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.
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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
Position: Early Years Lecturer
“When I returned to education in 2000 to study Montessori Teaching, I knew I had found my life’s passion. I am passionate about my job and I want to instil in others what has been given to me.”
About Jacinta
I began working in early education in 1994, and to be honest, did not know what I was taking on, but the times of work fitted with my family! Little did I know that I would find my life’s passion.
I was fascinated by these young people and the fact that the sector was unregulated and basically providers could do what they liked. I began to read on the subject and improve my practice and returned to education in 2000 to study the Montessori Method.
Since then, I have not stopped learning, through study, working with children and families, and through my role as a manager/lead practitioner 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 other.
In a setting, each year brings a different group dynamic, 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. I hope that bringing my practical experiences in the setting into my tutorials allows students to link theory and practice.
In 2004, I became a tutor at Portobello Institute on a part-time basis. Currently, I work full-time for the Institute supporting full-time QQI Level 6 students in Child Development, Early Childhood Curriculum, Social, Legal and Health Studies and Personal and Professional Development.
I am part of a vital, vibrant team who supports Level 7 Early Childhood Studies Degree students studying through a blended approach. I lead modules such as Children’s Rights in Today’s World, Enquiry-Based Learning and Communicating in Multilingual Contexts.
Jacinta’s Teaching Philosophy
My approach is that all students have something to give and to learn, true learning is a two-way process, I love to see students discussing their life experiences to make sense of theory.
Many of the students are experienced practitioners and their practical knowledge should be valued. Just as no two children learn the same, similar could be said of adults, people learn in different ways and therefore I try to use a variety of approaches to suit the needs of the group in question.
I also understand the pressure of completing studies with work, families, and other commitments, as I have been there, and can offer some practical tips.
My greatest achievements as a tutor are to see students who are returning to education with little confidence in themselves and their abilities, blossom and grow both as students and practitioners.
Key valuable graduate attributes are, of course, the knowledge required to be an early year’s practitioner and the ability to apply that knowledge in their setting.
However, there are other equally vital tools, such as compassion, to be able to look at situations from various perspectives to gain understanding and allow for appropriate planning.
The ability to reach, support and work with all children, families, and staff in the setting is fundamental to quality provision.
Building respectful, reciprocal relationships is essential to providing quality experiences which benefit children’s learning and development.
I hope to instil the ability to reflect critically, without criticising, to examine attributes, biases, and areas for improvement and to plan accordingly.
Qualifications
- MA Early Childhood Studies
- BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies
Industry Participation
- Teacher providing July Provision, a home-based programme for children with complex needs.
- Assisted the set up of a Homework Club, Mother and Toddler Group and Woman’s Group in a disadvantaged area through government funding. This group won a Millennium Award for their efforts, it was a proud day to receive this award in Dublin Castle with 2 others.
- HETAC Montessori Course Liaison
- Child Protection Course facilitator
Summer Schedule 2026
The summer academic year of the blended learning delivery mode of this degree commences on May 16th, 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 subject to change.
In general, if your previous qualifications are from any other education provider, a provisional class schedule is available here. This is subject to change.
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 DCEDIY. 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.
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
