Early Childhood Education & Care - Galway
The BA Early Childhood Education and Care programme provides experiences, insights and knowledge into early childhood education and care with a focus on the care and education of young children aged 0-6 years. The aim of the programme is to empower and support well-informed, articulate professionals who are passionate about early childhood education and care.
| Award Name | Degree - Ordinary Bachelor (Level 7 NFQ) |
|---|---|
| NFQ Classification | Major |
| Awarding Body | Atlantic Technological University |
| NFQ Level | Level 7 NFQ |
| Award Name | NFQ Classification | Awarding Body | NFQ Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Degree - Ordinary Bachelor (Level 7 NFQ) | Major | Atlantic Technological University | Level 7 NFQ |
Duration
2 years full-time.
Entry Requirements
Early Years Educators with a QQI FET Level 6 award in ECEC or equivalent, which appear on the Department of Children Equality Disability Integration and Youth ( DCEDIY) list of Early Years Recognised Qualifications are acceptable for application to year 2 of this programme.
Atlantic Technological University also offer opportunities to potential students through the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) process.
Early Years Educators with the above qualifications are eligible for consideration to enter directly into Year 2 of the BA ECEC programme on the Galway campus. Students accessing in year two of the programme will graduate in two years with a Level 7 BA ECEC award.
Advanced Entry
Applications are welcome for entry to stage 2 of a programme at ATU, following completion of a cognate QQI FET Level 6 Major award.
Transfers into years two, three or four are also welcome from those who have completed learning in a cognate area in another Higher-Level Institute (HEI).
Applications will open in early 2027.
Careers / Further progression
Careers
There is growing recognition that Early Childhood Education and Care is a distinctive specialty with its own career pathways. It will offer enhanced employability within the rapidly professionalising sector, furthermore, the degree will offer graduates a gateway to a number of careers including:
Practice:
• Working as an Early Years Educator, room leader or manager in an ECEC setting.
• Working as an Early Years Educator, team leader or manager in a social care setting.
Research:
• Assistant researcher in the voluntary, statutory sector.
• Assistant researcher in an academic institution.
Policy:
• Early Years Specialist
• Voluntary and Statutory Agencies
• Childcare Committees
• Tusla Early Years Inspectorate
• Department of Education Early Years Inspectorate.
Progression
Learners who complete the level 7 degree can exit with a level 7 award and /or can progress onto the level 8 qualification. Following successful completion of level 7/8 Early Childhood Education and Care, graduates can undertake a variety of career paths in education, care, research and policy positions.
ATU qualifications are recognised internationally, Graduates may progress to pursue study in related fields at post graduate diploma, Masters or PhD level.
Further information
Total Fees EU: €2,500.
Fee listed is per annum. As this is a full-time programme, students may qualify for SUSI funding please see www.susi.ie The BA ECEC at ATU Galway and Mayo campuses is approved by the Quality Advisory board and is eligible for the Nurturing Skills Learner Fund. Educators are advised to check with local childcare committees.
Course Overview
The BA Early Childhood Education and Care programme provides experiences, insights and knowledge into early childhood education and care with a focus on the care and education of young children aged 0-6 years. The aim of the programme is to empower and support well-informed, articulate professionals who are passionate about early childhood education and care.
The programme has a strong focus on play, playful learning and pedagogy, it celebrates the importance of connecting with nature and outdoor play and learning experiences. All learning on the programme is underpinned by a rights based approach and children’s rights as identified under the UNCRC (1989). This firm academic foundation is cemented by a strong emphasis on the application of theory to practice, which also links with the alternative approaches to assessment, where assessment links to learners’ experiences in ECEC settings. . The programme is ultimately designed to provide learners with the skills and competencies required for autonomous working with young children aged 0-6 years.
This programme is designed to meet the needs of Educators who work in the sector and wish to upskill to Degree level.
Educators can combine their work with their study. Classes/lectures on the Galway campus are Tuesday and Thursday 2-8pm with practice placement allocated in working hours.
Please note: Students enter directly to Year 2 of this programme.
This course is also available to study on our Mayo campus.
Year 1
Semester 1
Pedagogy in Early Childhood Education and Care
Exploring Curriculum
Academic and Professional Skills (SC:CB)
Semester 2
Language, Literacy and Numeracy
Health, Safety and Well-Being
Importance of Play and Creativity
Year
Building and Managing Interpersonal Relationships
Practice Development 1 – Quality and Practice
Psychology and Child Development 0-6 Years
Year 2
Semester 1
Childhood Development and Learning (Under 3'S)
Reframing Disability and Inclusive Practice
Sociological Discourse in Early Childhood Education and Care
Semester 2
Supporting Enquiry to enact the Curriculum
Diversity and Equality
Learning Environments
Year
Research with Children
Early Childhood Law
Practice Development 2 – Quality and Practice
Year 3
Semester 1
Family Centred Practice and Supports
Transitions in Early Childhood Education and Care
Introduction to Business Management in Early Childhood Education and Care
Employment Law
Semester 2
Practice Placement Development 3
Pedagogical Documentation in ECEC
Introduction to Research in Social Science
Year
Outdoor Play
Leadership and Governance in ECEC Settings
Department of Early Education and Social Studies
Louise Kilbane
Programme Chair
T: +353 (0) 94 9043138
E: louise.kilbane@atu.ie
Dr Rita Melia
Lecturer Early Childhood Education and Care
T: 091 742735
E: rita.melia@atu.ie