Masters of Arts in Childhood Studies

Course description

Bursary information

As part of our affordable access to learning initiative ,the college has established a bursary for this programme reducing tuition fees by €3000 as outlined below 

Full-Time (1 year) Tuition Costs reduced from €6,00 to €3,800
Part-Time (2 years) Tuition Costs reduced from €7,800 to €3,800

Who is this course for?

This programme addresses the needs of practitioners and graduates who wish to develop their knowledge and professional competence in areas focusing on professionally supporting childhood development and should be of particular relevance to existing Level 8 graduates of programmes in areas such as Early Learning & Care, Primary & Post Primary Education, Nursing, Social Care, Psychology, Sociology, Social Science, Youth Work, Community Studies and related disciplines.

Applicants should be driven by a desire to be professional leaders and agents for collegial support and change; recognising the special contribution that higher education can make to professionals involved in supporting children to realise their potential.

Course Delivery

Learners can complete this course full-time over 1 year and on a part-time basis over 2 years only. Attendance for the full-time(1 year option) would normally require in-person attendance, either in class or online, on 1 -2 evening per week from 6pm-9pm and approximately eight Saturdays from 9.30am-4.30 pm in the academic year .

Attendance for the Part-time(2 year option) would normally require attendance, either in class or online, on 1 evening per week from 6pm-9pm and approximately eight Saturdays from 9.30am-4.30 pm in the academic year.

The timetable has been structured to optimise the utilisation of online learning where this allows. Still, skills-based components do require in-person attendance, and it is taught using a combination of classroom-based and blended learning techniques. In specific skill-based modules, attendance will be a mandatory requirement.

Practicum Module:

Students will undertake a minimum of 150 hours or work placement in approved settings with the support of 15 hours of supervision arranged by the college (10 of which would be mentoring of small group tutoring with 5 hours direct 1 to 1 placement supervision.

This work based learning represents an opportunity for students to have real exposure to working creatively with children and adolescents to develop transferable and adaptable professional skills, including the professional dispositions to work confidently and independently in different settings. Students will draw on the practical and theoretical knowledge acquired through college supportive tutorials and workshops.