The BA (Hons) (Early Years and Childhood Studies) is a three-year full-time programme leading to the BA (Hons) Degree (Early Years and Childhood Studies). The degree is taught by the Schools of Applied Psychology, Applied Social Studies, and Education.

This level 8 Degree satisfies all the criteria being applied by the Department of Children and Youth Affairs in determining whether a pre-school leader can be considered eligible for the higher capitation rate payable under the universal pre-school scheme (ECCE).

To be eligible for the award of the BA (Hons) degree a student will be required to have achieved 180 credits by obtaining 60 credits in each of First, Second and Third Arts (Early Years and Childhood Studies). A student may not register for more than 60 credits in one academic year.

FETAC (NCVA) Level 5

Students who have successfully completed the FETAC (NCVA) Level 5 DCHSC or DSACX Childcare qualification may apply for a place on the BA (Hons) (Early Years and Childhood Studies) programme. Places will be allocated on a competitive basis to students who satisfy each of the following, subject to place availability:

• pass at FETAC (NCVA) Level 5 in DCHSC Childcare;
• distinctions (i.e. 80% or greater) in 5 modules in the FETAC (NCVA) Level 5, which must include the four mandatory modules D20159 Caring for Children; D20153 Working in Childcare; D20005 Child Development; D20007 Early Childhood Education;

OR

• Pass at FETAC (NCVA) Level 5 in DSACX School Age Childcare;
• Distinctions (i.e. 80% or greater in the following five modules: N22682 School Age Childcare; L22679 Child and Adolescent Development; L22680 Health Awareness; L22681 Relationships and Collaborations; L21824 Integrating Children with Additional Needs.

Full details on the application procedure may be obtained from the Admissions Office, UCC.

Mature Students Requirements:

Mature applicants (those over 23 by 1st January of the year you hope to enter UCC) must complete the Mature Students’ Admissions Pathway exam and must also make an application through the CAO. There are 15 places available for mature students on this programme. See the Mature Student Guide for further details.

Academic Criteria for Candidates who wish to Transfer to Second Arts (Early Years and Childhood Studies)

Up to 20 transfer places will be available each year. (If more than 20 students per year wish to transfer, a selection procedure will be implemented).
Applicants who hold one of the following qualifications will be considered for transfer:

1. Three or four year full-time Diplomas/Ordinary Degrees of the HETAC/NCEA or the DIT:
   Diploma in Pre-School Care and Education;
   Diploma in Social Care;
   Diploma in Humanities in Montessori Education;
   HETAC/NCEA Degree in Humanities in Montessori Education.
2. Two year full-time Higher Certificate in Pre-School Care from the HETAC/NCEA or the DIT with Merit or Distinction.
3. The two year, full-time or three year, part-time Irish St. Nicholas Montessori qualification with an award of Distinction or Highly Commended.
4. The two year, full-time AMI Montessori Diploma with a minimum of two Grade Cs and a Grade B in the written theory examination, the written practical examination and the oral practical examination.
   Applicants eligible for entry under categories 1-4 above may, if they wish, be allowed to undertake one supervised placement in their own setting provided that they produce evidence of a minimum of full time equivalent of 3 years practice experience in a recognised Early Years and Childhood Setting.
5. Practitioner Entry: Candidates applying under this category will be selected on the basis of their prior learning – certified and experiential.

A minimum full-time equivalent of 5 years practice experience will be required PLUS evidence of ongoing commitment to personal and professional development (CPD).

In addition, prospective candidates will be required to submit [and will be assessed on] a 2,000/3,000 word written assignment on the following topic:
'Critically evaluate the importance of child centred pedagogy in early childhood care and education'

Practitioners deemed eligible will be allowed to undertake the supervised placements in second and third year in their own settings if desired. The above assignment must be submitted with your application by the closing date of 30 June, 2015 for 2015/16 entry.

Students wishing to transfer to the Second Year of the Arts Degree (Early Years and Childhood Studies), who satisfy the above criteria, should complete the appropriate application form available from the Admissions Office, UCC, before the end of June preceding the academic year in which they wish to commence their studies.

In First Arts (Early Years and Childhood Studies), students study prescribed modules to the value of 60 credits in the three designated subject areas:

1. Education
2. Social Policy
3. Studies in Psychology

Programme Requirements

Students take 60 credits as follows:

AP1110 Psychology as Science (5 credits)
AP1123 Introduction to Biological and Cognitive Perspectives on Psychology (5 credits)
AP1149 Introduction to Developmental and Social perspectives on Psychology (5 credits)
AP1504 Research Methods in Education and Psychology (5 credits)
ED1010 Historical Developments in the Irish Education Sector (5 credits)
ED1012 Early Years and Childhood Studies: Pedagogy and Practice (5 credits)
ED1013 Contemporary Issues in Early Years and Childhood Studies 1 (5 credits)
ED1014 Contemporary Issues in Early Years and Childhood Studies 2 (5 credits)
SS1006 Social Analysis and Child Care Policy 1 (5 credits)
SS1015 Social Policy and Society Part 1 (5 credits)
SS1016 Social Policy and Society Part 2 (10 credits)

Module Semester Information may be found here. Module descriptions may be found here.

