Early Childhood Education & Practice - Carlow
Early Childhood Education and Practice focuses on empowering babies and young children to become confident and capable learners through nurturing relationships.
| Award Name | Degree - Ordinary Bachelor (Level 7 NFQ) |
|---|---|
| NFQ Classification | Major |
| Awarding Body | South East Technological University |
| NFQ Level | Level 7 NFQ |
| Award Name | NFQ Classification | Awarding Body | NFQ Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Degree - Ordinary Bachelor (Level 7 NFQ) | Major | South East Technological University | Level 7 NFQ |
Duration
3 years, part-time, blended.
Delivery
How the Programme is Delivered
This programme is designed with flexibility in mind, recognising that many students are balancing study with work and family commitments.
Years 1 and 2 — Blended Learning In your first two years, the programme is delivered in a blended format. Some weeks you will attend on campus at SETU and on the remaining weeks you will engage with your studies online. This gives you the best of both worlds — the flexibility of online learning combined with valuable face-to-face time to build relationships with your lecturers and classmates that will support you throughout your studies and beyond.
Years 3 — Fully Online In your third year, the programme moves to fully online delivery, giving you maximum flexibility as you advance your studies and professional practice.
Please note: Any module that includes an end of module formal examination will require you to attend your campus in person to sit that exam.
Entry Requirements
All applicants will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Lifelong Learning reserves the right to require applicants to attend for an interview to determine their suitability for the course.
Ideally, applicants should currently be employed in an Early Childhood setting.
NB: Because this course must undertake Supervised Professional Placement that will bring students into contact with children and vulnerable adults, SETU is committed to ensuring that only suitable candidates are allowed to undertake these courses. SETU uses the Garda Central Vetting Unit (GCVU) vetting service to assess the suitability of all applicants. Therefore, offers on this course are conditional and could subsequently be withdrawn if applicants do not meet the Garda Vetting requirements. In year 1, work based learners must complete a minimum of 120 professional Placement hours in Semester 2. In year 2, work based learners must complete a minimum of 265 hours of supervised professional practice. In year 3, work based learners must complete a minimum of 265 hours of supervised professional practice
Careers / Further progression
Career Opportunities
Graduates of this programme are prepared for a wide range of roles across the early childhood sector and beyond, including:
Early Childhood Educator or Room Leader
Childcare Manager or Centre Director
School-Age Childcare Practitioner
Special Educational Needs Support
Early Childhood Policy and Advocacy
Community and Family Support Work
Further academic study and research
Further Study
Graduates who successfully complete the course will be able to apply for year 4 of the Honours degree.
Graduates will have the knowledge, competencies and skills to work directly with, or on behalf of, babies and young children in a range of early childhood settings, particularly in the ECCE ‘free’ pre-school year funded by the Department of Children and Youth Affairs. Professional employment opportunities can include roles as room leaders, managers and leaders in early childhood settings such as: pre-schools; crèches; special needs services; family support centres and community services. Opportunities may include leadership roles in county childhood care committees, specialists with Better Start National Early Years Quality Development, or inspectors with the Department of Education and Skills.
Further information
Next Intake September 2026
Application Deadline 30 Sep 2026
What is Early Childhood Education and Practice?
Early Childhood Education and Practice focuses on empowering babies and young children to become confident and capable learners through nurturing relationships. High-quality education during these formative years is critical, with research showing that better educator qualifications lead to higher-quality learning environments and experiences for children.
Our programme is eligible for the Nurturing Skills Learner Fund (NSLF) for the 2026/27 academic year. This initiative supports early years educators in pursuing degree-level qualifications while continuing to work in the Early Learning and Care (ELC) sector. The NSLF assists in the financial costs for early year’s educators who wish to pursue ELC qualifications approved by the Qualifications Advisory Board (QAB) at level 7 and level 8 while continuing to work in a core funded service. At the heart of Nurturing Skills is a vision of: ‘A well-qualified, skilled, diverse and valued professional workforce that is centred on children’s rights, needs and potential and that provides quality experiences for children in partnership with families, and which continues to advance its professional development within a coherent and competent system.’ It aligns with the government’s goal of achieving a graduate-led ELC workforce by 2028. For detailed eligibility criteria and application guidelines, visit gov.ie/NurturingSkillsLearnerFund.
From 10th March, 2026, new applicants should email Pobal, at NSLF@pobal.ie to request a link to the NSLF Student Portal in order to create an account and upload employment details and complete the new application process. Applicants who previously applied for NSLF and were unsuccessful, should make a new application for the academic year 2026/2027 through the NSLF Student Portal.
