Master of Arts in Leadership in Early Years Education and Care at Institute of Technology Carlow

Early Years Education and Care is a rapidly growing area in Ireland. This course 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 course 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 will I be able to do when I finish this programme?

Graduates of this programme will be able to:

• Demonstrate an in-depth knowledge of the underlying theories and key concepts with a focus on leadership and critical assessment skills within an Irish and International context;
• Analyse the current theories, concepts, challenges and research areas with an ability to solve complex problems through a variety of reflective and participatory work;
• Exhibit critical awareness of contemporary issues and challenges relating to the role and effect of early years education on the child, the family and society;
• Apply the theory and practice of leadership roles in supporting quality;
• Engage in scholarly debate at an academic, policy and practice based level on a range of early year’s education and leadership issues;
• Develop, maintain and build on professional relationships fostered throughout the programme with practical skills and tools to reflect and critically self-evaluate;
• Gather, assimilate, synthesise and analyse information on a variety of levels;
• Critically reflect on how leadership practice in early year’s education connects to and interacts with wider social issues in Ireland and beyond.

What subjects will I study?

• Contemporary Issues in Early Years Policy, Theory and Practice
• Leading Quality in Early Years Education & Care
• Leadership, Strategy & Governance
• Transformative Children’s Rights Education
• Educational Psychology
• Early Years Entrepreneurship and Innovation
• Research Methods & Dissertation

Study & Career Opportunities

Graduates of the course may progress to a PhD course of study in the discipline areas, in Ireland or abroad. Graduates of the course 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 course 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.