Childhood Studies

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.

Applicants should be driven by a desire to be professional leaders and agents for collegial support and change; recognising the special contribution that higher education in these fields (using a range of scientifically established paradigms and approaches) can make to professionals involved in supporting children to realise their potential.

Structure of Course

On acceptance of their place on the course, learners would be required to attend an induction day. This covers all aspects of the programme content, delivery, assessment, and requirements. Induction provides the learner with an opportunity to become familiar with the environment, peers, and faculty members.

Learners can complete this course on a full-time basis over 1 year and on a part-time basis over 2 years. Attendance would normally require attendance in person (either in class or on Zoom) on 1 evening per week (6 pm to 9 pm) and Saturdays (9.30 am to 4.30 pm) in the academic year from September to July. The timetable has been structured to optimise the utilisation of online learning via Zoom where this allows, but skills-based components do require a certain amount of in-person attendance and it is taught using a combination of classroom-based and blended learning techniques via Zoom. This allows the learner to access classes in person or using on-line facilities. In certain skill-based modules, attendance will be a mandatory requirement.

Each learner on the Full-Time route would study and submit for assessment 4 modules in Semester 1 (40 ECTS), while those on the Part-Time Route would submit 2 Modules (20 ECTS) in Semester 1. In Semester 1, learners focus on fundamental Modules associated with the programme and on the full-Time option, are also taught a 10 ECTS Module on Research Methodologies and Design to support them with their Dissertation Module.

On the Part-Time route, this Research Module is taken in Semester 4. The Dissertation Module commences in Semester 1 and is due for completion and submission in Semester 3 for Full-time Students and Semester 5 for Part-Time Students.

In Semester 2, learners on both the Full and Part-Time options will complete a total of 30 ECTS of topic focussed learning as well as completing their Practicum module (10 ECTS) and are assessed on this body of work by the end of the First Semester. In the Practicum (Work-Based Learning) module, all learners will be required to undertake a minimum of 150 hours of practice placement, with 15 hours of supervision arranged by the College, 10 of which would be mentoring or small group tutoring with 5 hours direct 1 to 1 placement supervision.

Students will complete the Programme on submission of their Dissertation Module at the end of Semester 3 on the full-time route and Semester 5 of the Part-time route. Those students who exit the programme without completion of their Dissertation will be eligible for an Exit Award of a Postgraduate Diploma in Childhood Studies.

Who Awards My Qualification?

On successful completion of the programme, your qualification is awarded by Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI). QQI is one of the principal Irish awarding body for 3rd level education in Ireland and sets the standards for awards on the NFQ. Because this programme is both validated and awarded by QQI, the Award you receive is recognised in Ireland and internationally. See www.qqi.ie for further information.

The following are the modules that have to be completed on this course which means a total of 90 ECTS have to completed for the Award of MA in Childhood Studies

Name of Module Mandatory / Elective ECTS (Credits)
Critical Perspectives on Child & Youth Development M 10
Research Methodologies & Design M 10
Curricular & Pedological Approaches in Early Learning & Care M 10
Governance & Professional Leadership in Child and Adolescent Practice M 10
Contemporary Discourses in Early Learning and Care M 10
Practicum M 10
Dissertation M 30

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. Candidates over 23 years of age who hold significant professional qualifications and or can demonstrate appropriate learning from experiential or other sources of learning may apply through a Recognition of Prior Learning route (RPL). For non-native speakers of English, an IELTS score of 6.5 (or equivalent) is required. Candidates may study on either a full-time or part-time basis.

All applicants will be required to attend for interview to ascertain their suitability for the programme.

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 to 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.

Successful applicants would be required to complete Garda Vetting at the College.

1 Year (Full Time) 2 Years ( Part Time)

Available at our Dublin and Limerick Campuses

Where Can I progress to on completion of the course?

On successful completion of the MA in Childhood Studies, learners will be qualified to access Level 10 Programmes on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ).