Master in Education Studies (Early Childhood Education)

Applications for the August/September 2026 intake are now open. Applications will close on the 5th June 2026. Eligible applicants will be called for interview.

APPLY NOW

Please contact [email protected] to express your interest in this programme or if you have any general queries.

 

What is the Master in Education Studies (Early Childhood Education)?

The Master in Education Studies (Early Childhood Education) offers a distinctive learning experience based on developing in the participants a deep theoretical understanding and critical awareness of key issues in early childhood education.

 

Who is the programme for?

This programme is designed for primary teachers, early childhood practitioners, and professionals working with young children, particularly those interested in advocacy, leadership, and advancing practice in early childhood education.

 

What will I study?

This Master’s programme encourages you to think critically, reflect on your professional practice, and deepen your understanding of early childhood education.

You will explore research on key areas such as play, language development, and children’s learning, engage with influential early childhood theorists, and critically evaluate their ideas in relation to contemporary practice.

Delivered through a face-to-face teaching format, the programme supports collaborative learning through discussions, group assignments, presentations, and professional dialogue.

A major feature of the programme is the opportunity to design and carry out your own research project. The programme aims to develop highly skilled, reflective practitioners equipped to support effective, evidence-based practice in early childhood settings.

 

What are the programme aims?

The programme aims to:

  • Develop a strong theoretical foundation and critical awareness of key issues in Early Childhood Education
  • Support students in reflecting on and enhancing their professional knowledge, skills, and attitudes
  • Enable graduates to contribute to professional practice nationally and internationally
  • Empower students to initiate and carry out independent research

How is the programme assessed?

Assessment reflects the modular nature of the programme. 

●     Year 1: Assignments, case studies, and a literature review

●     Year 2: Research proposal followed by a dissertation

This structure allows you to build research confidence progressively while linking theory to professional practice.

 

What are my career options?

Graduates are well prepared for a range of leadership, management, and specialist roles in early childhood education, including:

  • School leadership or early childhood setting management
  • Professional development and training roles
  • Policy development and advisory work
  • Positions within the Department of Education Inspectorate
  • Roles in professional organisations such as Early Childhood Ireland

The qualification supports career progression while opening opportunities to influence practice, policy, and research in early childhood education.

 

Early Exit Award

Students have the opportunity to exit this programme with a Postgraduate Diploma (in Early Childhood Education) upon successful completion of Year 1.

 

Module Listing

Year 1

Module 1: Early Childhood Education: Policy and Practice

  • International best practice and early childhood education
  • Early childhood education policy and practice in Ireland
  • Theory and practice of play in early childhood education
  • Critiquing Aistear as a play-based curriculum framework
  • Role of the practitioner in developing the self-regulated learner

Module 2: Psychology of Early Childhood

  • Key concepts and debates in psychology of early childhood
  • Learning Theories: How do young children learn?
  • Emotional and behavioural development in early childhood
  • Early childhood in context
  • Assessment & evaluation

Module 3: Language and Literacy in Early Childhood Education

  • Literacy as social practice
  • Emergent literacy
  • Oral language development
  • Formal and informal literacy skills
  • The role of story in early years’ education

Module 4: Inquiry-based Learning

  • Key philosophical underpinnings and history of Inquiry-based Learning
  • Key pedagogical principles underpinning inquiry-based learning Models
  • Creating and resourcing and inquiry-Based Environment
  • Assessment in inquiry-based Learning
  • Inquiry-based Learning exemplified in mathematics and science

Year 2

Module 5: Research Methodology

  • Research methodologies and research ethics
  • The research design process

Module 6:

  • Research proposal and dissertation

General information

Duration: 2 years part-time

Award level: NFQ 9

ECTS Credits: 90

Awarding body: Trinity College Dublin, the University of Dublin

 

Minimum entry requirements

An honours degree (level 8) with a second class honours or higher, and at least three years' teaching experience or equivalent professional experience. In exceptional cases students who meet the honours degree requirement but do not have the necessary experience may be considered for the programme. English Language Requirement IELTS Level 6.5 (or equivalent).

 

Delivery Mode

In Year 1, lectures generally take place two weekends per month on Fridays (6.00pm to 9.00pm) and Saturdays (9.00am to 4.00pm). In Year 2, students usually attend lectures early in Term 1 after which they will focus on their research dissertations.

Please note that this information is subject to change.

 

Programme Fees

The fee for the programme is €3,950 per annum. Full details of fees are outlined in the Institute Charges Policy.

 

How to Apply

Applicants must submit an online application and are typically required to undergo an interview. APPLY NOW

For further details, please contact [email protected]

 

International Students

For information about eligibility for this programme please contact [email protected]. All applicants for our programmes must have a minimum English level. You will find more information about the English Language Requirements in the Study With Us section of the website under ‘How to Apply’.

You can find information about international institute fees and charges in the policies section of our website.

You can also find information on accommodation and student support services in the Student Life section of our website.

 

All MIE programmes follow the academic year, with all programmes starting in late August / early September.