Bachelor of Arts Early Years Care and Education NFQ Level 8

Building on the aims and objectives of the Level 7 BA in Early Years' Care and Education, students' knowledge, skills and competencies will be further enhanced so that they can become highly skilled practitioners in early years' care and education work settings. Students' capacity to be effective leaders and managers in a rapidly changing sector will also be developed.

What will I experience?

Objectives of the programme

Graduates of this Level 8 BA in Early Years' Care and Education will be able to:

Perform effectively in a wide range of contexts involving creative and non-routine activities to support the learning experiences of the child.

Demonstrate an ability to work responsively and proactively in a sector characterised by ongoing regulation and policy directives.

Demonstrate both leadership and management capabilities in early years' settings.

Develop research, academic writing, independent learning, critical thinking, problem solving and team-working capabilities.

Programme learning outcomes

On successful completion of the programme, graduates should have provided evidence of being able to:

1. Evaluate and synthesise knowledge, skills and competences which are at the fore-front of the field of early years' care and education, so the student can be both reflective and innovative in their practice.

2. Critically analyse frameworks and policies affecting the early years' care and education sector, and contribute to the development of quality early years' care and education service provision.

3. Undertake independent research under supervision in an area of key relevance to the field of early years' care and education, and, in so doing, to foster a spirit of enquiry, critical analysis and the vision to identify opportunities for change and innovation in the sector.

4. Demonstrate effective leadership qualities and skills, as well as autonomy in the effective management of an early years' care and education service.

5. Use an evidence-based approach to inform change, as appropriate in early years' care and education service delivery.

6. Communicate using advanced skills and tools with all stakeholders in all early years' care and education contexts and situations.

7. Utilise self-reflection to act in variable and unfamiliar early years' care and education contexts to manage learning tasks independently, professionally and ethically for continuous professional development.

8. Demonstrate flexibility, adaptability and independence in order to be an effective early years' practitioner within a changing social environment.

What opportunities might it lead to?

Graduates may progress to the Level 9 MA in Child and Youth Studies or the MA (research mode) in AIT, or transfer to other Level 9 programmes in other third level education providers, depending on entry requirements. There are also opportunities for transfer to other third level education providers.

Duration: 1 year: 24 weeks Tuesday and Thursday 6.30pm to 10.00pm, plus one Saturday per month.

Please note: Institute induction is on Saturday 23 September 2017 from 9.30am to 1.00pm. Attendance on that date is compulsory.

BA in Early Years Care and Education (Level 7) or equivalent.

Working in an Early Years Setting - Students are required to be working in an early years setting for the duration of the programme in order that they may complete their placement.

All students will be required to undergo Garda Vetting requirements of the Institute.

Foundation level programme: Certificate in English for Academic Studies: Minimum IELTS 4.5 or equivalent.

Pre-sessional Summer programme in English June to August: Minimum IELTS 5.0 or equivalent.

Undergraduate programmes: Minimum IELTS 5.5 with no Band less than 5.0.

Postgraduate programmes: Minimum IELTS 6.0 with no Band less than 5.5 *

*note some postgraduate programmes require minimum IELTS 6.5.

Application Procedures for Non-EU Students

Students applying for entry to undergraduate or postgraduate programmes should supply the following information directly to the International Office, Athlone Institute of Technology on or before 1 May for programmes commencing in September:

• Completed AIT application form;
• Detailed curriculum vitae;
• Certified transcripts of examination results and English language translations of qualifications not issued in English
• Evidence of ability to follow classes in the English language (which must satisfy Institute entry requirements for the following programmes)

• Letter of recommendation from appropriate Head of Department of own institution
• Any other relevant information regarding qualifications or previous work experience.

Students from non-EU countries must apply for a valid study visa for the duration of the programme of study in advance of registration at AIT. Visa application guidelines can be found on Department of Justice & Equality website: http://www.inis.gov.ie/