Diploma in Early Childhood Education

Successful completion of Higher Secondary Education

OR

Attainment of a Level 4 qualification in a related field

OR

Attainment of a Level 4 Foundation Study Program approved for the specific Diploma program

Completion of a Level 4 qualification (unrelated), and successful completion of an MQA approved University Preparation Program*

OR

20 years old, completion of secondary school, 2 years of relevant work experience, and successful completion of an MQA approved University Preparation Program.

A University Preparation Program is a program of study designed to facilitate successful completion of university-level education of adults who return to higher education through alternative entry routes. Such a program may include modules related to English for academic purposes, ICT and basic Mathematical skills for higher education (as described in the level descriptors for Level 4 qualifications). Modules within such a program may include topics such as reading and listening skills; purposes and types of academic writing; library and online researching for writing; language, punctuation and grammar; presentation skills; and time management. Such a program would need to be approved by MQA and consist of a minimum of 120 contact hours (15 academic weeks, fulltime).

*A student with an unrelated Level 4 or Level 5 qualification need not complete a University Preparation Program and may be given direct entrance to a Level 5 one year Diploma program, provided the unrelated qualification is inclusive of the modules as suggested above for the University Preparation Program.

Semester 1

Semester 2

• 12 Months