BA (hons) In Early Childhood Studies in Waterford Institute of Technology, Ireland

BA (hons) In Early Childhood Studies in Waterford Institute of Technology

The BA (Hons) in Early Childhood Studies is a three year course of study. The course is designed under four important academic foundations namely, theory, practice, research and reflective integration.

Early Childhood Studies is aimed at producing professionally qualified graduates who can work in a range of early years’ contexts, working with children up to the age of eight in both care and education settings. The course involves the study of related disciplines of early years’ care, education, psychology, sociology, law and personal and professional development and supervised professional early years, practice placements.

Special Feature of BA (Hons) in Early Childhood Studies

Students have the opportunity to complete supervised work-based placements, one in each of the second and third years of the course. These opportunities allow students gain valuable experience and skills in areas of care or education or both.

These placement experiences will facilitate the students’ application of knowledge from the disciplines studied to professional practice. Students will conclude their third year with a written thesis which allows them focus on a specific area of interest to them in relation to early years’ care and education.

This course aims to facilitate students who wish to pursue professional careers in Early Childhood Studies contexts, and postgraduate studies in Early Childhood Studies and related disciplines.

• Early Years Childcare

• Early Years Education

• Children’s Residential Care Centres

• Health Services Executive, Family Support

• Children with special learning needs

• Private work in the child care sector