Course Overview
If you hold a level 7 BA (Ord) in Early Childhood Care & Education or a similar qualification, you can upgrade to a level 8 BA (Hons) in Early Childhood Care and Education in 8-10 months through blended learning. This qualification includes a research project you can do in your current work setting.
This work-based programme enhances critical thinking, research skills, and professional practice, including a research project on a relevant topic. You have the opportunity to explore a topic of interest with extensive expert tutor support.
This is a valuable learning experience enhanced by small classes, draft assignments, and individual module tutors.
This programme is a one year top-up from the BA (Ord) Early Childhood Care & Education or equivalent degree.
Graduates receive a BA (Hons) Early Childhood Care and Education degree from University of Essex, recognised at level 8 on the National Framework of Qualifications, meeting the Professional Award Criteria for Early Childhood Care and Education.
Upon completion, you will be eligible for the Graduate Premium from DCDE (the Department of Children, Disability and Equality).
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Research Methods for Evidence Based Practice & Dissertation
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Professional Development: Sharing the Learning
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Evaluating Policy and Practice: Themes and Debates
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Professional Development in the Community of Practice
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Research Methods for Evidence Based Practice & Dissertation
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Professional Development: Sharing the Learning
Jacinta Murphy
Jacinta Murphy is the Programme Lead for Portobello Institute’s BA (Ord) Early Childhood Care & Education, BA (Hons) Early Childhood Care & Education, and BA (Hons) Inclusive Education Practice degrees. With more than 30 years of experience in the early years and inclusive education sector, she brings extensive knowledge and expertise to her role.
Industry Experience & Career
- 30+ years of experience in early childhood and inclusive education
- Experience working with children, families, and staff across rural, urban, affluent, and disadvantaged areas
- Extensive insight into the development of the early years and inclusive education sector, including changes in legislation, frameworks, and professional practice
- Holds an MA in Early Childhood Studies, BA (Hons) in Early Childhood Studies, and Postgraduate Certificate in Education (International)
- Specialist interests include children’s rights, equity and inclusion, UDL, trauma-informed and culturally responsive practice, child-centred and play-based learning, and relational pedagogy
- Supported children with complex needs through July Provision, a home-based programme
- Helped establish a Homework Club, Mother and Toddler Group, and Women’s Group in a disadvantaged community, with the Women’s Group later receiving a prestigious Millennium Award
- Served as a HETAC Montessori Course Liaison and Child Protection Course Facilitator
Jacinta’s Pathway in Early Years and Inclusive Education
Jacinta’s career in early childhood and inclusive education began in 1994, initially because the working hours suited her family life. She quickly became fascinated by how young children learn and develop, and her interest in the field grew from there.
At the time, the sector was largely unregulated, prompting Jacinta to begin reading more widely and questioning how practice could be improved.
In 2000, she returned to education to study the Montessori Method – a decision that confirmed the direction she wanted her career to take.
“When I returned to education, I knew I had found my life’s passion,” says Jacinta. “I am passionate about my job, and I want to instil in others what has been given to me.”
She adds: “Since then, I have not stopped learning – through study, through working with children and families, and through my role as a manager and lead educator in rural, urban, affluent, and disadvantaged areas.
“My experiences provide me with vast industry insight as I have experienced vast changes within our sector, frameworks, legislation, and beyond.”
Teaching and Guiding Students
Jacinta joined Portobello Institute as a part-time tutor in 2004 and now works full-time with students across a range of early years and inclusive education programmes.
She is currently the Programme Lead for the BA (Ord) Early Childhood Care & Education, BA (Hons) Early Childhood Care & Education, and BA (Hons) Inclusive Education Practice, including the one-year top-up pathways.
Jacinta’s teaching centres on the value each student brings to the classroom.
“True learning is a two-way process,” she says. “I love to see students discussing their life experiences to make sense of theory.”
Many of Jacinta’s students are already working in the sector, and she believes their practical knowledge should be recognised and brought into the learning experience.
“Just as no two children learn in the same way, the same could be said of adults,” she explains. “People learn in different ways, so I try to use a variety of approaches to suit the needs of the group.”
By drawing on real situations from early years environments, Jacinta helps students connect what they are learning with the decisions they will make as educators.
As Programme Lead, she is also involved in developing programme content and ensuring it remains current, reflecting evolving sector standards and the latest research.
For Jacinta, one of the most rewarding parts of teaching is seeing how students develop over the course of their studies.
“I enjoy facilitating learning and seeing students progress in confidence and self-belief, and go on to do things they may not have thought possible when they first began their studies.”
“I also understand the pressure of completing studies with work, families, and other commitments,” adds Jacinta. “I have been there and can offer some practical tips.”
Developing Confident, Reflective Educators
Jacinta wants students to graduate with more than knowledge; she wants them to develop the mindset and professional awareness to respond thoughtfully in practice.
She places strong emphasis on relationships, the quality of interactions within early years and inclusive education environments, and the importance of reflective practice.
“Building respectful, reciprocal relationships is essential to providing quality experiences which benefit children’s learning and development,” says Jacinta.
“I hope to instil the ability to reflect critically without criticising, to examine attributes, biases and areas for improvement, and to plan accordingly.
“Seeing students have the confidence to undertake interesting research and then go on to further study to pursue the career they desire, for example, a PME, is incredibly rewarding.”
Advice for Students
Jacinta encourages students to value their own knowledge and experience while remaining open to learning, reflection, and change. Early years and inclusive education practice, she recognises, is never static.
“In a setting, each year brings a different group dynamic,” explains Jacinta. “Therefore, it is essential to have the ability to reflect upon and amend provisions and practices to meet the needs of children, families, and staff.
She adds: “My advice to students is to jump in. Don’t wait for the ‘right’ time, as it will never happen. If life gets overwhelming when studying, as it sometimes can, just talk to us we can always find a way forward.”
Why Portobello Institute
When you ask Jacinta what sets the learning experience at Portobello Institute apart, she points to its connection to real practice.
“Lecturers have real-life experience and their finger on the changes within the education sector,” she explains. “They bring theory and academic literature to life by providing examples of what this looks like in the daily life of the classroom.”
That understanding also extends to the realities of returning to education while balancing work, family, and other responsibilities.
Jacinta believes students benefit from a teaching team that recognises these competing demands and adapts its approach to help different learners engage and progress.
“There is guidance and understanding throughout the learning experience – from help with digital issues and additional guidance with assessments to a variety of teaching methods and resources designed to meet different learning needs.
“Students also have access to a dedicated Student Wellbeing Liaison, who can help them manage their wellbeing alongside the other demands of life.”
Jacinta has experienced that encouragement herself since first joining Portobello.
“The team at Portobello had belief in my ability even before I did,” she says. “At times, this meant pushing me outside my comfort zone, but that is what progression is all about.
“I will always be grateful for the guidance I received. It breeds a special type of loyalty.”
Explore Early Years and Inclusive Education at Portobello Institute
Ready to start or progress your career in early years or inclusive education? Portobello Institute offers a range of pathways into the profession – from QQI level 5 and 6 certificates to degree and postgraduate programmes.
Visit the faculty to find the right programme for you.
Course starting 12th September 2026
The next intake blended learning delivery mode of this degree commences on the 12th September, 2026.
Your start date and course schedule depends on where your previous qualification is from, and any module exemptions you may have.
In general, if your previous qualification is from University of Essex through Portobello Institute, a provisional schedule of the top up year is available here. This is an example schedule from our May 2026 intake. When an schedule becomes available for September it will be published.
Please speak to our admissions advisor about your entry route.
Regular weekly or bi-weekly evening webinars are scheduled between 7 – 9pm and are recorded should you be unavailable to attend the live session. Some inductions take place on Saturdays.
You are required to complete 100 hours in an Early Years setting for route 1 entrance onto this course and 550 hours for route 2 entrance. This can be completed within the setting that you are employed in. You will also be required to visit another early years setting for two days to carry out observations. For more information on entrance routes onto this programme, please see the ‘entry requirements’ section of this page.
Course materials are available weekly for download from our eLearning platform. One-to-one tutor support and structured online content make this course flexible and accessible alongside your work and family commitments.
Work Placement
Work placement requirements depend on your entry route onto this programme.
Entry Route 1 is for students who gained their BA (Ord) Early Childhood Care and Education qualification at Portobello Institute, awarded by University of Essex.
Entry Route 2 is for students who have gained any other level 7 ordinary degree from any other provider.
Students who come onto this programme via Entry Route 1 are required to complete 100 hours of practical work placement in an early years setting.
If you come via Entry Route 2 you are required to complete 550 hours of practical work placement (450 + 100) in an early years setting. All the the following information applies to both entry routes:
This can be completed within the setting that you are employed in. You will also be required to carry out two observational visits to another setting as part of the peer supervision process.
If you are working in an early years setting, you can complete the practical element of the work experience module in your current role.
For students resident in Ireland, your placement setting must be registered with DCDE (the Department of Children, Disability and Equality). For overseas students, the requirement is that your setting must be registered and adhere to all regulations as required by your jurisdiction.
Our team will help you to secure a suitable work placement during your studies and this placement can be in your locality.
Garda Vetting
Before starting clinical placements, students on this programme must complete up-to-date Garda Vetting, which is conducted through Portobello Institute.
Carried out by the National Vetting Bureau of An Garda Síochána, Garda Vetting is a legal requirement for anyone undertaking work or activities involving children or vulnerable adults.
Vetting checks whether an individual has a criminal record or any relevant information that may need to be considered before they begin placement.
Learn about the Garda Vetting process at Portobello Institute here.
Graduates of the BA (Hons) Early Childhood Care & Education – 1 Year Top-Up at Portobello Institute have strong career opportunities across early childhood education, care, and family support services.
Achieving a level 8 honours degree supports progression into leadership, management, and specialist roles within the Early Years sector.
Early Childhood Care and Education Career Opportunities
This programme prepares you for roles across Early Years settings, education, and community services.
Typical career pathways include:
- Early Years Room Leader
- Early Childhood Setting Manager
- Early Years Setting Owner or Operator
- Early Childhood Educator
- Early Years Curriculum or Quality Coordinator
- Family and Community Support Practitioner
- Early Childhood Programme Administrator
These roles involve supporting children’s development, leading Early Years teams, and delivering high-quality early education and care.
Employers Recruiting Our Graduates
Graduates work across a range of Early Years and childcare settings, including:
- Early Years and childcare services
- Montessori and preschool settings
- Community childcare organisations
- Government and regulatory bodies
- Child-focused organisations
These organisations value graduates with a strong understanding of early childhood practice, regulation, and quality standards.
Why Early Childhood Care and Education Graduates Are in Demand
As professional standards continue to develop across the Early Years sector, level 8 qualifications are increasingly required for leadership and management roles.
Employers need qualified professionals who can lead teams, support quality practice, and contribute to the development of Early Years services.
What You Will Develop
Through this programme, you will develop:
- Advanced knowledge of early childhood education and care
- Skills in leadership and management within Early Years settings
- Understanding of policy, regulation, and sector requirements
- Experience supporting high-quality early learning environments
- Confidence to progress into senior roles
This combination of knowledge and practical experience supports progression into leadership and specialist roles.
Progression to Further Study
Graduates may progress to postgraduate study in areas such as:
- Professional Master of Education (PME)
- Early Childhood Leadership and Management
- Special Educational Needs
- Child Development and Family Support
The BA (Hons) Early Childhood Care & Education provides a strong foundation for progression into teaching, leadership, and specialist roles within the Early Years sector
There are two different points of entry onto this programme.
Route 1 is for students who gained their BA (Ord) Early Childhood Care and Education qualification at Portobello Institute, awarded by University of Essex.
Route 2 is for students who have gained any other level 7 ordinary degree from any other provider.
If you need support please book a consultation call to speak to us about your application.
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1Complete the online application form.
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2Review of your application with confirmation of eligibility criteria and entry requirements being met or a request for further information.
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3You will be "Provisionally Accepted" and offered a place by email.
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4Confirm your acceptance of a place and pay the deposit as detailed.
Course: €2,665 + Exam Body Reg. Fee: €335.00
Option 1
33% deposit payment (€1,110.45), followed by 8 scheduled payments on the first of each month, commencing the 1st of the month after the start date of the course. Includes one off instalment fee of €365.
- €281.82 due in month 1
- €281.82 due in month 2
- €281.82 due in month 3
- €281.82 due in month 4
- €281.82 due in month 5
- €281.82 due in month 6
- €281.82 due in month 7
- €281.82 due in month 8