Examinations

Full details of regulations governing Examinations for each programme will be contained in the Marks and Standards 2016 Book, and for each module in the Book of Modules, 2015/2016.

Three Year Rule

Students must pass the First University Examination in Arts (Early Years and Childhood Studies) within three academic years from the date of first registration for First Year. Failure to comply with this rule means that the student will be ineligible to proceed further with his/her studies. Exceptions to this rule may be granted by the College of Arts, Celtic Studies and Social Sciences, only for very serious reasons.

No student may register for Second Arts (Early Years and Childhood Studies) until he/she has passed the First University Examination in Early Years and Childhood Studies, except on the basis of previous qualifications (see under 'entry requirements' above). Students who have been admitted to Second Arts (Early Years and Childhood Studies) must satisfactorily attend the prescribed modules, to the value of 60 credits, in the three core disciplines in order to be admitted to the Second University Examination in Arts (Early Years and Childhood Studies).

Programme Requirements

Students take 60 credits as follows:

AP2104 Developmental Psychology (5 credits)
AP2504 Early Years and Childhood Health and Wellbeing Project (15 credits)
ED2004 The Curriculum in Special Needs Education (5 credits)
ED2005 Early Years and Childhood Policy: Planning and Practice (5 credits)
ED2006 Early Years and Childhood Curricula: Ideology, Pedagogy and Practice (10 credits)
SS2027 Childcare Placement and Preparation (15 credits)
SS2401 Social Analysis and Child Care Policy 2 (5 credits)

Module Semester Information may be found here. Module descriptions may be found here.

Examinations

Full details of regulations governing Examinations for each programme will be contained in the Marks and Standards 2016 Book, and for each module in the Book of Modules, 2015/2016.

Three Year Rule

Students must pass the Second University Examination in Arts (Early Years and Childhood Studies) within three academic years from the date of first registration for Second Year. Failure to comply with this rule means that the student will be ineligible to proceed further with his/her studies. Exceptions to this rule may be granted by the College of Arts, Celtic Studies and Social Sciences, only for very serious reasons.

Second Arts (Childhood Theory and Policy) – alternative pathway for students not proceeding to Third Arts (Early Years and Childhood Studies)

The BA (Hons) (Childhood Theory and Policy) is an alternative degree pathway for students who do not satisfy the pass standard for the placement module (SS2027) in Year 2 of the BA (Early Years and Childhood Studies) programme over the Summer and Autumn Supplemental Examinations. This degree pathway leads to an academic and not a practice degree. Such students may opt instead to register for the BA (Hons) (Childhood Theory and Policy).

Students will make up the remaining 15 credits, to a total of 60 credits, by choosing 3 of the following 5 credit modules:  SS2004, SS2007, SS2025 and SS2026 in the following academic year.  On successful completion of Second Arts (Childhood Theory and Policy), students then progress to Third Arts (Childhood Theory and Policy) where, on successful completion, they qualify for a BA (Hons) (Childhood Theory and Policy).

Programme Requirements
Students take 60 credits as follows:

AP2104 Developmental Psychology (5 credits)
AP2504 Early Years and Childhood Health and Wellbeing Project (15 credits)
ED2004 The Curriculum in Special Needs Education (5 credits)
ED2005 Early Years and Childhood Policy: Planning and Practice (5 credits)
ED2006 Early Years and Childhood Curricula: Ideology, Pedagogy and Practice (10 credits)
SS2401 Social Analysis and Child Care Policy 2 (5 credits)

And three of the following modules:
SS2004 Personal Lives and Family Policy (5 credits)
SS2007 Penal Policy and Practice (5 credits)
SS2025 The Politics of Health and Medicine (5 credits)
SS2026 Special Education and Disability (5 credits)

Note: Exemptions in relevant modules passed as part of Second Arts (Early Years and Childhood Studies) will be carried over to Second Arts (Childhood Theory and Policy).

Module Semester Information may be found here. Module descriptions may be found here.

Examinations

Full details of regulations governing Examinations for each programme will be contained in the Marks and Standards 2016 Book, and for each module in the Book of Modules, 2015/2016.

Two Year Rule

Students must pass the Second University Examination in Arts (Childhood Theory and Policy) within two academic years from the date of first registration for Second Arts (Childhood Theory and Policy). Failure to comply with this rule means that the student will be ineligible to proceed further with his/her studies. Exceptions to this rule may be granted by the College of Arts, Celtic Studies and Social Sciences, only for very serious reasons.

Only students who have passed the Second University Examination in Arts (Early Years and Childhood Studies) and satisfied all other requirements specified will be permitted to register for Third Arts (Early Years and Childhood Studies). Such students must attend the prescribed modules to the value of 60 credits in the three core disciplines concerned (20 credits per discipline) in order to be admitted to the Degree Examination.

