Early Childhood Studies - Letterkenny
Students will develop the skills necessary to assimilate an understanding of the complex and diverse nature of the subject, as well as more general skills which will be widely transferable.
| Award Name | Degree - Honours Bachelor (Level 8 NFQ) |
|---|---|
| NFQ Classification | Major |
| Awarding Body | Atlantic Technological University |
| NFQ Level | Level 8 NFQ |
| Award Name | NFQ Classification | Awarding Body | NFQ Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Degree - Honours Bachelor (Level 8 NFQ) | Major | Atlantic Technological University | Level 8 NFQ |
Duration
2 years full-time.
Entry Requirements
Minimum Entry Requirements
• NI/UK: Students must have a UK Level 5 Childcare qualification.
• ROI: Students must have an ROI Level 6 Childcare qualification.
The selection process is implemented by ATU. Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and Recognition of Prior Experiential Learning (RPEL) will also be considered for entry.
Special Requirements
Garda Vetting
Non-Eu candidates will not be considered for this course unless there are still places available after all eligible EU candidates have been considered. Offerees are subject to garda vetting. Registration is temporary until garda vetting is successfully completed. Students who cannot complete garda vetting may be unable to go out on necessary placement or to fulfil course requirements. In such cases, students will be ineligible to complete registration & will be required to leave the course.
Early Childhood Studies Work Placement
Professional Practice Placement provides invaluable experience for students. Level 8 students complete 750 hours and Level 6 students complete 300 hours. Students must work with children in the following age groups:
• Birth – 18 months
• 18 – 36 months
• 3 – 6 years
Careers / Further progression
Progression
Graduates may choose to progress to the Master of Arts in Transformative Leadership in Child, Family and Community Practice.
Further information
ATU work in collaboration with North West Regional College (NWRC) to deliver the BSc (Hons) Early Childhood Studies Add-On programme for those who already hold a UK/NI Level 5 qualification in Early Years.
Entry onto the degree programme will be at Year 3 of the four-year programme. Students will develop the skills necessary to assimilate an understanding of the complex and diverse nature of the subject, as well as more general skills which will be widely transferable. Students will become familiar with the Republic of Ireland curriculum developments and implement Aistear: the Early Childhood Curriculum Framework and Síolta, the National Quality Framework for Early Childhood in their placement, which can be in either Northern Ireland or the Republic of Ireland.
Year 1
Semester 1 - Mandatory Modules
• Communication in Early Years (10 credits)
• Developmental Psychology (10 credits)
• Positive Partnerships and Family Support in ECEC (5 credits)
• Research Processes & Methods for ECCE (5 credits)
Semester 2 - Elective Modules
• Practice Placement 2 (30 credits)
• International Study & Placement (30 credits)
• Study Abroad (30 credits)
Year 2
Semester 1 - Mandatory
• Comparative Education (10 credits)
• Research for Evidence Based Practice (10 credits)
• Leadership and Supervision in ECEC (5 credits)
• Practice Placement III (5 credits)
Semester 2 - Mandatory
• Children with Additional Needs (10 credits)
• Outdoor Play & Risk Mastery (10 credits)
• Curricula and Playful Pedagogy in Primary Education (5 credits)
• Mentoring and Professional Development (5 credits)
Head of Department
Dr Nigel McKelvey
E: EESS.Donegal@atu.ie