B.Sc. (Early Childhood Education)

Bachelor in Science (Early Childhood Education)

CAO Code: CM020

2023 CAO Points: 316

2022 CAO Points: 316

B.Sc Early Childhood Education Information Video

What is the B.Sc. (Early Childhood Education)?

The quality of education and care that children receive in the earliest years of their lives has a huge influence on their subsequent education and happiness. In order to enhance existing provision of courses for preparing early childhood practitioners, MIE is delighted to offer this new level 8 degree which is accredited by Trinity College Dublin, the University of Dublin. The flexible delivery of this programme makes it attractive both to those who intend to work in the sector and to those who are already employed there.

What will I study?

Students will study a wide range of courses to help them become knowledgeable, dedicated early childhood practitioners. These include child psychology, play, language and literacy, enquiry-based learning, child care and protection, arts and the early years. You will learn about educators who have influenced the education of young children, including Montessori, Froebel and Vygotsky. You will learn about the Aistear programme and will take education placements in a variety of early childhood settings.

What are my career options?

Graduates of this programme will have the skills and competence to work in a variety of early childhood education and care settings.

What other options do I have?

Graduates of the programme at level 8 may continue to further study in the area of education or in early childhood education at masters level. They may also apply for the Professional Master of Education (Primary Teaching), in MIE or elsewhere.

MODULE LISTING

B.Sc-ECE-Module-Listings

General information:

CAO code: CM020

Duration: 4 years full-time

Award level: NFQ 8

ECTS Credits: 240

Awarding body: Trinity College Dublin, the University of Dublin

Please note: The Bachelor of Science courses are self-funded courses that do not qualify under the Free Fees Initiative. At time of publication, the 2023-24 tuition fee for these courses is €3000 per annum, payable by the student. This is different to the normal student contribution fee. Contact the Institute directly for details of fees for these courses in 2024-2025.

Students on the Bachelor of Science courses in receipt of fee-only SUSI grants (i.e. where no maintenance element is payable to the student) should be aware that SUSI will only contribute 50% of the tuition fees for those students and students must pay the balance. For the 2023-24 academic year this amounted to €1,500.

Currently, students in receipt of SUSI grants which include a maintenance payment to the student receive 100% of their tuition fees from SUSI.

Minimum entry requirements:

No. of Leaving Cert subjects: 6

Grade H5 on a higher level paper in not less than two subjects

Grade 06/H7 in four subjects

Minimum grades: Maths – H7/O6

English – H7/O6, Language – H7/O6

Minimum CAO Points Requirement: 315

QQI Requirements

Students with appropriate QQI (Level 5 and Level 6) qualifications, with a minimum of five distinctions, can be admitted on a competitive basis to this course.

The QQI awards accepted can be found here.

Advanced Entry

Students who have successfully completed one or more years in a similar full-time course at degree level may apply for advanced entry to the B.Sc.(Early Childhood Education) programme. Such places are limited and applicants must meet all the minimum requirements of the programme and attend an interview. Contact [email protected] for information.

Mature Applicants

Mature applicants must apply through the CAO by 5.15pm 1st February. A mature student must be 23 years of age or over on 1st January in the year of intended entry. The CAO online application facility for late applicants opens on 5th March at 12 noon and closes on 1st May at 5.15pm.

In mid-March, the MIE Admissions Office will email mature applicants and advise them to complete and return a 'Mature Student Supplementary Application Form'. The closing date will be 5.00pm Friday 3rd May 2024. Applicants will be notified of interview dates and times by the end of May. Please note that any offer is typically subject to fulfilling the minimum entry requirements for CM020.