effective communication techniques with young children. In addition to theoretical knowledge, the course includes practical components such as placement in early childhood settings and play sessions on campus. These hands-on experiences enable students to apply their learning in real-world contexts, observe child development firsthand, and develop essential skills in working with children and families.

What makes this course different

Pathway to Primary Teaching

Graduates can choose to study a Professional Masters in Education Course (Primary Teaching) to progress into Primary School teaching.

Placements Each Year

There is a Professional Practice Placement in each of the four years which provides students with an opportunity to learn from experience through supervised practice.

Understanding the Industry

Early childhood studies is a field dedicated to understanding and enhancing the lives of young children. It combines theory, research, and practical applications to provide a solid foundation for those working with and studying the unique developmental needs of young children. Early childhood studies are an interdisciplinary field that focuses on the physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development of children from birth to early childhood. The field seeks to understand how children learn, grow, and interact with their environment during the crucial early years of life.

Career Opportunities

This course is designed to meet the growing demand for early childhood specialists across the diversity of early childhood care and education services and addresses the needs of the public, community and private sectors.

Future Careers:

  • Early Years Educator
  • Education Consultant
  • Further Education Tutor
  • Education Mental Health Practitioner
  • Family Support Worker
  • School Age Childcare Educator
  • Play Specialist
  • Learning Mentor
  • Preschool Education Inspectorate (DES)
  • Preschool Inspectorate (TUSLA)

In these areas:

  • Policy development and evaluation agencies within government departments, semi-state bodies, and NGOs
  • Nurseries and pre-schools
  • State and independent schools
  • Local authorities
  • Local and national charities
  • Health authorities

Course Delivery and Modules

  • Year 1

    • Theories and Perspectives on Play
    • Child Development
    • Learning to Learn in Early Childhood Studies
    • Promoting Well-being
    • Music and Movement for Babies and Young Children
    • Interactions: Hanen Certificate
    • Observation and the Assessment Process in Early Childhood
    • Professional Practice 1
  • Year 2

    • The Young Child with Additional Needs
    • Guiding Young Children’s Behavior and Self-Regulation
    • Professional Practice 2
    • Speech, Language and Communication Difficulties
    • The Visual Arts in Early Childhood Education
    • Exploring and Thinking in Early Childhood
    • Introducing Evidence-Based Practice
    • Physical Activity in Early Childhood
    • Sociology of the Child and Family
    • Exploring Numeracy and Literacy in Early Childhood
  • Year 3

    • Pedagogical Framing
    • Outdoor Play and Learning
    • The Reflective Early Childhood Practitioner
    • Consultation and Evaluation
    • Applied Law and Regulation in Early Childhood
    • School Age Childcare
    • Pretend Play, Storytelling, and Children’s Literature
    • Professional Practice 3
    • Social Policy and the Voice of the Child
    • Entrepreneurship, Business, and Management Skills in the Early Years Context
  • Year 4

    • Early Years Curriculum in the Irish Context
    • Reflective Pedagogy and the Professional Educator
    • Early Years Research Project
    • Professional Practice 4
    • Contemporary Practice
    • Identity & Psychological Well-being in Early Childhood
    • Leadership and Advocacy in the Early Years Sector
    • Early Years Research Project

Work Placement

Work placement is an integral part of the course with a Professional Practice Placement in each of the four years which provides students with an opportunity to learn from experience through supervised practice.

  • In first year, the placement is with typically developing children in full day-care (12 weeks)
  • In second year, the placement will be with children who have additional needs (7 weeks)
  • In third year, the student can choose a specialist placement of particular interest. This may be an international placement (6-8 weeks)
  • In fourth year, the student group, manage and run a parent & baby group in the college (1 day a week over the semester)

Education Progression

Graduates can choose to study a Professional Masters in Education Course (Primary Teaching) to progress into Primary School teaching.

Fees and Funding

Please find information on fees and funding here: www.dkit.ie/fees

Entry Requirements

Standard entry requirements apply. There are no special entry requirements for this course.


Please Note: Due of the work placement element of this course, applicants must successfully pass Garda/Police vetting for all jurisdictions where the student was/is resident. Early Childhood Studies students are also required to complete a vaccination programme in advance of placement.

Recent CAO Points

2023 CAO Round 1 Points

226

How To Apply

Apply on CAO

All standard entry first-year applicants must apply for entry through the CAO. See Important application dates for CAO and information for specific applicant types below:

CAO Code: DK876
Apply on CAO

Advanced Entry & Transfer Applications

Advanced Entry is for applicants who have previous educational achievements and/or work experience and want to be considered for direct entry into year  2, 3, or 4 of a course. This includes students looking to transfer to DkIT from another Higher Education provider.

Closing Date: 6th June
Apply Now

International Application (non-EU)

International Applicants (not from or living in the EU) can apply through an agent or directly to DkIT to study this course.

Ask us a Question

If you have a question about the BA (Hons) in Early Childhood Studies please ask it below and we will get back to you.


Mary McSkeane

Programme Director

Email: mary.mcskeane@dkit.ie

Disclaimer: All module titles are subject to change and for indicative purposes only. All courses are delivered subject to demand and timetables are subject to change. Elective Module options will only run subject to student numbers. The relevant Department will determine the viability of each elective module option proceeding depending on the number of students who choose that option. Students will be offered alternative elective modules on their programme should their preferred elective option not be proceeding. Award Options for Common Entry Programmes: The relevant Department will determine the viability of each award option proceeding depending on the number of students who choose either option. If the numbers for one of the Award options exceed available places, students for this option will be selected based on Academic Merit (highest grades).