Course Details
If you hold a Level 7 BA (Ord) degree in Early Childhood Studies you can top up your degree to a Level 8 BA (Hons) in Early Childhood Studies. Depending on when you start, it will take just 8 – 10 months through blended learning. This final year course consists of an individual research project with one to one tutor support.
Level
UndergraduateQualification
Honours DegreeCourse | Delivery Mode | Start Date | Duration | |
---|---|---|---|---|
BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies |
Blended Learning
|
10th February 2024 | 8 months |
Apply
Hooray! One small step for you, one giant leap for your future! Enter your email and you will be redirected to our application platform, where you can complete your application in your own time. Here's what to expect:
- Enter your email
- You'll be redirected to our Application platform
- Start your application
- Choose your preferred payment option
- Submit your application
- One of our course advisors will review and be in touch
Apply
Hooray! One small step for you, one giant leap for your future! Enter your email and you will be redirected to our application platform, where you can complete your application in your own time. Here's what to expect:
- Enter your email
- You'll be redirected to our Application platform
- Start your application
- Choose your preferred payment option
- Submit your application
- One of our course advisors will review and be in touch
Overview
What will I study during this BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies course?
-
Early Years dissertation project
Students undertake a piece of independent research and study an area of particular interest in early childhood studies.
This module offers an opportunity for independent study and aims to enable students to:
- Develop further professionally by pursuing a line of study which arises out of an aspect of her/his work with young children.
- Extend professional competence by developing a critical understanding of the relationship between theory and early childhood practice.
- Gain experience of the processes and methodological and ethical issues involved in conducting and completing a piece of research.
- Design, execute and evaluate a small-scale research project and experience supervised independent study of an extended nature.
- Develop further professionally by pursuing a line of study which arises out of an aspect of her/his work with young children.
- Extend professional competence by developing a critical understanding of the relationship between theory and early childhood practice.
- Develop some of the skills required for post graduate study.
Who will I learn from?
Programme Manager
Personal Academic Tutor
Each student is assigned a personal academic tutor to support you throughout your learning journey. They are available to offer you telephone and email support at any time. You can arrange to meet them for further one to one guidance at a time convenient to you.
Many of our past graduates have found it is the opportunity to ask a simple question, seek direction and submit a draft of their assessment that supported them most to successful completion. Emailing your tutor at any stage during your programme to ask a query or submit a draft of your assessment supports you to achieve your personal best throughout your studies with Portobello.
This level of one to one support is a particular benefit to choosing Portobello as your Institute of choice to complete your studies.
How will I learn?
Delivery Mode
What is Blended Learning?
It is very suited to you if you are working full-time with limited spare time yet you want to achieve your degree qualification. During the induction workshop, you will be given your log-in details to the online portal, “ePortobello”. Here you will find course notes, reading lists, podcasts, articles of interest and guidelines for completing your thesis. The content is structured in an easy to “find and follow” format. You will need basic computer skills such as searching the internet and typing a word document.
You will be assigned a tutor who will supervise your research and support you on a one to one basis through to completion of your dissertation. You can email queries, submit drafts and call your tutor for general guidance at any stage of this programme. Blended learning allows you to study in your own time and at your own pace with support available throughout your learning journey.
Course Structure
There are 3 tutorials scheduled during the programme. These are generally run on a Saturday from 10am to 4pm and are designed to offer support to the learner.
Learning Support
The BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies is structured to maximise opportunities for flexible study, as students choose to complete the course by distance learning with webinars throughout the programme, supported workshops held each term and on-going tutor support available through the early childhood studies academic team situated full-time in Portobello institute.
A module tutor together with a programme manager is assigned to each learner. At intervals throughout the course there are face to face tutorials and students can also access further tutor support by email and/or telephone. Webinars also support the learning experience, and provide further guidance throughout the programme, helping to establish and maintain relationships with tutors and peers. The development of academic writing, study and referencing skills is supported through workshops, tutor feedback and programme manager support. Materials are accessed through Portobello and London Met’s virtual learning platform. As this is one of the most researched and developed programmes available, an extensive range of visual materials and videos are available. Reflection is promoted by reflective exercises incorporated into the web-based materials.
All students are invited to discuss their progress with programme managers and module tutors. This can take place face to face, on the telephone or through e-mail.
SPRING 2024 COURSE SCHEDULE
Runs from 10/02/24 – 31/08/24
AUTUMN 2024 COURSE SCHEDULE
Runs from 05/10/24 – 24/05/25
ATTENDANCE AT WEBINARS
Attendance at webinars is not mandatory however is recommended for an optimal learning experience and achievement.
One to one tutor support is available to you throughout this programme.
How will I be assessed?
Assessment for this course is done on your dissertation project.
Career prospects
- Own or Manage a Setting – With a degree in early childcare studies, you can open, own, operate, manage, and work within any early years setting in Ireland where you will be eligible for the higher capitation grant under the ECCE scheme. You can undertake the role of; Room Leader, Facility Manager or Owner/Manager.
- Become a Special Needs Teacher – Having completed the degree in early childhood studies you could work in funded special needs early years facilities and become registered with the Teaching Council of Ireland.
- Become a Primary School Teacher – If you have your degree and honours Irish you can apply for professional masters in primary school education which will allow you to work as a primary school teacher.
- Become a Childcare Tutor in Further Education – For those interested in tutoring, they need to combine their degree with a level 6 teaching qualification to become a tutor on Level 5 and 6 early years and special needs programmes.
