MA in Early Childhood Studies
A professional master’s programme for educators and practitioners advancing expertise in early childhood education and care.
Best for:Best for educators, social workers, and early years practitioners with a bachelor’s degree in education or social sciences, seeking to advance their expertise in early childhood studies through a flexible, blended-learning master’s programme.
Overview
The MA in Early Childhood Studies is designed for qualified professionals—such as teachers, early years practitioners, social workers, and family support workers—who seek to deepen their knowledge and skills in early childhood development, policy, and practice. Taught by Stranmillis University College, this programme blends theoretical insights with practical applications, supporting career progression in both statutory and non-statutory sectors. Students engage in a mix of online and in-person learning, including reflective study, field visits, and a supervised dissertation. The curriculum recognises prior professional development, offering credit transfer opportunities for relevant qualifications like PGCEs or school-based training. Ideal for those aiming to specialise in early childhood education or leadership roles, the programme balances academic rigour with real-world relevance.
What you'll do
- Engage in blended learning, including online lectures, virtual activities, and occasional in-person workshops or field visits.
- Complete a supervised dissertation under the guidance of a personal tutor, applying theoretical knowledge to real-world early childhood contexts.
- Participate in reflective, self-directed study to deepen understanding of early childhood education theories and practices.
- Collaborate with peers and professionals to explore contemporary issues in early childhood development and policy.
- Apply prior professional experience to coursework, leveraging credit transfer opportunities for qualifications like PGCEs or school-based training.
Requirements
Degree required: A relevant 2:1 honours degree or above in an educational or social science subject, or equivalent professional experience.
Degree offered: MA in Early Childhood Studies
Language: English (no specific proficiency test mentioned)
Instruction: English
- Professional experience in early childhood education, social work, or related fields.
- Ability to engage in reflective practice and self-directed learning.
- Familiarity with early childhood development theories and policies.
- Commitment to blended learning and online study management.
- Applicants must hold a relevant 2:1 honours degree or above, or demonstrate equivalent professional experience.
- Individual consideration may be given to applicants without formal qualifications but with substantial relevant experience.
- Applicants may be required to attend an interview to assess suitability for entry.
Funding & terms
Programme and admissions
Admissions not verified
A catalogue listing does not mean applications are open or funding is guaranteed. Check the source for your intake.
- Intake
- Not confirmed by the source
- Duration
- Not confirmed by the source
- Teaching language
- Not confirmed by the source
- Taught / research mode
- Not confirmed by the source
- Study mode
- Not confirmed by the source
- Campus
- Not confirmed by the source
- Prerequisites
- Not confirmed by the source
- Application instructions
- Not confirmed by the source
- Tuition
- Not confirmed by the source
- Funding
- Not confirmed by the source
How to apply
Deadline: 2026-01-12 (Europe/Dublin)
Applicants must submit their application through the university’s official portal by 12:00 noon on Monday, 12th January 2026. Applications received after this date may be considered on a case-by-case basis. Ensure all required documents, including academic transcripts and a statement of purpose, are included in the submission.
- CV or curriculum vitae
- Academic transcripts (Bachelor’s degree)
- Statement of purpose or personal statement
- Proof of relevant professional experience (if applicable)
- Two letters of recommendation (if required)
Contact
Create a free profile to unlock your personal match score, the full requirements, funding details and how to apply — in English or Persian.