Course Summary
This programme 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.
College Link
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
Minimum entry requirements
› An honours degree (level 8) with 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 or who meet the professional experience, but have only a level 7 degree may be considered for the course. Candidates may be shortlisted and invited to attend an interview and complete a written assignment as appropriate.
› English Language Requirement: please check www.mie.ie/englishlanguage
Application Details
Applications for the September 2025 intake are now open and will close on the 16th May 2025.
Intake: September 2025.
Fees
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.
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
Graduates of this programme find the qualification beneficial in achieving promotion and career change. This includes school principalship or management of an early childhood education setting. Graduates are well placed to offer professional development for practitioners in primary schools and in early childhood education settings. Graduates could engage in policy work or apply for positions in the Inspectorate of the Department of Education or in early years professional organisation such as Early Childhood Ireland. Graduates sometimes choose to continue their studies to doctoral level and then work in the academic field.