Early Childhood Education

Dublin City University

Ireland, Dublin

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Dublin City University

Ireland , Dublin

Key Facts

Program Level

Bachelor

Study Type

Full Time

Delivery

On Campus

Course Code

DC001

Campuses

Main Site

Program Language

English

Start & Deadlines

Next Intake Deadlines12-Jan-2026

Apply to this program

Go to the official application for the university

Duration 4 year(s)

Tuition Fee

EUR 16,900 / year

Next Intake 12-Jan-2026

Early Childhood Education

About

Overview

This course will prepare you for a highly rewarding career, educating and supporting young children during a vital time in their development. The BECE prepares you for work as a professional in a variety of early childhood educational settings, from preschools and creches, to child and family support programmes and it equips graduates to work with children of all needs. The BECE enables graduates to follow a career in a range of voluntary and statutory organisations that work on behalf of children and families.

Theory and Practice
The BECE degree combines theory with practical learning. You’ll learn applied skills through workshops, seminars and independent group study. This could involve working in the Lego room programming ‘Beebots’, or designing play environments for young children, or developing literacy sacks to support them as readers. You’ll also put your knowledge into practice during yearly work placements.

BECE graduates are in high demand at home and abroad. In Year 3, you can consider studying abroad on an Erasmus programme, in Norway, Belgium or Hungary.

Requirements

Entry Requirements

General Entry Requirements

There are no additional entry requirements for this programme apart from the general entry requirements for admission to the university.

Leaving Cert

There are no additional entry requirements for this programme apart from the general entry requirements for admission to the university.

GCE A Level

There are no additional entry requirements for this programme apart from the general entry requirements for admission to the university.

FET Level 5

Please visit our Admissions webpage for details on course requirements or how to apply to DCU.

Please visit our QQI FET webpage for details on DCU courses, open days, campus tours or school visits.

To apply to DCU, please visit www.cao.ie.

Mature Applicants

Mature entry is a competitive process. Applicants must demonstrate:

a genuine interest in the programme(s) they are applying for
academic experience and competency in their chosen field of study
an ability to engage and succeed on the programme

All applicants must complete a statement of interest to be considered for the mature application route.

For further guidance on the mature application process please see the CAO Website

Advanced Entry

Applicants that have completed at least one year of study at NFQ Level 6, 7 or 8 at another institution may apply to continue their studies on a similar programme at DCU. There should be substantial overlap in content between the two programmes to be considered for a transfer. Results and other supporting documentation must be submitted to CAO by the closing date of 1st July. This is a competitive application process for a small quota of advanced entry places. Offers are made on a rolling basis until all places are filled. Early application is advised. Please note: Applicants should also consider applying through the appropriate route for first year entry to the programme they are interested in. This application process is only for advanced entry.

Additional Criteria

At the discretion of DCU, applicants may be called for an interview.

International Applications

International candidates are expected to have educational qualifications of a standard equivalent to those outlined above. In addition, where such candidates are non-native speakers of the English language they must satisfy the university of their competency in the English language. For further information on international applications click here.

English Program Requirements

Undergraduate Applicants - Minimum English Standards

Applicants whose first language is not English must provide evidence of equivalent competence in English Language, through their school leaving examination or in a recognised English language test. The minimum standards for entry to DCU are outlined below.

Applicants are assessed on the results of a single sitting only.

EXAMINATION

Level Required

Irish Leaving Certificate English

O6/H7

GCE A-Level English Language

Grade D

GSCE

Grade C

IELTS ACADEMIC

Composite score of 6.5 or above, with no less than 6.0 in any one component.

*Scores must be achieved in one sitting.

TOEFL

237 (computer-based),
580 (paper-based test)

TOEFL iBT

Total Score of 92

Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CAP)

Overall score of 180 with a minimum of 169 in all components.

Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English (CAE)

Overall score of 180 with a minimum of 169 in all components.

English Test for Academic and Professional Purposes (ETAPP)

Pearson Test of English (PTE Academic)

63 (with a minimum of 59 in all components)

Duolingo

Duolingo will be accepted with a minimum score of 120 and a score of at least 110 in each subscore. Please ensure the verification link is provided when submitting this evidence and you share your results with DCU.

Additional Information

Your English language certificate must be awarded within the two years prior to the start date of your DCU programme.
English Language requirements for individual programmes may be higher than published here. Please refer to the programme page for further details.
Scores on your English language proficiency test must be achieved in one sitting.

Alternative Requirements/Evidence of Competency

In exceptional circumstances, results in examinations other than those published may be accepted as proof of competence in English language. This may include non-native speakers of English who have completed their education through the medium of English in a country where English is the official language. Please include the details of any English language examinations and proof of successful completion when applying to DCU.

For further details about DCU English Language Requirements, please contact DCU Admissions.

Career

Careers & Further Options

Careers

The BECE degree is a gateway to a number of careers.

Career Areas

City and County Childcare Committees
Crèches
Development Agencies
Naíonraí
National Voluntary Organisations
Pre School
Statutory Bodies

Career Prospects

Early childhood educator

Manager in a preschool, community playgroup, Naíonra or crèche

Early years inspector

Early years specialist

Training coordinator

Director

Entrepreneur in the ECE field

DCU Career Services

DCU graduates are highly sought after by employers. Our Graduates work in environments ranging from large multinationals to SMEs, family businesses and start-ups across every sector.

DCU Careers Service has a number of learning and development initiatives in place for our students, giving them the skills they need for a successful career path.

Go to our Careers site to find out more about career planning, our mentorship programme, skills development and online resources for students when working on CVs and making applications.