BA (Hons) in Early Childhood Studies
Course code: WD149
What is the BA (Hons) in Early Childhood Studies?
The BA (Hons) in Early Childhood Studies is a three year course of study. The course is designed under four important academic foundations namely, theory, practice, research and reflective integration.
Early Childhood Studies is aimed at producing professionally qualified graduates who can work in a range of early years’ contexts, working with children up to the age of eight in both care and education settings. The course involves the study of related disciplines of early years’ care, education, psychology, sociology, law and personal and professional development and supervised professional early years, practice placements.
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
Graduates can proceed to the MA in Social Studies and Masters by Research at WIT as well as Masters in Social Work courses.
Special Feature of the Course
Students have the opportunity to complete supervised work-based placements, one in each of the second and third years of the course. These opportunities allow students gain valuable experience and skills in areas of care or education or both. These placement experiences will facilitate the students’ application of knowledge from the disciplines studied to professional practice. Students will conclude their third year with a written thesis which allows them focus on a specific area of interest to them in relation to early years’ care and education.
Note: Garda clearance is required for all students taking this programme
Course Outline
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 |
| Early Years Instruction: Children as learners. Introduction to Psychology Introduction to Sociological Problems Critical & Creative Thinking History of Care in Social Policy Personal & Professional Development: Early Childhood Studies 1 |
Early Years Education: Methods & Practice Irish Family Policy Sociology of Contemporary Ireland History of Psychology of Education Introduction to Research Personal & Professional Development: Early Childhood Studies 2 |
| Semester 3 | Semester 4 |
| Engaging with Children through Play Early Childhood Assessment Social Research Methods Practice Placement: Early Childhood Studies 1 Personal & Professional Development: Early Childhood Studies 3 |
Comparative Pedagogy of Early Years Education Understanding Sociological Perspectives Irish Social Policy Developmental Psychology Irish Early Childhood Policies - a Critique Introduction to Irish Law |
|
Semester 5 Diversity & Inclusion in Early Years Care & Education |
Semester 6 Practice Placment: Early Childhood Studies 2 |
Course Facts
Course Title: BA (Hons) in Early Childhood Studies
Course Code: WD149
Course Level: 8
Duration: 3 years
Course Entry
Leaving Certificate
- Total number of different subjects at grade D or better: 6
- Number of subjects at higher level, grade C or better: 2
Required Subjects:
- English/Irish: OD3/HD3
- Mathematics: OD3/HD3
For further information
Email: appliedarts@wit.ie
Recent Entry Points
| Year | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | 2010 |
| Minimum Points | n/a | 270 | 300 | 330 | 340 |
