Early Childhood Studies,Care and Education

Early Childhood Studies, Care and Education Course Structure

The course has three main elements:

• Placement, where knowledge and skills acquired in the course are put into practice in a controlled work environment, under the supervision of experienced practitioners and academics; where also reflection on the application of theory to practice will take place

• Academic Development, where knowledge of new and emerging developments in the sector, combined with the development of conceptual knowledge and theoretical frameworks takes place

• Practice/Skills Development, where the skills necessary to function at a high level within the sector are developed

The programme is designed for:

• Applicants with an existing level 7 major award in Early Childhood Studies, or equivalent, and with at least two years of relevant work experience who wish to progress to progress to level 8;
• Applicants with an existing major award at level 8 degree in a cognate area who wish to convert to a career in early childhood care and education. Cognate degrees are defined as level 8 degrees in which Psychology, Sociology or Early Years Education was a major component.

Candidates who do not currently meet these requirements may consider making an application using WIT’s Recognition of Prior Learning process. 

Please find  RPL Form

RPL for admission information is  available at www.wit.ie/rpl/ and the full policy is available as Chapter 3 of the WIT Academic Regulations at www.wit.ie/policies

Teaching Council Registration: This programme is designed to facilitate existing graduates from relevant areas to gain the professional qualification required to work in Ireland’s contemporary, professionalised, early years sector. It is not purpose designed as part of a pathway towards registration as a Teacher in Further Education with the Teaching Council (TC) 

https://www.teachingcouncil.ie/en/registration/how-do-i-register-/qualifications/further-education-teachers-qualified-in-ireland/

Advice on gaining registration with the TC is available from the TC. Advice is also available from the free Adult Education Guidance Services countrywide 

 https://www.qualifax.ie/index.php?option=com_wrapper&view=wrapper&Itemid=60

There are a wide range of pathways available to graduates. 
Progression routes for part-time students are similar to those followed by full-time students, although many of the part-time learners are already employed throughout  various social care settings. This course provides an opportunity for participants to further develop their knowledge and skills in key areas of professional practice. It equips them with skills and knowledge required for management positions and with research  knowledge and skills required for research and/or taught postgraduate studies. A number of graduates of the part-time degree also progressed to set up their own businesses using innovative models of care. Their work practices reflect a blending of their life experiences, both personal and professional, and the knowledge gained whilst completing their award.