COURSE CURRICULUM

The Bachelor of Arts Honours in Early Childhood Education and Care is a comprehensive four-year honours program awarded by QQI at level 8 on the National Framework of Qualifications, with exit awards available for students who may not complete the full program. The course is structured into two semesters per academic year, each spanning twelve weeks of teaching, providing a balanced combination of theoretical knowledge and practical application. A key feature of the program is its strong emphasis on practical, professional experience, ensuring that students graduate with both the knowledge and the skills required to excel in early childhood education. During Year 1, students are introduced to the field through field visits to early childhood settings, giving them an early perspective on real-world educational environments and professional practice. These visits serve to contextualize the theoretical concepts introduced in lectures, allowing students to begin making connections between academic learning and practical application from the outset. From Year 2 onward, students participate in supervised professional practice placements, which are high-quality, structured experiences designed to develop essential skills in observation, ethical practice, and the implementation of effective learning strategies. Over the course of the program, students complete more than 1,000 hours of supervised placement activities, which include planning and developing curriculum for young children, applying teaching strategies, and reflecting on professional practice in diverse early childhood settings. In the final year, students consolidate their learning and practical experience in a practice-based capstone project, which integrates theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and professional judgment. This capstone project provides students with the opportunity to demonstrate their ability to design, implement, and evaluate educational activities while reflecting critically on their professional growth. Overall, the program equips graduates with a robust combination of theoretical understanding, hands-on experience, and professional competence, preparing them to contribute meaningfully to early childhood education settings and ensuring they are ready to meet the challenges of a dynamic and evolving field.