Course Code
SG_HLEAD_O09
Zone
Attendance
Part time

Course Summary

Ireland’s Early Learning And Care (ELC) needs effective and confident leaders across the fields of practice, policy, advocacy, regulation, education and professional development.

College Link

ATU Sligo
College Link > SG_HLEAD_O09 - Leadership & Advocacy in the Early Years - Sligo

Colleges often have information about the course on their own website, along with other useful information relating to the college. (Note: Not always available)

Career Sectors

This course prepares you for working in the Career Sectors below. Follow the links to get a fuller understanding of the sectors you are preparing for.

Entry Requirements

Applicants require a 2.2 BA Honours in Early Childhood or cognate discipline and will have at least two years experience working in the early years sector or a related field completed at the end of the programme of study. Where large numbers apply far exceeding available places shortlisting of applications for an interview may occur.

Recognition of Prior Lrarning: Yes.

Application Details

Flexible learning courses are popular, and they fill on a first come, first served basis. There are two major intake periods throughout the academic year, September and January.

For January start courses, applications typically open in October, and for September start courses, applications typically open in February. Closing dates for applications are listed on the individual course webpage.

Start Date: September 2025.

Fees

Total Fees: €4,800.

The Student

Career Interests

This course is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests. If these interests do not describe you, this course may prepare you for work you may not find satisfying.

Enterprising

Enterprising people like situations that involve using resources for personal or corporate economic gain. Such people may have an opportunistic frame of mind, and are drawn to commerce, trade and making deals. Some pursue sales and marketing occupations. Many will eventually end up owning their own business, or in management roles in larger organisations. They tend to be very goal-oriented and work best when focused on a target. Some have an entrepreneurial inclination.


Social

The Social person's interests focus on interacting with the people in their environment. In all cases, the Social person enjoys the personal contact with other people in preference to the impersonal dealings with things, data and ideas found in other groups.

Many will seek out positions where there is direct contact with the public in some advisory role, whether a receptionist or a counsellor. Social people are motivated by an interest in different types of people and like diversity in their work environments. Many are drawn towards careers in the caring professions and social welfare area, whilst others prefer teaching and other 'informing' roles.


Career Progression

Progression Pathways
Many of our Masters programmes are structured in a way that includes recognised entry and exit awards. This means that you can apply for part of Masters first and learn at your own pace or if you are unable to complete the full programme, you can still gain a recognised qualification. Our entry and exit awards typically include Postgraduate Certificate award and a Postgraduate Diploma award.

Duration

1.5 years part-time, online delivery.

Study Hours
Students can expect 3 hours of online lectures and 6-8 hours of individual study weekly.

On-Campus Attendance
The programme is structured around two modules each semester. Each semester includes an onsite residential programme at our Sligo campus.
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