What is the BA (Hons) in Early Childhood Care and Education?
The BA (Hons) in Early Childhood Care and Education is a four year course of study. The course is designed under four important academic pillars namely, theory, practice, research and reflective practice.
This course produces professionally qualified graduates who work effectively in a wide range of early years’ contexts, with children up to the age of eight years. The course involves the study of core, interrelated disciplines including early years’ education, psychology, sociology, law and personal and professional development and supervised professional practice placements which are essential to effective working in ECCE settings
Special Feature of BA (Hons) in Early Childhood Care and Education
Students have the opportunity to complete supervised work-based placements; in semesters three, six and eight of the programme . These supervised placements enable students to gain invaluable practice experience and skills, facilitating deep engagement with the concepts of care and education, and ‘hands on’ experience of working for young children, parents and practitioners. These placement experiences further facilitate the students’ learning and application of knowledge from the disciplines studied to specific areas of professional practice. Students conclude their final year with a research dissertation connected to early years theory and practice which allows them focus on a specific area of interest to them.
Note: Garda clearance is required for all students taking this course
Year 1
Semester 1
Semester 2
Critical Thinking and Academic Skills
Child Developmental Psychology 1
Early Years Pedagogies Children as Learners
Children and Social Interaction
History of Care in Irish Social Policy
Early Years Education: Methods and Practice
Introduction to Psychology
Introduction to Research
Introduction to Sociological Problems
Irish Family Policy
Personal and Professional Development: Early Childhood Studies 1
Personal and Professional Development: Early Childhood Studies 2
Year 2
Semester 3
Semester 4
Practice Placement: Early Childhood Studies 1
Child Development Psychology 2
Understanding Gender
Irish Early Childhood Education Policies
Introduction to Irish Law
Early Childhood Assessment
Personal and Professional Development: Early Childhood Studies 3
Year 3
Semester 5
Semester 6
Early Years Curriculum, Quality and Practice
Practice Placement: Early Childhood Studies 2
Early Learning and Play
Children's Rights, Citizenship and Social Policy
Personal and Professional Development: Early Childhood Studies 4
Comparative Early Years Education and Care
Children with Additional Needs
Year 4
Semester 7
Semester 8
Direct Work with Children, Parents and Staff
Practice Placement: Early Childhood Studies 3
Children and the Law
Social Research Methods
Child Health and Wellbeing
Managing Early Years Contexts
Diversity and Inclusion in Early Childhood
Leaving Cert: Minimum entry requirements for the BA (Hons) in Early Childhood Care and Education:
2 subjects: H5 4 subjects: O6/H7 English or Irish: O6/H7 Mathematics: O6/H7
Advanced and Equivalent Entry for the BA (Hons) in Early Childhood Care and Education:
Other Requirements for BA (Hons) in Early Childhood Care and Education:
Places are offered on the programme subject to satisfactory Garda Vetting clearance.
Career Opportunities
This course facilitates students who wish to pursue professional careers in ECCE contexts, postgraduate studies in Early Childhood Studies and related disciplines. Graduates of our programme can work within the following settings:
Early Years Child Care and Education including crèches, nurseries, Montessori’s and playgroups
Children’s Residential Care Centres
Statutory and Non-Statutory Children’s Services
Family Support Services
Specialist educational facilities that work with children with diverse levels and types of abilities
Follow on Study for BA (Hons) in Early Childhood Care and Education graduates
Graduates may proceed to postgraduate study, either research or taught, at SETU Waterford or other third-level Colleges/universities. This includes areas such as management and leadership in ECCE, M.Ed. degrees, and educational studies programmes. Many of our graduates have also pursued follow-on training in primary school education.
Career Opportunities
This course aims to facilitate students who wish to pursue professional careers in Early Childhood Studies contexts, and postgraduate studies in Early Childhood Studies and related disciplines.
Early Years Childcare
Early Years Education
Children’s Residential Care Centres
Health Services Executive, Family Support
Children with special learning needs
Private work in the child care sector
Follow on Study for BA (Hons) in Early Childhood Care and Education graduates
Graduates may proceed to postgraduate study, either research or taught, at SETU Waterford or other third-level Colleges
Completion of the course will also enable students to undertake taught Masters programmes or Masters degrees by Research at SETU Waterford or other third-level colleges.