Course Overview
This three year ordinary degree at NFQ level 7 is designed for existing practitioners who wish to obtain a recognised qualification in early years education. The programme blends academic theory with extensive hands-on professional experience, giving you the knowledge, skills and confidence to make a real difference in the lives of young children, their families, and communities.
Graduates are equipped not just to work in early childhood settings, but to lead them — shaping policy, championing children's rights, and driving quality in the sector.
What You Will Study
The programme is structured across three stages, with modules spanning child development, psychology, sociology, law, creative arts, STEM, pedagogy, and professional practice.
Year 1 — Building Your Foundations You'll explore the history and philosophy of early childhood education, child development theory, introductory psychology and sociology, children's health and wellbeing, and the principles of play-based learning. You'll also develop essential academic writing and research skills from day one.
Modules include: Early Childhood Education and Practice · Child Development · Introduction to Psychology · Introduction to Sociology · Children's Health, Care and Wellbeing · Play-based Pedagogy · Creative Arts Practice in Early Childhood · Introduction to Children's Social Policy · Academic Writing and Enquiry in Higher Education
Year 2 — Deepening Your Knowledge Building on Year 1, you'll explore diversity, equality and inclusion, language and multilingualism, school-age childcare, and the psychology and sociology of childhood. This year also includes a substantial 400-hour supervised professional placement.
Modules include: Supervised Professional Practice 2 · The Psychology and Sociology of Children and Childhoods · Diversity, Equality and Inclusion in Early Childhood Practice · Language and Multilingualism in Early Childhood Practice · School-Age Childcare Practice · Creative Arts Practice for School-Aged Children
Year 3 — Advancing Your Practice You'll develop advanced pedagogical skills, study children's law, regulation and inspection systems, educational needs, STEM curriculum, and children's health and wellbeing from a critical perspective. A second 400-hour supervised placement takes place this year.
Modules include: Advanced Pedagogical Practices · Law for Early Childhood Practice · Regulation and Inspection in Early Childhood Education · Educational Needs · STEM Curriculum for Early Childhood and Afterschool Education · Critical Perspectives on Children's Health and Wellbeing · Supervised Professional Practice 3
Professional Practice — Learning on the Job
One of the most distinctive features of this degree is its strong emphasis on real-world professional experience. Over the three years, you will complete:
SPP1 — 120 hours of Supervised professional practice (Year 1)
SPP2 — 265-hour supervised placement in an early childhood setting (Year 2)
SPP3 — 265-hour supervised placement in a diverse practice context (Year 3)
These placements are supported by workshops, peer learning, and reflective portfolio work, ensuring you connect theory directly to practice.
What You Will Graduate With
On completing the programme, you will be able to:
Apply knowledge of child development, psychology, and sociology to real-world practice
Implement the national frameworks Aistear and Síolta with confidence
Design inclusive, play-based learning environments for babies, toddlers, and school-age children
Understand and work within Irish child law, regulation, and inspection systems
Support children with diverse educational needs and promote equality and inclusion
Work collaboratively with families, communities, and co-professionals
Take a leadership role within an early childhood setting
Conduct independent research at Level 7 standard
Engage in ongoing professional development and reflective practice
Flexible Pathways and Exit Awards
The programme offers embedded exit awards at each stage, so if your circumstances change, you won't leave empty-handed:
Year 1 exit — Certificate in Education: Introduction to Early Childhood Studies (Level 6, 60 credits)
Year 2 exit — Higher Certificate in Education in Early Childhood Education and Practice (Level 6, 120 credits)
Year 3 exit — Bachelor of Education in Early Childhood Education and Practice (Level 7, 180 credits)
Please note on successful completion of year 3, you can apply to complete your Honours degree with SETU.
Modules
Academic Writing and Enquiry in Higher Education
Introduction to Sociology
Creative Arts Practice in Early Childhood
Introduction to Psychology
Early Childhood Education and Practice
Play-based Pedagogy
Introduction to Children’s Social Policy
Children’s Health, Care and Wellbeing
Child Development
Supervised Professional Practice 2
Language and Multilingualism in Early Childhood Practice
Diversity and Inclusion
School Age Childcare Practice
Creative Arts Practice for School Aged Children
The Psychology and Sociology of Children & Childhoods
Critical Perspectives on Children’s Health and Wellbeing
Regulation and Inspection in Early Childhood Education
STEM Curriculum for Early Childhood and After-school Education
Law for Early Childhood Practice
Advanced Pedagogical Practices
Educational Needs
Supervised Professional Practice 3
Course Leader
Eoin O'Brien
Lifelong learning manager -
Call: +353599175280
Email: eoin.obrien@setu.ie