Degree Overview
>Full time, level 8, honours degree, catering for those aspiring to enter the Early Childhood Education and Care sector from Leaving Certificate, further education or mature student paths. Those currently working in the ECEC sector may be interested in the flexible BA in Early Childhood Teaching and Learning (MH004 - see p. 110).
>The programme is closely linked with Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) practice, and staff are experienced in the development, delivery and advocacy of Early Childhood Education and Care.
>Work placements take place in Tusla-notified Early Childhood Education and Care settings.
>It is a progressive level 8 degree, supporting the development of outstanding early childhood educators.
>Students can graduate with a level 7 qualification after 3rd year or a level 8 qualification after 4th year.
>This degree offers graduates the option of progressing their careers in Early Childhood Education and Care in varied professional roles.
BA EARLY CHILDHOOD TEACHING & LEARNING
BA EARLY CHILDHOOD TEACHING & LEARNING
About
Requirements
Entry Requirements
| Subject | Required | Ordinary Level Grade | Higher Level Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Irish | Yes | O6 | H7 |
| English | Yes | O6 | H7 |
| Language | No | N/A | N/A |
| Math | No | N/A | N/A |
| Science | No | N/A | N/A |
International & EU/EFTA Entry Requirements
Mature Students
Mature Applicants
Mature applicants are assessed separately to school-leavers. Mature applicants are 23 years or older by 1st January in the year of entry to the University. For part-time/flexible degrees the mature age is 21.
Mature applicants who have a disability
If you have a disability or specific learning difficulty (e.g. dyslexia), and require support for any required written exercise/interview/ online video audition which may form part of your application assessment, you must complete an online request form and submit supporting documentation by 15 March 2025. Applications for alternative examination accommodation cannot be considered after this deadline.
01 July 2025
Additional Information
Leaving Certificate Applicants
Required to present 2H5 & 4O6/H7, Irish & English. MH003 Round 1 Points 2024: 389
HEAR and DARE
DARE: The Disability Access Route to Education is a third level alternative admissions scheme for school-leavers whose disabilities have had a negative impact on their second level education.
HEAR: The Higher Education Access Route is a third level admissions scheme for school leavers from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds.
Contact the Access Office for more information about these access routes.
National Vetting Bureau
Offers of places on this programme are subject to a satisfactory background check by the National Vetting Bureau.
English Program Requirements
Career
After Graduation
>Graduates emerge as early years teaching professionals. Career progression within this sector, for those with a level 7 or level 8 Childhood degree, is expanding rapidly within and beyond Early Childhood Education and Care settings to include opportunities within policy development and evaluation agencies within government departments, semi-state bodies and NGOs.
>The Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Teaching and Learning positions graduates to spearhead and lead learning in Early Childhood Education and Care services.
>Graduates may also take up roles with local development agencies within the early childhood sector both nationally and internationally.
>The Department offers a range of postgraduate study options.
Visit the Department website for more information about postgraduate options.
Fee Information
BA EARLY CHILDHOOD TEACHING & LEARNING
Maynooth University
Ireland, Maynooth