BA (Honours) in Early Childhood Education and Care

NCI's BA (Honours) in Early Childhood Education and Care provides a firm foundation in Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) to practice in a range of early childhood settings. The four-year degree programme is fully aligned and recognised as a professional qualification by the Department of Education (DE) and by the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Inclusion and Youth (DECDIY).An essential and hugely beneficial key element of the programme is the strong emphasis placed on supervised professional practice placement in diverse Early Childhood settings. More than 1,000 hours are specially allocated to supervised placement-related activities. Among other skills, such as observations and ethical practice, application of strategies in learning environments, the placement includes planning and developing curriculum for young children. The final year provides an opportunity for students to combine their experiences and skills in a practice-based/led capstone project.
During the course you will cover a range of subjects to gain a deep understanding of the holistic learning and development of babies and children from birth to six years of age. A specialised Education Play Lab at NCI provides opportunities for hands on student learning.
An essential and hugely beneficial key element of the programme is the strong emphasis placed on supervised professional practice placement in diverse Early Childhood settings.
More than 1,000 hours are specially allocated to supervised-placement-related activities. Among other skills, such as observations and ethical practice, application of strategies in learning environments, the placement includes planning and developing curriculum for young children. Field visits are an essential component within year one, supervised Professional Placement are key modules within year 2 and year 3, while year 4 provides an opportunity for students to combine their experiences and skills in a practice-based/led capstone project.

Duration: 4 years

Minimum entry requirements for the programme are H5 in two subjects, and O6/H7 in four subjects in the Leaving Certificate or equivalent, which must include English and Mathematics. Applicants from a PLC/further education course must have a full level 5/6 award, three distinctions and meet the CAO points requirement. Students with a major award in Early Learning and Care/Early Childhood Education and Care at NFQ level 6 will be eligible for advanced entry into year two of the programme, subject to certain criteria.
QQI Level 5/6 Requirements
Students must obtain a minimum of 3 distinctions and a full award and meet the CAO points requirements to apply for this Level 8 course.
The CAO points for this course is 230.

IELTS - 6.5 with 6.5 in Speaking and no less than 6.0 in any other band
TOEFL Internet Based - 79