Leadership & Advocacy in the Early Years - Sligo
Through this programme students will develop key skills to help them build their own leadership and advocacy capacity, to shape and influence the key organisations and agencies in the early years sector and to effectively bring about real change.
| Award Name | Degree - Masters (Level 9 NFQ) |
|---|---|
| NFQ Classification | Major |
| Awarding Body | Atlantic Technological University |
| NFQ Level | Level 9 NFQ |
| Award Name | NFQ Classification | Awarding Body | NFQ Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Degree - Masters (Level 9 NFQ) | Major | Atlantic Technological University | Level 9 NFQ |
Duration
2 years part-time online.
Study Hours
Students can expect 3 hours of online lectures and 6-8 hours of individual study weekly.
On-Campus Attendance
The programme is structured around two modules each semester. Each semester includes an onsite residential programme at our Sligo campus.
Entry Requirements
Applicants require a 2.2 BA Honours in Early Childhood or cognate discipline and will have at least two years experience working in the early years sector or a related field completed at the end of the programme of study. Where large numbers apply far exceeding available places shortlisting of applications for an interview may occur.
Recognition of Prior Learning: Yes
Careers / Further progression
Progression Pathways
Many of our Masters programmes are structured in a way that includes recognised entry and exit awards. This means that you can apply for part of Masters first and learn at your own pace or if you are unable to complete the full programme, you can still gain a recognised qualification. Our entry and exit awards typically include Postgraduate Certificate award and a Postgraduate Diploma award.
Further information
Start Date: September 2025.
Total Fees: €7,200.
Flexible learning courses are popular, and they fill on a first come, first served basis. There are two major intake periods throughout the academic year, September and January.
For January start courses, applications typically open in October, and for September start courses, applications typically open in February. Closing dates for applications are listed on the individual course webpage.
Through this programme students will develop key skills to help them build their own leadership and advocacy capacity, to shape and influence the key organisations and agencies in the early years sector and to effectively bring about real change.
Who should apply?
This programme is suitable for anyone seeking to move into a leadership role in the ECEC sector career e.g. Early Years Inspectorate, Better Start Mentors, Manager/ Support and Development Staff of City and County Childcare Committees, Management/Leadership roles in Tusla, Management/Policy roles with National Voluntary Organisations, Management roles in Family Resource Centres and as managers of both private and community Early Years services.
Modules:
Organisations & Change
Research Project
Assessment of the programme will be through a broad variety of student-centered and active techniques.
Course Contacts
Admissions: admissions.sligo@atu.ie
Student Advisor:
Saoirse Kennedy: saoirse.kennedy@atu.ie