Childhood Studies

Overview

Looking to develop your knowledge in supporting childhood development and Early Learning Care?



This Master's Degree is an ICHAS (Irish College of Humanities and Applied Sciences) programme. ICHAS are responsible for its delivery & all academic matters pertaining to it.



This programme addresses the needs of practitioners and graduates who wish to develop their knowledge and professional competence in areas focusing on professionally supporting childhood development.



Why Study a Master's in Childhood Studies?



This course should be of particular relevance to existing Level 8 graduates of programmes in areas such as Early Learning & Care, Primary & Post Primary Education, Nursing, Social care, Psychology, Sociology, Social science, Youth work and Community studies and related disciplines.



This programme has been designed to accommodate the needs of both new and recent graduates as well as those students currently holding positions in the children and young people’s workforce, including those wishing to advance their careers or indeed change careers.



• This programme is congruent with the objective of providing accessible and flexible programmes to adult learners and has been designed with particular emphasis on the use of blended learning technologies to support traditional classroom learning.



• This programme supports learners to develop personally & professionally to enable them to achieve a Masters's Degree in Childhood Studies.



• Develop learner's knowledge, skills & competence to an appropriate level of ‘Higher Order Practice’



• Modules within the programme are designed to build personal capacity, collaborative problem-solving skills, and an understanding of the systems and context within which individuals may be best supported.



• The programme provides a progression opportunity to complete a range of Programmes at Level 10 nationally and internationally.

Mandatory Modules

• Critical Perspectives on Child & Youth Development

• Research Methodologies & Design

• Curricular & Pedological Approaches in Early Learning & Care

• Governance & Professional Leadership in Child and Adolescent Practice

• Contemporary Discourses in Early Learning and Care

• Practicum

• Dissertation

The knowledge, skills, and competence required to successfully participate in and complete this Level 9 programme will normally require applicants to have successfully achieved a Level 2:2 award in a relevant Level 8 degree.



Those who have completed other relevant educational programmes or have relevant professional experience etc., where Recognised Prior Learning (RPL) and Acquired Prior Learning (APL) can be applied to the programme by submission of programme content, qualification, and assignments equivalent to an appropriate Level 8 award at an Honours 2:2 standard, can also be considered.



English Language:

For non-native speakers of English, an IELTS score of 6.5 (or equivalent) is required.



Applicants over 23 years of age (Mature students):

If you are 23 years of age on or before the 1st of January of the year you want to enter, you may apply as a mature student. Mature students must apply to Griffith College directly online using the Apply Online facility on the website homepage or the button below. Mature applicants will be asked for a copy of their passport.



International Applicants:

In the case of overseas applications, whose first language is not English, applicants will have to provide either certification of completion of a primary degree through the medium of English or submit the official results of English Language competency demonstrated through the completion of English language proficiency tests indicating a minimum score of B2+ in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFRL). Certification may be evidenced through the production of a certificate of IELTS Level 6.5 or equivalent) or equivalent competency tests, if applicable.



All international applicants must meet the visa requirements for study in Ireland.



All applicants will be required to attend for interview to ascertain their suitability for the programme. Successful applicants would be required to complete Garda Vetting at the College.

One Year Full-Time / Two Years Part-Time.



Full-time:

ICHAS Limerick: (1-year option) The full-time programme is normally scheduled over 3 consecutive days per week over 2 Semesters at ICHAS College Limerick, from 9.30 am to 4.30 pm.



Part-time:

Griffith College Dublin Campus: (2-year option) would normally require attendance, either in class or online, on 1 evening per week from 6 pm-9 pm and approximately eight Saturdays from 9.30 am-4.30 pm in the academic year.



The timetable has been structured to optimise the utilisation of online learning where this allows. Still, skills-based components do require in-person attendance, and it is taught using a combination of classroom-based and blended learning techniques. In specific skill-based modules, attendance will be a mandatory requirement.

Intake Dates: Limerick - Full-Time - September 2025



Campus(es) where the course is available

Full-time: ICHAS Limerick, in association with Griffith College

Classes are delivered at ICHAS, Walton House, Lonsdale Road, National Technology Park, Castletroy, Co. Limerick



Part-time: Griffith College Dublin Main Campus

Careers

• Project Worker

• Family Support Projects

• Youth Workers

• Afterschool Assistant

• Childcare Development Officer

• Youth Advocate