About the course

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 Scholarships - View all scholarships Internships

　　

Start dates and prices

Course fees are indicative and should be used as a guide. Speak to a counsellor to get an accurate price.

　　Duration: 4 Year(s)Fees: EU€40,000

Intake	Location
Semester 2 (January), 2023	Dublin
Semester 1 (September), 2024	Dublin
Semester 1 (September), 2025	Dublin

　　

How to apply

Entry requirements for National College of Ireland

The minimum entry requirements for this programme is a Level 5 qualification in any discipline, ideally with professional involvement in the delivery of learning in Early Childhood Education and Care. All applicants will be interviewed by the Programme Director. Applicants with a Major Awards in Early Learning and Care/Early Childhood Education and Care at NFQ Level 6 may be eligible for advanced entry into year 2 of the programme.

　　Applicants who do not meet the entry requirements outlined above may apply through Recognition of Prior Experiential Learning (RPEL) which considers applicants based on relevant work experience. All applicants will be required to be Garda Vetted as part of the admission process.

　　

English language requirements

　　6.5

　　Overall IELTS band score

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　　TOEFL Internet based overall score: 79.0

　　

Application deadline:

This date isn’t available – speak to an IDP counsellor to get detailed information.

　　

Further information

Career outcomes

　　

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