Early Years and Childhood Studies (BA (Hons)) at University College Cork

This was one of the first degree courses of its kind in Ireland and pioneered the development of Early Years and Childhood Studies as a distinct speciality with distinctive careers.

This three-year degree will expose you to interdisciplinary perspectives from the Schools of Applied Psychology, Applied Social Studies and Education, each of which contributes a third of the teaching.

The curriculum places emphasis on academic theory, research skills and professional and reflective practice. It includes a broad range of perspectives on childhood, the child in society, child development, early years care and education, and child health.

Supervised work-based placements in diverse childhood-related settings form an integral part of this course. You will undertake a 10- to 12-week placement in both Years 2 and 3. The professional practice placements provide opportunities for you to apply the theories you have learned, and to experience working with children under the guidance of expert practitioners.

On successful completion of this course, you will be able to:

• Identify, explore and apply skills required in working with children within early years settings.
• Demonstrate the confidence and competence to work with children and young people.
• Develop and integrate the skills to plan and implement a research project.
• Critically appraise theory and research in psychology, social studies and education as they
  relate to childhood and practise in applied settings.
• Display knowledge of the professional and ethical issues that may arise in the application of psychology, social studies and education in child-centred research and practise in a variety of contexts.
• Apply theories from applied social studies, applied psychology and education, to critically examine early years and childhood policies and practices nationally and internationally.

There is growing recognition that Early Years and Childhood Studies is a distinctive specialty with its own career pathways. This was one of the first degree courses of its kind in Ireland and has pioneered the development of this speciality.

It will offer you the opportunity to explore some of the most fundamental questions concerning children, young people and their families in contemporary society in Ireland and beyond.

It attracts both school-leavers, mature students and international students and is designed for people working towards careers in services for children, young people and their families. It caters for the demand for highly qualified early years and childhood professionals, while also developing future researchers in the field.

Placement or Study Abroad Information

You will undertake a 10- to 12-week placement in both Years 2 and 3 of the course.

Skills and Careers Information

A number of pathways from the degree provide opportunities in the following fields:

• early years care and education professional
• national school teaching
• social work
• youth and community work
• speech and language therapy
• play specialist
• guidance counselling

Graduates have secured employment as managers of early childhood care and education centres, supervisors and staff, play therapists, primary school teachers, social workers, youth and community workers and disability nurses, among other roles.