Courses
Early Childhood Care, Health and Education
Bachelor of Science (Honours)
Course Details
CAO Code | AU390 |
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Level | 8 |
Duration | 4 Years |
CAO Points | 300 (2024) |
Method of Delivery | On-campus |
Campus Locations | Donegal – Letterkenny |
Mode of Delivery | Full Time |
Work placement | Yes |
Course Overview
The Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Early Childhood Care, Health & Education is a four-year degree course that equips graduates with the necessary competencies to work with young children and their families. It is an invigorating and exciting career path.
The Bachelor of Science (Hons) programme is delivered with theory lectures, practical work, and group tutorial classes, adopting a spiral curriculum approach. This method progressively builds on the student’s capacity as an Early Childhood Manager and Educator, assessor and facilitator of young children’s learning and development through play.
Modules are informed by national and international research and policy, contemporary issues, and evidence-based practice in the field of Early Childhood Education and Care. With the most up to date discussions and debates facilitated helping to strengthen the student’s knowledge, understanding and skills to become an Advanced Graduate Educator. Assessment is through a variety of means to include authentic assessment that relates to the real working world. Practice Placement is an integral part of the students experience where the student has opportunity to apply theory to practice and enhance their skillset in Pedagogical Leadership through reflective practice.
The programme has been strategically aligned to assist the student in meeting criterion outlined in national and international Guidelines (EU Quality Framework for ECEC, The Early Years Inspectorate Quality and Regulatory Framework). The programme modules aim to deliver discipline specific content in preparation for a national Workforce Plan for Early Learning and Care and School-Age Childcare: ‘Nurturing Skills’ (DCEDIY, 2022-2028).
Progression
Level 8 graduates may progress to the Masters of Science in Advancing Health and Social Care. ATU Level 8 qualifications are recognised worldwide for postgraduate entry.
Download a prospectus
Entry Requirements
Leaving Certificate Entry Requirement | 6 subjects at O6/H7 |
QQI/FET Major Award Required | Any |
Additional QQI/FET/ Requirements | 3 Distinctions |
Garda Vetting | Entrants to this programme will be required to undergo vetting by An Garda Síochána. |
Fees
Total Fees EU: €3000
This annual student contribution charge is subject to change by Government. Additional tuition fees may apply. Click on the link below for more information on fees, grants and scholarships.
Total Fees Non-EU: €12000
Fees shown are per annum.
Further information on feesCareers
The main employers are:
Early Childhood Educator
Early Education specialist, family support and Masters in Primary Education.
Family Support
Primary School Teacher
Specialist Advisor
Further Information
Contact Information
Department of Early Education & Social Studies
Dr Nigel McKelvey
Head of Department
T: +353 (0)74 9186309
E:eess.donegal@atu.ie

Early Education & Social Studies