Leadership in Early Years Education & Care - Wexford

Early Years Education and Care is a rapidly growing area in Ireland. This programme has been designed to facilitate and prepare students and current practitioners or those with an interest in early childhood education for leadership and management roles in the operation of early childhood education services and related public policy.



This Masters programme will develop students ability to both analyse, manage and creatively respond to critical issues and changes in early childhood care policy and service implementation, all the time being cognisant of the best interests of the child.



Note: Please be aware that some of the modules on this programme are taught in the evening. If you wish to complete the programme as a full-time student, you must complete both the day and evening modules in one academic year.

What subjects will I study?

Leadership, Strategy and Governance

Contemporary Issues in Early Years Policy, Theory and Practice

Arts based Research in Early Years Education and Care

Leading Quality in Early Years Education and Care

Educational Psychology

Transformative Children's Rights Education

Research Methods and Dissertation

Entry requirements are a Level 8 degree, with a minimum of Second Class Honours, Grade 2 or equivalent in the following areas:



Early Childhood Education and Care

Applied Social Studies

Social and Community Studies

Youth and Community Work

Social Sciences or cognate area



Candidates with significant relevant work experience (as determined by SETU Carlow Recognised Prior Learning (RPL) policy), in addition to an honours primary degree in another discipline area may also be considered for entry.



Applicants applying for entry via routes other than those listed above will be considered on a case-by-case basis and in accordance with SETU Carlows Recognised Prior Learning (RPL) policy.



All Non-EU applicants should refer to the internationalsection of the SETU website for further information.

Application Deadline 28 Aug 2026

2 years, part-time.

Next intake September 2026.

Study & Career Opportunities

Graduates of the programme may progress to a PhD programme of study in the discipline areas, in Ireland or abroad. Graduates of the programme may also be eligible to progress to a professional doctorate in the field of teaching and learning in both Irish and international Institutions.



This is an ideal postgraduate programme for students or current practitioners within the early childhood education sector who are interested in becoming an administrator, director or manager of early childhood education programmes. It is also suitable for those interested in advisory, mentoring and inspection roles within the sector.