Childhood Studies, Early Years and, BA (Hons)

About Childhood Studies, Early Years and, BA (Hons) - at University College Cork (UCC)

Overview

This was one of the first degree courses of its kind in Ireland and pioneered the development ofEarly Years and Childhood Studiesas a distinctive specialty with distinctivecareers.

This three-year degree will expose you to interdisciplinary perspectives from the Schools of Applied Psychology, Applied Social Studiesand 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.

Course Details

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.
  
  

Year 1 Modules:

AP1110Psychology as Science (5 credits);

AP1123Introduction to Biological and Cognitive Perspectives on Psychology (5 credits);

AP1149Introduction to Developmental and Social Psychology (5 credits);

AP1504 Research Methods in Education and Psychology (5 credits);

ED1010Historical Developments in the Irish Education Sector (5 credits);

ED1012Early Years and Childhood Studies: Pedagogy and Practice (5 credits);

ED1013 & ED1014Contemporary Issues in Early Years and Childhood Studies I & II (5 credits each);

SS1006Social Analysis & Child Care Policy I (5 credits);

SS1015 & SS1016Social Policy and Society I & II (5 & 10 credits respectively)

Year 2 Modules:

Developmental Psychology; Early Years and Childhood Health and Wellbeing Project; The Curriculum in Special Needs Education; Early Years and Childhood Policy: Planning and Practice;
Early Years and Childhood Curricula: Ideology, Pedagogy and Practice; Professional Practice/Theory Integration; Social Analysis and Child Care Policy 2

Year 3 Modules:

Applied Developmental Psychology; Applying Psychological Theory and Reflective Practice to Placement Context; Child and Family Health Psychology; Psychological Perspectives on Special Educational Needs; Advanced Studies in Early Years and Childhood Education; Education Placement; Social Analysis, Gender and Society; Social Research in Early Years and Childhood Studies

See the College Calendar for additional information on the Programme and the Book of Modules for further information on modules.

Fact File

Course Code: CK111

Course Title: Early Years and Childhood Studies

College: Arts, Celtic Studies and Social Sciences

Duration: 3 years

Teaching Mode: Full-time

Qualifications: BA (Hons)

NFQ Level: Level 8

Costs: Full-time EU/EEA/Swiss State undergraduate students may be exempt from paying tuition fees. The State will pay the tuition fees for students who satisfy the Free Fees Criteria. In 2016/17 the Student Contribution Charge will be EUR 3,000 and the Capitation Fee will be EUR 165.

2017 Entry Requirements: H5 in two subjects, and O6/H7 in four other subjects in the Leaving Certificate from Irish, English, another language, and three other subjects recognised for entry purposes.

Entry Points: 2016: 395. Points may vary from year to year

Course Practicalities

Expected practical hours:During Year 1, you will attend professional workshops in an early years care-and-education setting. You will undertake a 10- to 12-week placement in both Years 2 and 3 of the course.

Other practicalities
Commencing with the 2013/2014 intake, this programme will be subject to UCC's Fitness to Practise Policy – full details may be found here

Garda vetting is carried out by the Admissions Office in UCC once a student has accepted their place on this progamme.

Assessment

Written exams will take place before Christmas and in May. Not all modules will have formal examinations. Many modules use other types of assessment including portfolio work, research projects and essays, as well as group and individual presentations.

Application Procedure

EU applicants: Application to Year 1 of the degree programme is made directly through the Central Applications Office (CAO). Applicants should apply online at www.cao.ie. The normal closing date for receipt of completed applications is 1st February of the year of entry.

Non-EU Applicants.

Mature Applicants: Application is made through the CAO (www.cao.ie)and the closing date for receipt of completed applications is 1st February of the year of proposed entry.

Further Contact Information

Marie O'Donovan

Course Administrator

T: +353 (0)21 490 3487

E: eycs@ucc.ie

Notes about fees for this course

Costs: Full-time EU/EEA/Swiss State undergraduate students may be exempt from paying tuition fees. The State will pay the tuition fees for students who satisfy the Free Fees Criteria. In 2016/17 the Student Contribution Charge will be EUR 3,000 and the Capitation Fee will be EUR 165.

2017 Entry Requirements: H5 in two subjects, and O6/H7 in four other subjects in the Leaving Certificate from Irish, English, another language, and three other subjects recognised for entry purposes.

Entry Points: 2016: 395. Points may vary from year to year

Entry requirements for this course

Contact University College Cork (UCC) to find course entry requirements.

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