The BA (Honours) in Early Childhood Education and Care at the National College of Ireland is designed for aspiring professionals passionate about fostering the holistic development of young children. You will gain a deep understanding of learning and development from birth to six years, exploring foundational theories, core pedagogies, and essential legislation. This undergraduate degree equips you with the knowledge and practical skills to create nurturing and stimulating environments, preparing you to address the diverse needs of children and families in contemporary society. You will explore subjects such as child health, nutrition, wellbeing, and the impact of digital learning environments.
This full-time, on-campus programme, studied over four years, integrates theoretical learning with extensive supervised professional practice placements, offering over 1,000 hours of hands-on experience. You will engage in practical activities within diverse early childhood settings, applying strategies, conducting observations, and developing curriculum. A distinctive feature is the dedicated Education Play Lab at NCI, providing opportunities for experiential learning. In your final year, you will complete a capstone project, consolidating your learning and preparing you for diverse career pathways in early childhood education and care.