- Work for a Government Agency – You can work for government agencies or early years support bodies such as County Childcare Committees etc. Roles with these organisations can vary from management and administration of services to monitoring of childcare and education settings. For instance, when Tusla advertise for an Early Years Inspector role, you must have a Level 8 degree and 5 years of work experience in a childcare setting. This is an exciting role where you will use your knowledge and experience to improve the service offered in various childcare settings. It involves inspecting facilities, investigating issues, advising providers and writing reports. Constant liaison with other agencies and assisting in the development of childcare policy are also part of the role. Obviously, for this role, the experience gained in a childcare setting is essential, however, the knowledge of best practices in childcare provision and management derived from the degree is crucial to effectively undertake this role.
- Engage in Postgraduate Study and Research – Many students who have completed the degree programme long to learn more and undertake postgraduate education to masters and doctorate level to pursue their research interests.
Why should I continue to Level 8?
College Director and Head of our Early Years Department, Denise Flood, explains the value of the BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies Level 8 degree.
“You have completed the hard work at level 7 – this is one more module to achieve your level 8 honours degree. It is a research project carrying 60 credits and you will have a supervisor of your choice from our team who will support you through the research process.
“The research project is directly related to your setting – for example, if you want to change the garden of your setting, you can use this as the topic of your research project. We will help you break this down into achievable snippets such as consulting key stakeholders, what questions do you need to ask to find out what they think the theme of the space should look like – the stakeholders would include staff, children, parents, other service users. Document the process, record the outcomes, reach a conclusion and this is your research project completed!
“An honours degree opens up so many opportunities for employment and further study to Masters level – why would you not complete the project and achieve your level 8 honours degree?
“Much of the evidence signposts research as a vital aspect of ensuring quality service provision in an early years setting – you will learn how to conduct research, draw conclusions and record these during this programme,” she said.
Related Courses
Speak to an expert
Choosing a course that will lead you to your career of choice is a significant decision. Understanding the delivery modes, supports available, career opportunities and further study options are all key considerations when making your choice. Our course adviser team are experts in the courses Portobello offers, the employment prospects and the opportunities for progession to masters programmes for each of our courses – they will guide you through the detail and support you with any queries you may have.
It is important you make the right choice for you and choose the Institute and course that will best suit your needs.
Your Consultant

Jennifer Matteazzi
About Jenny
How long are you working in Portobello?
I have been working for Portobello Institute for over 5 years now.
What do you enjoy about working in Portobello?
I love the interaction with students. Every day I get to meet different individuals and learners who are looking to change their lives and I get to be the person who advises them on the best programme to take. It is a fantastic feeling to be part of their journey. For many learners this is a huge decision and I get to be the person who supports them in making that decision. There is an incredible sense of pride when I see our learners graduate and achieve their education goals.
What inspires you about working in education?
I believe that education is impowering and it can often change people’s lives. It increases the learner’s confidence and it allows the learner to reach their full potential. Coming back to education hugely lifts the learner’s self esteem.
Have you a story that you recall that touched you/made you laugh/made you cry?
One particular lady struggled with dyslexia all her life. Her disability really affected her years in school, her career choices and when this learner approached Portobello Institute I worked with her to establish the best way forward, the right course for her was without a doubt in childcare. This lady registered on the course and she needed a lot of hand holding throughout her studies from both myself and the academic team. I recall that the day of her graduation, she received the “Student of Year” award. We were all thrilled and delighted for her! This learner has since gone on to open a very successful Montessori setting.
How do you feel when you have helped a student reach a decision on their course choice?
I am there to be the deciding factor for our learners. We support people in making the right choice of programme for them. We reassure them the whole way and we support them throughout. It is a very rewarding feeling to be part of this process.
How do I apply?
Entry to this course is by direct application to the college.
Requirements
Without a Leaving Certificate
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
Portobello Institute has mapped the learning outcomes of the awards listed below thereby gaining recognition of prior learning (RPL) with London Met for students holding the following qualifications:
• QQI Level 7 in Early Years Care & Education or equivalent
• Level 7 in Early Childhood Studies
Application Process
Step 1
Complete the online application form.
Step 2
Your application will be reviewed by the Portobello enrolment team.
Step 3
Applicant’s will be contacted by the Portobello team to confirm place on the course or look for more information.
Fees & Payment Options
Fees
Course Price
Year 1 base fee
Exam Body Reg. Fee
Overall Course Price
Total amount due
Easy Payment Plan
Payment Option 1
33% deposit payment (€1,318.35), 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.
- €334.58 due in month 1
- €334.58 due in month 2
- €334.58 due in month 3
- €334.58 due in month 4
- €334.58 due in month 5
- €334.58 due in month 6
- €334.58 due in month 7
- €334.58 due in month 8
Available Courses
Course | Delivery Mode | Start Date | Duration | Fees Per Year | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies |
Blended Learning
|
10th February 2024 | 8 months | €3,630.00 |
Apply
Hooray! One small step for you, one giant leap for your future! Enter your email and you will be redirected to our application platform, where you can complete your application in your own time. Here's what to expect:
- Enter your email
- You'll be redirected to our Application platform
- Start your application
- Choose your preferred payment option
- Submit your application
- One of our course advisors will review and be in touch
Apply
Hooray! One small step for you, one giant leap for your future! Enter your email and you will be redirected to our application platform, where you can complete your application in your own time. Here's what to expect:
- Enter your email
- You'll be redirected to our Application platform
- Start your application
- Choose your preferred payment option
- Submit your application
- One of our course advisors will review and be in touch