Master of Education in Early Childhood Education

The Master of Education in Early Childhood Education incorporates current educational research and theory and the most effective pedagogical practices within a wide range of contemporary educational issues. The programme is designed for those working to enhance children’s learning and development, in the age range from birth to six years across the full diversity of early childhood settings, including the early years of primary school.

It will be of interest to professionals who have a desire to lead early childhood education, in particular:

• Early childhood educators working with babies, toddlers and/or young children
• Teachers working with children in Early Start units and the early years (junior and senior infants) of primary school
• Personnel involved in mentoring, inspecting and/or the leadership and management of early childhood settings and advocacy
• Educators who wish to further develop their expertise in early childhood education in relation to content knowledge, research, policy and practice

The Master of Education in Early Childhood Education is a two-year part time taught programme delivered on campus and online. In Year 1, students undertake five modules:

• Curriculum and Pedagogy in Early Childhood Education (on campus)
• Leading and Mentoring for Professional Practice (online)
• Children’s Participation in Early Childhood Education and Care (on campus)
• Qualitative Research Methods (online)
• Quantitative Research Methods (online)

Online lectures normally take place on Tuesday evenings and on campus lectures on Thursday evenings between September-November in semester 1 and January-April in semester 2.

Students undertake a sixth module Contesting Current Discourses in Early Childhood Education and Care (on campus) in the form of a study week in July/August, and complete a thesis with the support of a supervising tutor in Year 2.

Orientation will take place on a Saturday mid-September.

The programme aims to develop graduates who will:

• Conduct research on a specialised area in early childhood education;
• Critically interrogate ubiquitous concepts, grand narratives, and perceived certainties that have come to dominate the early childhood field;
• Engage in ethical practice informed by a critical concern for social justice, equality and care and respect for others locally and globally;
• Critically reflect on their own practice to enhance and lead early childhood education;
• Acquire the knowledge and skills to pursue further studies at doctoral level in early childhood education.

For more information, see: https://www.dcu.ie/courses/postgraduate/institute-education/master-education-early-childhood-education