Course Summary
This two-year, part-time post-graduate programme would be of interest to professionals who have a desire to lead early childhood education through innovative practice and research, in particular, those who have a minimum of a Level 8 award and two years’ experience in setting(s) supporting children from birth to six years
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
The minimum entry requirement is a Level 8 award with a minimum of a H2.2.
In general, applicants will have degrees in education, early childhood education or studies, education and training, or other related and cognate fields, and two years’ experience in setting(s) supporting children from birth to six years, which may be post or prior to their Level 8 award.
Due to the specialist nature of this programme, additional criteria may be used to assess suitability to undertake this programme. For further information, please contact the Programme Chair using the contact details above
Recognition of prior learning/transfer/exemption procedures apply.
Students on the programme will need to have access to an early childhood setting or an Infant classroom.
Application Details
Applications open date: 01/01/2025
Applications will be accepted and places offered on a rolling basis until the programme registration quota is full or until the following date:
Non EU Applicants - 21st June 2025
EU Applicants - 20th August 2025
All entry requirements should be met before the commencement of the programme.
Application Queries
For EU applicant queries, please visit https://www.dcu.ie/registry/eu-postgraduate-taught-admissions or email [email protected]
Queries specific to the Master of Education in Early Childhood Education programme can be directed to Programme Chairs: Geraldine French ([email protected]) or Fiona Giblin ([email protected])
Commencement of Programme
This programme will commence in September 2025*.
*Subject to minimum student registrations.
Fees
EU Status Fee Part-time: €4,300 per annum
Non EU Fee Part time: €9,500 per annum
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
Leadership/Management roles in early years settings or primary schools
Early years inspector (Department of Education or Tusla, the Child and Family Agency)
Mentor/Trainer/Advisor for government agencies and organisations who support professional learning and development for early childhood educators and primary teachers
Further studies and research at doctoral level