Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Early Childhood Education and Care

This degree provides experiences, insights and knowledge into early childhood education and care. Early childhood educators work with children from infancy to primary school. Our programme aims to develop well-informed, articulate professionals who are passionate about early childhood education and care.

There is a strong focus on play and learning, the close relationship to nature and outdoor experiences and children’s rights to participation. This firm academic foundation is cemented by a strong emphasis on practical application of theory.

Students will spend 12 hours weekly in practice placement in order to provide them with an opportunity to link theory to practice. Students receive on-going support through placement by an experienced educator. See brochure here.

Advanced Entry to Year 2

If you hold a QQI FET Level 6 major award you are eligible for consideration to enter directly into the second year of ECEC programme on the Mayo or Galway campus.
Application for direct entry to second year is by direct application.  

View our brochure here.

How to Apply - Year Two Advanced Entry
You can apply for advanced entry at http://www.gmit.ie/transfer-add
Closing date for advanced entry applications is 31st May 2022. 

Four year honours degree offering learners the opportunity to become specialists in the care and education of young children between birth and six years of age

There is growing recognition that Early Childhood Education and Care is a distinctive specialty with its own career pathways. It will offer enhanced employability within the rapidly professionalising sector, furthermore, the degree will offer graduates a gateway to a number of careers including:

• Early childhood educator
• Manager in an early years centre
• Early years inspector
• Early years specialist
• Entrepreneur in the ECE field

Opportunities also exist for further education at masters level to pursue careers in research, psychology, speech and language therapy, primary teaching among others.

The course is designed to attract both school-leavers, mature learners and international learners and is designed for people working towards careers in services for children, young people and their families. It caters for the demand for highly qualified early years and childhood professionals, while also developing future researchers in the field.

The BA in Early Childhood Education and Care QQI level 7 graduates working in the sector will be eligible for the higher capitation.

Practice Development

Practice development is an integral part of the BA in Early Childhood Education and Care.

Our learners undertake 12 hours practice development per week, in an Early Years setting, which allows you to apply what you have learned in a real-world environment.

Garda vetting is required.

Study environment

The college campus is situated in the centre of Castlebar, Co. Mayo. The town has a wide range of shops, bars, restaurants, a cinema and several other leisure opportunities.

Our campus building is a charming mixture of old and new and there are around 800 learners. It is known and loved for its friendly and informal atmosphere, which is highly appreciated by our learners.

Teaching methods include:

• Lectures
• Group work
• Learner presentations
• Project oriented learning

The campus offers learners opportunities to join a wide range of clubs and societies, exploring and participating in many interests.

GMIT Clubs and Societies promote community and learner involvement and gives learners an opportunity to meet like-minded people and have fun!

Contact Us

Galway Campus                                         Mayo Campus 
Dr Rita Melia                                                Joanne Doherty, Lecturer
rita.melia@atu.ie                                        Joanne.Doherty@atu.ie
Tel: +353 (0)  91 742735                              +353 (0)  94 9043117