Within Northern Ireland, services directed at the education and care of young children in the age phase 0 to 8 have seen unprecedented growth and development in recent years. Initiatives such as Sure Start, the implementation of the Learning to Learn Strategy and the Infant Mental Health Framework have brought early years issues to the fore.
The MA in Early Childhood Studies is aimed at professionals working in the area of early childhood - teachers, early years practitioners, social workers and development officers in both statutory and non-statutory agencies - who are already qualified to undergraduate level in an educational or social science subject.

The course will:

• Develop and enhance the knowledge and skills of early years practitioners as they improve the outcomes and opportunities for children, families and communities;

• Provide new opportunities to study in the specialised field of
Early Childhood Studies;

• Deepen students' capacity to manage their own learning.

Accreditation
Students who have recently completed a PGCE in the last 10 years will be eligible to apply for 30 M-Level credit points towards a Master's qualification. Candidates may seek accreditation for completed school-based professional development activities. Application for credit transfer and exemption from module requirements must be made upon enrolment.

Entitlement To The Award Of Master Of Arts (MA)
A Master of Arts is awarded to students who have completed 180 points at M-level (four taught modules and a research dissertation). The degree of Master of Arts may be awarded
with distinction on the recommendation of the Board of Examiners. Students who have accumulated 60 points on
the MA may graduate with a Postgraduate Certificate and those who have accumulated 120 points may graduate with a
Postgraduate Diploma.

Criteria
To be awarded an MA Early Childhood Studies students must complete at least two modules from the MEd ECS programme plus 2 further taught modules chosen from any specialist option for example Interconnected and Collaborative Learning or Social, Emotional and Behavioural Difficulties. One of these modules is normally Research Methods. In addition students must complete a dissertation.