Expand+Mature Students
As this is a flexible degree, the mature age is 21 years or older by 1st January in the year of entry to the University. Admission is based on application and interview. All mature applicants must:

Be at least 21 years of age on ...

Hide-Mature Students
As this is a flexible degree, the mature age is 21 years or older by 1st January in the year of entry to the University. Admission is based on application and interview. All mature applicants must:

Be at least 21 years of age on or before 1.1.2022 for admission in September 2022

Complete placement in a Tusla notified setting (300 hours per academic year minimum working directly with children aged from birth to six years – own work setting acceptable). In each year students must complete an additional 15 hours in an alternate setting.

Possess sufficient language, literacy, numeracy and ICT skills
Attend for interview if shortlisted

Undertake vetting by National Vetting Bureau

Priority will be given to mature students who have experience of working with young children and who have completed Level 5 and/or Level 6 in early years studies.

Mature students must complete the CAO section for mature applicants fully, indicating clearly past or current studies, and outlining educational goals and objectives. Applicants are assessed on the basis of the information provided on their CAO application form. All questions should be answered in full.

What happens after I have submitted my application?
Mature students who meet the application criteria will be shortlisted and invited to come to Maynooth University in March/April for an interview and will be advised accordingly
Mature student applicants who have a disability

If you have a disability or specific learning difficulty (e.g. dyslexia), please contact the Access Office.
https://www.maynoothuniversity.ie/access-office

Expand+Flexible, Level 8, honours degree, catering for those currently working in the ECEC sector. Those aspiring to enter the Early Childhood Education and Care sector from Leaving Certificate or further education paths may be interested in the full-time p...

Hide-Flexible, Level 8, honours degree, catering for those currently working in the ECEC sector. Those aspiring to enter the Early Childhood Education and Care sector from Leaving Certificate or further education paths may be interested in the full-time programme MH003.

Why choose this degree?

The programme is closely linked with Early Childhood Education and Care practice, and its lecturers are experienced in the development, delivery and advocacy of Early Childhood Education and Care. The unique partnership between Maynooth University and Early Childhood Ireland ensures unparalleled support in linking theory and practice for excellence in ECEC.

Work placements take place in Tusla-notified Early Childhood Education and Care settings. Those working in the sector may use their workplace as their placement setting. However alternative placements are also required each year.

The Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Teaching and Learning is a progressive Level 8 degree, supporting the development of outstanding early childhood educators.

This degree offers graduates the option of progressing their careers in varied professional roles.

Expand+Course structure

This flexible degree will prepare you for a range of leadership roles in the Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) sector

Possible topics 1st year

This programme is designed for Early Years Educators working in early chi...

Hide-Course structure

This flexible degree will prepare you for a range of leadership roles in the Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) sector

Possible topics 1st year

This programme is designed for Early Years Educators working in early childhood education and care settings. Applicants with a Level 6 qualification in Early Childhood Education and Care may apply for exemption from year 1.

Those aspiring to enter the Early Childhood Education and Care sector from Leaving Certificate or further education paths may be interested in the full-time programme MH003.

Possible topics 2nd year

Reflective Practice: Integrating Theory and Practice
Early Childhood Learning & Development: Practices (birth – 6yrs)
Building Relationships with Children, Families and Communities
Exploring Curricula & Pedagogy: Supporting Enquiry
Children’s Health & Well-being
Social & Legal Context of Early Childhood
Play
Professional Development and Professional Placement 2

Possible topics 3rd year

Reflective Practice: Educator as Change Agent
Early Childhood Learning & Development in Context (birth – 6yrs)
Inclusive Practices for Children and Families
Supporting Creativity and Imagination
Language and Literacy in Early Childhood
Pedagogical Documentation & Assessment
Establishing Quality Indoor and Outdoor Environments in Early Childhood
Professional Development and Professional Placement 3

Possible topics 4th year

Reflective Practice: Research and Methodology
Early Childhood Learning & Development Challenges birth – 6yrs
Leadership & Management in Early Childhood Education & Care
Social Justice, Ethics and Diversity
Transitions in Early Childhood Education & Care
Dominant Discourse/Global Perspectives in Early Childhood Education & Care
STEAM in Early Childhood Education & Care
Professional Development and Professional Placement 4

Expand+Graduates emerge as early years teaching professionals. Career progression within this sector for those with a level 8 Early Childhood degree is expanding rapidly within and beyond Early Childhood Education and Care settings to include opportunities ...

Hide-Graduates emerge as early years teaching professionals. Career progression within this sector for those with a level 8 Early Childhood degree is expanding rapidly within and beyond Early Childhood Education and Care settings to include opportunities within policy development and evaluation agencies within government departments, semi-state bodies and NGO’s.

The Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Teaching and Learning positions graduates to spearhead and lead learning in Early Childhood Education and Care services. Graduates may also take up roles with local development agencies within the early childhood sector, both nationally and internationally.

Visit the Graduate Studies website for more information about postgraduate options
https://www.maynoothuniversity.ie/graduate-studies