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 early childhood educators, primary teachers and professionals to work together to enhance the learning and development of children from birth to six years, across the full diversity of early childhood settings and the early years of primary school in Ireland. It provides post-graduate professional development for those who wish to acquire advanced knowledge and extend their expertise in early childhood education in relation to research, policy and practice to become agents of change and leaders, with a deeper understanding of a range of multidisciplinary and transdisciplinary perspectives on babies, toddlers, and young children’s learning and development.

This two-year, part-time post-graduate programme would be of interest to professionals who have a desire to lead early childhood education through innovative practice and research, in particular, those who have a minimum of a Level 8 award and two years’ experience in setting(s) supporting children from birth to six years:

• 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 in Ireland
• Personnel involved in mentoring, inspecting and/or the leadership and management of early childhood settings and advocacy
• Professionals who wish to acquire advanced knowledge, skill and expertise in early childhood education in relation to research, policy and practice