Programme Requirements

Students take 60 credits as follows:

AP3104 Applied Developmental Psychology (5 credits)
AP3501 Applying Psychological Theory and Reflective Practice to Placement Context (5 credits)
AP3504 Child and Family Health Psychology (5 credits)
AP3514 Psychological Perspectives on Special Educational Needs (5 credits)
ED3009 Advanced Studies in Early Years and Childhood Studies (10 credits)
ED3010 Education Placement (10 credits)
SS3401 Social Analysis, Gender and Society (15 credits)
SS3402 Social Research in Early Years and Childhood Studies (5 credits)

Module Semester Information may be found here. Module descriptions may be found here.

Examinations

Full details of regulations governing Examinations for each programme will be contained in the Marks and Standards 2016 Book, and for each module in the Book of Modules, 2015/2016..

Three Year Rule

Students must pass the BA (Hons) (Early Years and Childhood Studies) Degree Examination within three academic years from the date of first registration for Third Year. Failure to comply with this rule means that the student will be ineligible to proceed further with his/her studies. Exceptions to this rule may be granted by the College of Arts, Celtic Studies and Social Sciences, only for very serious reasons.

Third Arts (Childhood Theory and Policy) – alternative pathway for students not completing Third Arts (Early Years and Childhood Studies)

The BA (Hons) (Childhood Theory and Policy) is an alternative degree pathway for students who do not satisfy the pass standard for the placement modules (ED3010 and AP3501) in Year 3 of the BA (Early Years and Childhood Studies) programme over the Summer and Autumn Supplemental Examinations. This degree pathway leads to an academic and not a practice degree. Such students may opt instead to register for the BA (Hons) (Childhood Theory and Policy).

Students will make up the remaining 15 credits, to a total of 60 credits, by completing ED3326 (10 credits) and choosing one of the following 5 credit AP modules: AP3037, AP3015 or AP3033 in the following academic year.  On successful completion of Third Arts (Childhood Theory and Policy), students will qualify for a BA (Hons) (Childhood Theory and Policy).

Programme Requirements
Students take 60 credits as follows:
AP3104 Applied Developmental Psychology (5 credits)
AP3504 Child and Family Health Psychology (5 credits)
AP3514 Psychological Perspectives on Special Educational Needs (5 credits)
ED3009 Advanced Studies in Early Years and Childhood Studies (10 credits)
SS3401 Social Analysis, Gender and Society (15 credits)
SS3402 Social Research in Early Years and Childhood Studies (5 credits)
ED3326 Education Research Report (10 credits)
and one of the following:
AP3015 Forensic Psychology (5 credits)
AP3033 Positive Psychology (5 credits)
AP3037 Work Psychology (5 credits)

Please note: Students who pass AP3501 and fail ED3010 in Year 3 of the BA (Early Years and Childhood Studies) programme over the Summer and Autumn Supplemental Examinations will only be required to take ED3326 (10 credits).

Note: Exemptions in relevant modules passed as part of Third Arts (Early Years and Childhood Studies) will be carried over to Third Arts (Childhood Theory and Policy).

Module Semester Information may be found here. Module descriptions may be found here.

Examinations

Full details of regulations governing Examinations for each programme will be contained in the Marks and Standards 2016 Book, and for each module in the Book of Modules, 2015/2016.

Two Year Rule

Students must pass the BA (Hons) (Childhood Theory and Policy) Degree Examination within two academic years from the date of first registration for Third Arts (Childhood Theory and Policy). Failure to comply with this rule means that the student will be ineligible to proceed further with his/her studies. Exceptions to this rule may be granted by the College of Arts, Celtic Studies and Social Sciences, only for very serious reasons.

Programme Learning Outcomes for BA (Early Years and Childhood Studies) (NFQ Level 8, Major Award)
On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

• Identify, explore and apply skills required  for working with children in early years settings
• Demonstrate the confidence and competence to work with children and young people
• Develop and integrate skills commensurate with planning and implementing a research project
• Critically appraise theory and research in psychology, social studies and education as they relate to childhood and practice in applied settings.
• Critically display knowledge of the professional and ethical issues that may arise in the application of psychology, social studies and education in child-centred research and practice in a variety of contexts
• Apply theories from Applied Social Studies, Applied Psychology and Education, to critically examine Early Years and Childhood policies and practices nationally and internationally.

Programme Learning Outcomes for BA (Child Theory and Policy) (NFQ Level 8, Major Award)
On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

• Demonstrate an understanding of research methods and skills.
• Develop and integrate skills commensurate with planning and implementing a research report.
• Critically display knowledge of ethical issues that may arise in the application of psychology, social studies and education in child-centred research.
• Critically appraise childhood theory and research in psychology, social studies and education.
• Apply theories from Applied Social Studies, Applied Psychology and Education, to critically examine Early Years and Childhood policies nationally and internationally.