Early Years Education and Care is a rapidly growing area in Ireland. This programme has been designed to facilitate and prepare students and current practitioners or those with an interest in early childhood education for leadership and management roles in the operation of early childhood education services and related public policy.
This Masters programme will develop students ability to both analyse, manage and creatively respond to critical issues and changes in early childhood care policy and service implementation, all the time being cognisant of the best interests of the child.
Note: Please be aware that some of the modules on this programme are taught in the evening. If you wish to complete the programme as a full-time student, you must complete both the day and evening modules in one academic year.
What will I be able to do when I finish this programme?
Graduates of this programme will be able to:
Demonstrate an in-depth knowledge of the underlying theories and key concepts with a focus on leadership and critical assessment skills within an Irish and International context;
Analyse the current theories, concepts, challenges and research areas with an ability to solve complex problems through a variety of reflective and participatory work;
Exhibit critical awareness of contemporary issues and challenges relating to the role and effect of early years education on the child, the family and society;
Apply the theory and practice of leadership roles in supporting quality;
Engage in scholarly debate at an academic, policy and practice based level on a range of early years education and leadership issues;
Develop, maintain and build on professional relationships fostered throughout the programme with practical skills and tools to reflect and critically self-evaluate;
Gather, assimilate, synthesise and analyse information on a variety of levels;
Critically reflect on how leadership practice in early years education connects to and interacts with wider social issues in Ireland and beyond.
What subjects will I study?
Leadership, Strategy and Governance
Contemporary Issues in Early Years Policy, Theory and Practice
Arts based Research in Early Years Education and Care
Leading Quality in Early Years Education and Care
Educational Psychology
Transformative Children's Rights Education
Research Methods and Dissertation
Entry Requirements
Entry requirements are a Level 8 degree, with a minimum of Second Class Honours, Grade 2 or equivalent in the following areas:
Early Childhood Education and Care
Applied Social Studies
Social and Community Studies
Youth and Community Work
Social Sciences or cognate area
Candidates with significant relevant work experience (as determined by SETU Carlows Recognised Prior Learning (RPL) policy), in addition to an honours primary degree in another discipline area may also be considered for entry.
Applicants applying for entry via routes other than those listed above will be considered on a case-by-case basis and in accordance with SETU Carlows Recognised Prior Learning (RPL) policy.
All Non-EU applicants should refer to the international section of the SETU website for further information.
Study & Career Opportunities
Graduates of the programme may progress to a PhD programme of study in the discipline areas, in Ireland or abroad. Graduates of the programme may also be eligible to progress to a professional doctorate in the field of teaching and learning in both Irish and international Institutions.
This is an ideal postgraduate programme for students or current practitioners within the early childhood education sector who are interested in becoming an administrator, director or manager of early childhood education programmes. It is also suitable for those interested in advisory, mentoring and inspection roles within the sector.
