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Early Childhood Education & Care (Bachelor of Arts, L7, 180 ECTS)

  • Status: Register Your Interest for September 2025

  • Campus: Blended

  • years: 2

  • Fees: €4,800 *This programme is eligible for 80% funding for eligible applicants under the NSLF initiative. Please see Fees section below for further information.


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

General Queries

Flexible Learning Office

Email: flexible.midwest@tus.ie

Telephone: (061) 293802

Academic Queries

Aoife Prendergast

Email: Aoife.Prendergast@tus.ie

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.

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.

or

Recognised Prior Learning (RPL) – Assessment

Please review the academic entry requirements for this programme.

If you do not hold these qualifications but would like your application to be assessed under RPL please select YES on the online application form.

Once you have submitted your online application you will then receive an email acknowledgement with further instructions on RPL.

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

  • Professional Practice Education Placement (1)

  • Learning through Drama and Storytelling

  • Transitions in Early Years

  • Health, Nutrition & Wellbeing

  • STEAM in ECE

  • School Age Provision

  • Creating Inclusive Environments

  • Professional Practice Placement (2)

  • Teaching and Learning through Play

  • Supporting Children with Additional Learning Needs

  • Positive Behaviour Strategies

  • The Reflective Educator

More Information

  • The proposed delivery schedule is subject to change.

    Modules are to be delivered over one year in a blended learning format.

    Monday & Wednesday evenings, 7-9pm (online) commencing September 2025 plus 4 in-person Saturday classes per semester alternating between TUS Moylish & TUS Thurles campuses (Dates TBC).

  • 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.

  • Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education and Care (Level 7, 180 ECTS)

  • Full programme fee is €4,800.

    This programme is eligible for 80% funding for eligible applicants under the Nurturing Skills Learner Fund (NSLF) initiative. For details see gov.ie – Nurturing Skills Learner Fund

     

  • TBC for September 2025 intake. 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.