13 Early Childhood and Special Education Degree Programs in Ireland

The programme is closely linked with Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) practice, and staff are experienced in the development, delivery and advocacy of Early Childhood Education and Care.

Do you want to make a difference to the lives and educational futures of young children? Then follow your passion and explore early education with an internationally-recognised team of academics and researchers in DCU.

Both the University of East London (UEL) and ICEP Europe have a long track record in providing quality programmes in the field of special educational needs in the UK, Ireland, and internationally. This course provides expert knowledge to support educators and those working with the increasing diversity of children with additional learning needs in education settings on an international level.

The Master of Arts in Early Intervention and Inclusive Practice for Children is a pioneering Program designed to provide postgraduate-level study for those who wish to enhance their knowledge, skills and competencies in working with children (Birth – 12 years) from diverse backgrounds who experience adversity and a resultant inability to meaningfully participate in their education.

NCI’s BA (Honours) in Early Childhood Education and Care provides a firm foundation in Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) to practice in a range of early childhood settings. The four-year degree programme is fully aligned and recognised as a professional qualification by the Department of Education (DE) and by the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Inclusion and Youth (DECDIY).

The Master in Inclusive and Special Education has been developed jointly by Hibernia College and the Institute of Child Education and Psychology (ICEP) Europe.

The quality of education and care that children receive in the earliest years of their lives greatly influences their subsequent education and happiness. To enhance the existing provision of courses for preparing early childhood practitioners, MIE is delighted to offer this new level 8 degree accredited by Trinity College Dublin, the University of Dublin.

The Postgraduate Diploma in Inclusive and Special Education has been developed jointly by Hibernia College and the Institute of Child Education and Psychology (ICEP) Europe.

This contemporary MA in Early Childhood Studies is designed for professional early years practitioners working within the early childhood workforce, including those who may not be working directly with children. This Masters programme builds upon knowledge gained during undergraduate studies and experiential learning in the workplace. The blended learning delivery mode is a flexible study option for those seeking to fit learning around work and family. The MA in Early Childhood Studies offers you an opportunity to advance your knowledge, understanding and professional practice through engagement with current research and thinking in early childhood. It also involves a reflection on, and analysis of, your own professional practice, supporting your personal development as well as putting you in a strong position for career progression in this sector.

This full-time award leads to a QQI level 5 Certificate after one year. The course is structured to provide students with a high standard of training and assessment leading to a recognized qualification for those wishing to work in the childcare sector in a variety of areas such as; working with the child in a daycare nursery, preschool or with a child with a specific need.

The Professional Master of Education (Primary) prepares graduates to enter the teaching profession. On entering the programme, students are embarking on a programme that combines professional preparation and research training. The programme emphasises the acquisition of key teaching practices.

Dr Montessori's philosophy and method of education have been known and highly respected in Ireland for the past century. Her seamless blending of intellectual, concrete, aesthetic, relevant and meaningful experiences for children has influenced a host of curricula, practices, policies and initiatives regarding environments which support the holistic development of children.

The Master in Primary Education - Professional Master of Education in Post Primary Education was established to encourage a broader range of people to consider primary school teaching as a profession by providing a more flexible route to becoming a fully qualified teacher and it is not a requirement to have prior teaching experience to be eligible to apply for this course.