BA EARLY CHILDHOOD TEACHING & LEARNING (FLEXIBLE)

Build strong practical skills and a deep understanding of how children grow, play and learn in the vital early years with this rewarding degree.

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Qualification
Bachelor Of Arts Degree
CAO Points
000
CAO/MU Apply code
MH004
Award Type and NFQ level
UNDERGRADUATE DEGREE (8)
Study Mode
Full time
Closing Date
01 February 2027
Jump to
CAO Hub

Overview

If you are currently working in the early childhood education and care (ECEC) sector, you will be interested in this flexible, level 8 honours degree – MH004. If you already have a full level 6 qualification in ECEC, you are exempt from first year. You can also choose to graduate with level 7 qualification after third year or a level 8 qualification after fourth year.

If you are applying as a Leaving Certificate, mature or further education student, you will be interested in the full-time programme - MH003 – see page 105.

As the Froebel Department is named after the famous educational philosopher, Friedrich Froebel, our programmes reflect his ideology. This means we incorporate active, child-centred and practical approaches to our teaching and learning.

Our programme is closely linked with early childhood education and care (ECEC) practice, and our lecturers are experienced in the development, delivery and advocacy of ECEC.

Work placements take place in Tusla-notified ECEC settings. If you are working in the sector, you may use your workplace as your placement setting. However, short, alternative placements are also required each year.

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Learn more about the BA Early Childhood Teaching & Learning

Course structure

Duration: 4 years (flexible)

This programme is designed for Early Years Educators working in early childhood education and care settings.

Applicants with a Level 6 qualification in Early Childhood Education and Care may apply for exemption from year 1.

Those aspiring to enter the Early Childhood Education and Care sector from Leaving Certificate or further education paths may be interested in the full-time programme MH003.

Disclaimer
The modules below are indicative of the content associated with this course of study.
The modules are subject to change as the curriculum is revised and reviewed annually.
Important: The information on this page is for prospective students, MU current students and staff should use Programme Directory.

Year 1

EDF1CSM - Early Childhood Teaching & Learning

Credits: 60  |  Compulsory

Year 2

EDF2CSM - Early Childhood Teaching & Learning

Credits: 60  |  Compulsory

Early Childhood Teaching & Learning modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

EDC223

5

Year-Long

Y

EDC225

5

Year-Long

Y

EDC222

5

Year-Long

Y

EDC224

5

Year-Long

Y

EDC227

5

Year-Long

Y

EDC228

20

Year-Long

Y

EDC221

10

Year-Long

Y

EDC226

5

Year-Long

Y

Year 3

EDF3CSM - Early Childhood Teaching & Learning

Credits: 60  |  Compulsory

Early Childhood Teaching & Learning modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

EDC324

5

Year-Long

Y

EDC322

5

Year-Long

Y

EDC325

5

Year-Long

Y

EDC323

5

Year-Long

Y

EDC326

5

Year-Long

Y

EDC328

20

Year-Long

Y

EDC321

10

Year-Long

Y

EDC327

5

Year-Long

Y

Year 4

EDF4CSM - Early Childhood Teaching & Learning

Credits: 60  |  Compulsory

Early Childhood Teaching & Learning modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

EDC425

5

Year-Long

Y

EDC422

5

Year-Long

Y

EDC424

5

Year-Long

Y

EDC428

20

Year-Long

Y

EDC421

10

Year-Long

Y

EDC426

5

Year-Long

Y

EDC427

5

Year-Long

Y

EDC423

5

Year-Long

Y

After Graduation

This degree offers graduates the option of progressing their careers in varied professional roles. Graduates emerge as early years teaching professionals in Ireland and positions them to spearhead and lead learning in early childhood education and care (ECEC) services. The degree may also provide opportunities to work in early childhood settings internationally.

Career progression within this sector, for those with a level 7 or level 8 early childhood degree, is expanding rapidly within and beyond ECEC settings, to include opportunities in:

  • policy development and evaluation agencies
  • government departments
  • semi-state bodies
  • non-governmental organisations (NGOs)

Graduates may also take up roles with local development agencies within the early childhood sector both nationally and internationally.

Entry Requirements

Applicants with a level 6 qualification in Early Childhood Education and Care may apply for exemption from year 1.

Please note that applications for the BA Early Childhood - Teaching & Learning (flexible) degree (CAO Code MH004) must be made through the Advanced Entry portal on the CAO application website.

Please note that MH004 BA Early Childhood Teaching & Learning (flexible) will run subject to sufficient numbers in 2027. For more details please contact the Department.

This table displays the requirements for Leaving Certificate applicants.

Entry requirements table

Subject

Required

Ordinary Level Grade

Higher Level Grade

Irish

No

N/A

N/A

English

No

N/A

N/A

Language

No

N/A

N/A

Mathematics

No

N/A

N/A

Science

No

N/A

N/A

  1. EU / EFTA Applicants - Further information can be found by navigating to our EU/EFTA applicant information page
  2. International Applicants - International (Non-EU) applicants for undergraduate programmes submit their application online via our online application portal. Applications open on 14th October 2026 and close on 1st July 2027. For further information, please navigate to our International applicant page

Mature Applicants

As this is a flexible degree, the mature age is 21 years or older by 1st January in the year of entry to the University. Late application (for existing CAO applicants) accepted.

Visit our mature applicant information page - tab 3 on this page outlines application steps for this degree.

Mature applicants who have a disability

If you have a disability or specific learning difficulty (e.g. dyslexia), and require support for any required written exercise/interview/online video audition which may form part of your application assessment, you must complete an online request form and submit supporting documentation by 15 March 2027. Applications for alternative examination accommodation cannot be considered after this deadline.

For further information on the supporting documentation required, as well as examination and other supports visit the Access Office website.

Mature applicant deadline: 01 February 2027

Applicants with a level 6 qualification in Early Childhood Education and Care may apply for exemption from year 1.

Please note that applications for the BA Early Childhood - Teaching & Learning (flexible) degree (CAO Code MH004) must be made through the Advanced Entry portal on the CAO application website.

Please note that MH004 BA Early Childhood Teaching & Learning (flexible) will run subject to sufficient numbers in 2027. For more details please contact the Department.

How to apply

Apply online to the CAO (Central Applications Office)

Applicants with a level 6 qualification in Early Childhood Education and Care may apply for exemption from year 1.

Please note that applications for the BA Early Childhood - Teaching & Learning (flexible) degree (CAO Code MH004) must be made through the Advanced Entry portal on the CAO application website.

Please note that MH004 BA Early Childhood Teaching & Learning (flexible) will run subject to sufficient numbers in 2027. For more details please contact the Department.

The application process depends on the type of applicant you are. Click here for all information about how to apply.

Categories of applicant:

  • Mature students (part-time degrees the mature age is 21)
  • EU/EFTA/UK students
  • International students (outside the EU)
  • QQI (Further Education) students
  • Transferring students
  • Deferring students

Got a question about this course?

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