Master of Arts in Leadership in Early Years Education and Care
Prepare for leadership roles in early childhood education and public policy with a part-time master’s programme.
Best for:Best for early childhood educators, social workers, and professionals in related fields seeking to advance into leadership roles in early years education and care.
Overview
This part-time Master of Arts programme is designed for current practitioners, aspiring leaders, and professionals interested in early childhood education and care. Offered by SETU Carlow, it equips students with the skills and knowledge to excel in management and policy-making roles within early childhood education services. The curriculum blends theoretical foundations with practical applications, ensuring graduates can drive innovation and improvement in the sector. Ideal for those seeking to advance their careers in leadership positions, the programme also accommodates candidates with significant relevant work experience through recognised prior learning policies. It is tailored for both domestic and international applicants, fostering a diverse and inclusive learning environment.
What you'll do
- Develop and implement leadership strategies for early childhood education services.
- Analyze and contribute to public policy discussions related to early childhood education.
- Design and evaluate educational curricula for early years settings.
- Lead initiatives to improve quality and accessibility in early childhood care.
- Collaborate with stakeholders to enhance early childhood education environments.
- Engage in research and evidence-based practice to inform leadership decisions.
Requirements
Degree required: A Level 8 honours degree (Second Class Honours Grade 2 or equivalent) in Early Childhood Education and Care, Applied Social Studies, Social and Community Studies, Youth and Community Work, Social Sciences, or a cognate area.
Degree offered: Master of Arts (MA)
Language: English proficiency (assumed for applicants with relevant degrees taught in English; additional proof may be required for non-EU applicants).
Instruction: English
- Proven ability to work in early childhood education or related fields.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Experience in managing or leading educational teams or projects.
- Familiarity with early childhood education policies and frameworks.
- Candidates with significant relevant work experience may be considered through SETU Carlow’s Recognised Prior Learning (RPL) policy.
- Applicants with degrees in unrelated disciplines may be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
- Non-EU applicants must meet additional international admission requirements.
Funding & terms
Programme and admissions
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- Intake
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- Prerequisites
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- Tuition
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How to apply
Deadline: 2026-08-28
Applicants must submit their application through the official SETU Carlow portal. Required documents include a CV, academic transcripts, proof of English proficiency (if applicable), and a statement of purpose. Non-EU applicants should also provide additional documentation as specified on the SETU website.
- CV
- Academic transcripts (Level 8 degree)
- Proof of English proficiency (if required)
- Statement of purpose
- Proof of relevant work experience (if applying via RPL)
Contact
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