Early Childhood Education

The programme is designed for early childhood educators, primary teachers and professionals to work together to enhance the learning and development of children from birth to six years, across the full diversity of early childhood settings and the early years of primary school in Ireland. It provides post-graduate professional development for those who wish to acquire advanced knowledge and extend their expertise in early childhood education in relation to research, policy and practice to become agents of change and leaders, with a deeper understanding of a range of multidisciplinary and transdisciplinary perspectives on babies, toddlers, and young children’s learning and development.

This two-year, part-time post-graduate programme would be of interest to professionals who have a desire to lead early childhood education through innovative practice and research, in particular, those who have a minimum of a Level 8 award and two years’ experience in setting(s) supporting children from birth to six years:

Early childhood educators working with babies, toddlers and/or young children
Teachers working with children in Early Start units and the early years (junior and senior infants) of primary school in Ireland
Personnel involved in mentoring, inspecting and/or the leadership and management of early childhood settings and advocacy
Professionals who wish to acquire advanced knowledge, skill and expertise in early childhood education in relation to research, policy and practice

The Master of Education in Early Childhood Education is a two-year, part time, taught programme delivered on campus and online (blended). In Year 1, students undertake five modules:

Curriculum and Pedagogy in Early Childhood Education (blended)
Leading and Mentoring for Professional Practice (online)
Children's Participation in Early Childhood Education and Care (blended)
Qualitative Research Methods (online)
Quantitative Research Methods (online)
Online lectures normally take place on Tuesday evenings with some on campus lectures on Thursday evenings/Saturdays between September-November in semester 1 and January-April in semester 2. Please contact Programme Chair for further information about the Programme calendar.

Students undertake a sixth module Contesting Current Discourses in Early Childhood Education and Care (on campus) in the form of a study week in July/August; and complete a thesis with the support of a supervising tutor in Year 2.

Orientation will take place on a Saturday in early-September on the St. Patrick’s campus.

The programme aims to develop graduates who will:

Extend their knowledge, skill and expertise to enhance early educational experiences for children in the range of early childhood education and related contexts (birth to 6 years), through critical reflection and interrogation of on one’s own values and practice

Adopt a critical stance in examining current discourses and critically interrogate ubiquitous concepts, grand narratives, emerging trends and perceived certainties that have come to dominate the early childhood field, both nationally and internationally

Engage in cross-sectoral dialogue, cooperation and collaboration across early childhood education and related professional contexts to build professional networks

Conduct ethical research in a specialised area in early childhood education that will contribute to professional practice and advance academic knowledge and evidence-informed approaches to the improvement of early childhood education

Explore opportunities for educational leadership, mentoring, academic advocacy, career progression and professional development within early childhood education

The minimum entry requirement is a Level 8 award with a minimum of a H2.2.

In general, applicants will have degrees in education, early childhood education or studies, education and training, or other related and cognate fields, and two years’ experience in setting(s) supporting children from birth to six years, which may be post or prior to their Level 8 award.

Due to the specialist nature of this programme, additional criteria may be used to assess suitability to undertake this programme. For further information, please contact the Programme Chair using the contact details above

Recognition of prior learning/transfer/exemption procedures apply.

Students on the programme will need to have access to an early childhood setting or an Infant classroom.

Application dates

Applications open date: 01/01/2024

Applications will be accepted and places offered on a rolling basis until the programme registration quota is full or until the following date: 31/05/2024.

All entry requirements should be met before the commencement of the programme.

Application Queries
For EU applicant queries, please visit https://www.dcu.ie/registry/eu-postgraduate-taught-admissions or email postgraduateadmissions@dcu.ie

Queries specific to the Master of Education in Early Childhood Education programme can be directed to Programme Chairs: Geraldine French (geraldine.french@dcu.ie) or Fiona Giblin (fiona.giblin@dcu.ie)

To apply for this programme

All Applicants must apply through DCU's Student Application Portal which is available here. Here's a quick step by step guide if you need help with your application.
Applications must include

Certified academic transcripts for each and every year of study, with certified English translations if applicable
A CV highlighting relevant professional experience, including at least two years in the area of early childhood education
Personal statement of 500 words maximum outlining reasons for applying for the programme and indicating area of research interest
Non Native English Speakers - Additional

Evidence of English competency which meets DCU entry requirements
Non-EU applicants

If you require a study visa and are a Non EU student, you are not eligible to apply for part-time programmes as study visas are only granted for full-time programmes.

2 years part-time

Commencement of Programme: This programme will commence in September 2024*.
*Subject to minimum student registrations.

Graduates of the Master of Education in Early Childhood Education will be in position to lead research, policy and practice in early childhood education and therefore are afforded further career opportunities such as:

Leadership/Management roles in early years settings or primary schools
Early years inspector (Department of Education or Tusla, the Child and Family Agency)
Mentor/Trainer/Advisor for government agencies and organisations who support professional learning and development for early childhood educators and primary teachers
Further studies and research at doctoral level