Courses
Admissions & Support
Early Childhood Education & Care (Bachelor of Arts, L7, 180 ECTS)
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Status: Register Your Interest
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Location: Blended
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years: 2
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Fees: Full programme fee is €4,800 (€2,400 per academic year). This programme qualified for funding via the Nurturing Skills Learner Fund (NSLF) for the Academic Year 2025-2026. See Fees section below for funding details for 2026-2027.
Course Overview
This two-year programme is aimed at staff currently working in the Early Childhood Education and Care sector who are looking to advance their careers by achieving a qualification at degree level. The programme aims to equip students with the knowledge, skills and competencies required to fulfill a variety of leadership roles within the Early Childhood Education and Care sector.
Contact Details
What are the entry requirements?
Applicants must hold a QQI Level 6 (or equivalent) qualification which is recognised by the Department of Children and Youth Affairs (DCYA) as meeting the criteria for ‘ECCE Room Leader (Standard Capitation)’. Applicants must currently be working in the Early Childhood Education and Care sector and continue to do so for the duration of the course. To be more specific there is a requirement for students to complete 400 hours of professional practice in Year 1 & 2. A letter of verification from employer stating such is required.
Details of courses meeting the criteria may be found at:
gov.ie – Early Years Recognised Qualifications (www.gov.ie)
Applications will be assessed on a first come first served basis and priority will be given to those who meet the minimum entry requirements.
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Recognised Prior Learning (RPL) – Assessment
Please review the academic entry requirements for this programme.
If you do not hold these academic qualifications but would like your application assessed under RPL please select YES on the online application form and Flexible Learning will be in contact.
ENGLISH LANGUAGE: Applicants who do not have English as their first language must ensure they satisfy English Language requirements. For entry to undergraduate courses, a score of 5.5 in an IELTS or equivalent exam is required. For postgraduate courses, a score of 6.0 in an IELTS or equivalent exam is required. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure their English proficiency meets these requirements.
Course Content
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Professional Practice Education Placement (1)
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Learning through Drama and Storytelling
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Transitions in Early Years
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Health, Nutrition & Wellbeing
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STEAM in ECE
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School Age Provision
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Creating Inclusive Environments
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Professional Practice Placement (2)
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Teaching and Learning through Play
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Supporting Children with Additional Learning Needs
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Positive Behaviour Strategies
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The Reflective Educator
More Information
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The proposed delivery schedule is subject to change.
Modules will be delivered over two academic years in a blended learning format as follows;
Year 1
Commencing Saturday 12th September 2026 with Induction (in-person) from 9am to 4pm at TUS Thurles campus.
Monday & Wednesday evenings, 7-9pm (online) commencing Monday 14th September 2026 plus 3 in-person Saturday classes per semester at TUS Moylish as follows;
Semester 1 Saturday Workshops – (Dates to be confirmed).
Semester 2 Saturday Workshops (Dates to be confirmed).
Year 2
Wednesday & Thursday evenings, 7-9pm (online) commencing Wednesday 16th September 2026 plus 3 in-person Saturday classes per semester at TUS Moylish as follows;
Semester 1 Saturday Workshops – (Dates to be confirmed).
Semester 2 Saturday Workshops (Dates to be confirmed).
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The assessment strategy for this programme includes both formative and summative elements including:written assignments, projects, portfolios, skills demonstration and examination.
Professional practice placement is a core requirement and can be completed in the participant’s existing place of employment.
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Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education and Care (Level 7, 180 ECTS)
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Full programme fee is €4,800 (€2,400 per academic year). This programme qualified for funding via the Nurturing Skills Learner Fund (NSLF) for the Academic Year 2025-2026. Funding details for 2026-2027 to be announced via https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-children-disability-and-equality/publications/nurturing-skills-learner-fund/
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Places are allocated on a first come first served basis. Course will be closed once the maximum number of applicants is reached. Courses run subject to viable numbers.