MA in Childhood Studies

*This is an ICHAS course promoted by Griffith College
Full-time classes: delivered at ICHAS, Walton House, Lonsdale Road, National Technology Park, Castletroy, Co. Limerick
Part-time classes: Griffith College Dublin, South Circular Road, Dublin 8

• Students will undertake a minimum of 150 hours of work placement in approved settings with the support of 15 hours of supervision arranged by the college (10 of which would be mentoring of small group tutoring with 5 hours of direct 1 to 1 placement supervision).
  
   
• This work-based learning represents an opportunity for students to have real exposure to working creatively with children and adolescents to develop transferable and adaptable professional skills, including the professional disposition to work confidently and independently in different settings. Students will draw on the practical and theoretical knowledge acquired through college-supportive tutorials and workshops.
  
   
• Examples of acceptable placement settings could include educational settings such as pre/schools, creches, primary schools, and secondary schools as well as broader structural contexts such as Childcare committees, Early Childhood Ireland, Bernados, Childhood, National Childhood Network or youth Provision, Family resource centres and social care

Full-time: 

ICHAS Limerick: (1-year option) The full-time programme is normally scheduled over 3 consecutive days per week over 2 Semesters at ICHAS College Limerick, from 9.30 am to 4.30 pm.

Part-time:

Griffith College Dublin Campus: (2-year option) would normally require attendance, either in class or online, on 1 evening per week from 6 pm-9 pm and approximately eight Saturdays from 9.30 am-4.30 pm in the academic year.

The timetable has been structured to optimise the utilisation of online learning where this allows.

Still, skills-based components do require in-person attendance, and it is taught using a combination of classroom-based and blended learning techniques. In specific skill-based modules, attendance will be a mandatory requirement.

Entry requirements: 

The knowledge, skills, and competence required to successfully participate in and complete this Level 9 programme will normally require applicants to have successfully achieved a Level 2:2 award in a relevant Level 8  Honours Degree in areas such as Early Learning & Care, Primary & Post Primary Education, Nursing, Social Care, Psychology, Sociology, Social Science, Youth Work & Community Studies, and related Social Science disciplines.

Those who have completed other relevant educational programmes or have relevant professional experience etc., where Recognised Prior Learning (RPL) and Acquired Prior Learning (APL) can be applied to the programme by submission of programme content, qualification, and assignments equivalent to an appropriate Level 8 award at an Honours 2:2 standard, can also be considered.



English Language:

For non-native speakers of English, an IELTS score of 6.5 (or equivalent) is required. 

 

How to Apply

Applicants over 23 years of age (Mature students):

If you are 23 years of age on or before the 1st of January of the year you want to enter, you may apply as a mature student. Mature students must apply to Griffith College directly online using the Apply Online facility on the website homepage or the button below. Mature applicants will be asked for a copy of their passport.

International Applicants:

In the case of overseas applications, whose first language is not English, applicants will have to provide either certification of completion of a primary degree through the medium of English or submit the official results of English Language competency demonstrated through the completion of English language proficiency tests indicating a minimum score of B2+ in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFRL). Certification may be evidenced through the production of a certificate of IELTS Level 6.5 or equivalent) or equivalent competency tests, if applicable.

All international applicants must meet the visa requirements for study in Ireland.



All applicants will be required to attend for interview to ascertain their suitability for the programme. Successful applicants would be required to complete Garda Vetting at the College.

This programme is offered on a full-time (ICHAS Limerick) or part-time (Griffith College Dublin) basis and there are options around the payment of tuition fees with payment plans available to learners.

A central component of the ICHAS vision is the provision of flexible and affordable education for all, with this in mind the college has established a bursary for this programme for 50% tuition fee reduction.

Please note that not all study modes may be offered at all times; for confirmation, refer to the Intake dates on the Overview tab.

An Academic Administration Fee of EUR250.00 and a 2% Learner Protection Charge is applicable each academic year in addition to the fees quoted.



In addition, students who opt for monthly instalments will incur an extra fee of €100 to avail of this facility. All fees are fully protected under our Protection of Enrolled Learners Policy.



Protection of Enrolled Learners’ Policy All QQI accredited programmes of education and training of 3 months or longer duration are covered by arrangements under section 65 (4) of the Qualifications and Quality Assurance (Education and Training) Act 2012 whereby, in the event of the provider ceasing to provide the programme for any reason, enrolled learners may transfer to a similar programme at another provider, or, in the event that this is not practicable, the fees most recently paid will be refunded.

Careers

• Project Worker 
• Family Support Projects  
• Youth Workers  
• Afterschool Assistant  
• Childcare Development Officer  
• Youth Advocate