BA (Hons) in Early Childhood Studies

Bachelor of Arts (Honours)Early Childhood Studies
Code:
WD149
Delivery:
Full Time
2018 CAO range:
        288 - 462
Level:
8
Campus:
College Street
Duration:
3 years
Credits:
180 ECTS
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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.

Special Feature of BA (Hons) in Early Childhood Studies

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 course

Year 1
Semester 1Semester 2
Introduction to PsychologyIrish Family Policy
Early Years Instruction: Children as LearnersEarly Years Education: Methods & Practice
Critical & Creative ThinkingPersonal & Professional Development 2
History of Care in Social PolicyThe Sociology of Contemporary Ireland
Introduction to Sociological Problems 1Developmental Psychology
Personal & Professional Development 1Introduction to Research
Year 2
Semester 3Semester 4
Practice Placement 1Understanding Sociological Perspectives
Personal & Professional Development 3Child Health & Welfare
Engaging Children Through PlayComparative Pedagogy of Early Years Education
Early Childhood AssessmentHistory of Psychology of Education
Social Research MethodsIrish Early Childhood Education Policies - a Critique
Introduction to Irish Law
Year 3
Semester 5Semester 6
Diversity & Inclusion in Early Years Care & EducationPractice Placement 2
Children's Rights & Social PolicyPersonal & Professional Development 4
Social Theory & Gender Studies Direct Work with Children, Parents & Staff
Introduction to Social Psychology Managing Early Child Contexts
Child LawDissertation 2
Dissertation 1

Leaving Certificate 2018:

Minimum entry requirements for BA (Hons) in Early Childhood Studies 

2 subjects: H5
4 subjects: O6/H7
English or Irish: O6/H7
Mathematics: O6/H7

Advanced and Equivalent Entry for BA (Hons) in Early Childhood Studies:

Other Requirements for BA (Hons) in Early Childhood Studies:

Places are offered on the programme subject to satisfactory Garda Vetting clearance.

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 Studies graduates

Graduates may proceed to postgraduate study, either research or taught, at WIT or other third-level Colleges

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