Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education and Care (Honours Top -Up Degree) (BA ECEC) (MQF 6, 120 ECTS)

Overall Course Description

The Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education and Care (Honours Top-Up Degree) program was developed to provide early childhood practitioners with the advanced knowledge, professional competencies, and practical skills needed to meet the changing demands of modern early childhood education. Building on previous Level 5 studies, the program allows students to gain a deeper understanding of child development, pedagogy, leadership, research, and inclusive educational practice, all while preparing them for professional roles in kindergarten and early childhood settings.

The program explores a wide range of educational theories, pedagogical models, and contemporary methodologies that promote high-quality learning for young children. Students investigate early childhood education from both the individual child’s perspective and the larger social, cultural, legal, and educational contexts that influence children’s learning and development.

Throughout the programme, students gain a thorough understanding of the legal, ethical, technological, and professional responsibilities that come with working in early childhood education. Children’s rights, safeguarding, diversity, inclusion, digital technologies, emotional intelligence, robotics, outdoor learning, language development, mathematics, scientific inquiry, and culturally responsive practice all receive special attention.

The program also helps students develop practical skills in planning, observation, assessment, reflective practice, curriculum design, leadership, and research. Students are encouraged to integrate theoretical knowledge with professional practice through supervised practice placements and an independent dissertation, as well as to constantly reflect on and improve their own teaching methods.

The course is designed specifically for qualified Early Childhood Education practitioners who want to finish their undergraduate studies and advance to professional positions like Kindergarten Educator 3 (KG3). Its primary goal is to produce reflective, research-informed, and highly competent practitioners who can provide high-quality educational experiences that promote children’s overall development and well-being.

Upon successful completion, graduates will be equipped to:

1. Apply advanced pedagogical theories and evidence-based practices to support children’s holistic learning and development.
2. Design, implement, and evaluate developmentally appropriate learning experiences that respond to children’s individual interests, abilities, and diverse needs.
3. Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of child development and its application within early childhood education settings.
4. Promote inclusive, equitable, and culturally responsive educational environments that uphold children’s rights and wellbeing.
5. Integrate contemporary educational technologies, digital literacy, and innovative teaching methodologies into early years practice.
6. Critically evaluate educational research, policy, and professional practice to inform decision-making and continuous improvement.
7. Collaborate effectively with parents, multidisciplinary professionals, colleagues, and the wider community to support children’s learning and development.
8. Demonstrate leadership, professionalism, and ethical responsibility within early childhood education and care settings.
9. Conduct independent research using appropriate methodologies to investigate issues relevant to early childhood education and professional practice.
10. Apply reflective practice, critical thinking, and evidence-informed decision-making to enhance educational quality and professional development.
11. Promote children’s social, emotional, cognitive, linguistic, creative, physical, and mathematical development through innovative and child-centred learning approaches.

Overall, the program prepares graduates to be confident, reflective, and highly skilled early childhood professionals capable of leading high-quality educational practices while also contributing to the sector’s ongoing development and professionalisation. After completing the required 180 ECTS credits, graduates will be ready to apply for Kindergarten Educator 3 (KG3) positions.

Furthermore, the course is delivered using a blended learning approach that includes synchronous online lectures, interactive seminars, case studies, collaborative discussions, supervised practice placements, independent research, and self-directed learning supported by the institution’s virtual learning environment. This delivery model ensures that learners receive flexible, engaging, and professionally relevant learning that incorporates contemporary digital technologies and authentic workplace practice.

Target Audience

This programme is designed for qualified Early Childhood Education and Care practitioners who want to improve their academic credentials and professional practice while working toward the position of Kindergarten Educator 2 (KGE 2). It has been developed specifically for learners who have already completed a MQF Level 4 qualification in Early Childhood Education and Care and want to advance their pedagogical knowledge, practical competencies, and professional skills in modern early childhood settings.

The program is aimed at practitioners who are currently or intend to work with children aged birth to seven years old in childcare centers, kindergartens, and other early childhood education settings in both the public and private sector. It is ideal for those looking to improve their knowledge of child development, inclusive education, curriculum design, safeguarding, leadership, and reflective professional practice.

The intended audience is learners with a MQF Level 4 qualification in Early Childhood Education and Care (or an equivalent recognised qualification) who want to progress to a MQF Level 5 Diploma while accumulating the academic credits needed for further studies and professional advancement in the early childhood education field. The program also helps practitioners prepare to pursue higher education qualifications, such as undergraduate degree programs in Early Childhood Education and Care.

Adult learners from a variety of educational, cultural, and professional backgrounds are welcome to participate in the course, as long as they are committed to promoting high-quality, inclusive, and child-centered early childhood education. It provides participants with the knowledge, skills, and professional competencies needed to support children’s holistic development, collaborate effectively with families and multidisciplinary professionals, and positively contribute to today’s early childhood education and care environments.

Programme Learning Outcomes

Graduates of the Level 5 Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care (Top-Up) for Kindergarten Educator 2 (KGE 2) will be prepared to use advanced pedagogical theories and evidence-based practices to support the holistic learning, development, and well-being of children aged birth to seven. Students will be able to plan, implement, monitor, and evaluate inclusive, developmentally appropriate learning experiences that address children’s unique strengths, interests, abilities, and diverse needs while promoting high-quality early childhood education and care.

Graduates will gain a thorough understanding of child development, curriculum planning, observation, assessment, safety, legal and ethical responsibilities, and reflective professional practice. They will be able to work effectively with children, families, colleagues, multidisciplinary professionals, and the broader community to promote positive educational outcomes and children’s rights in early childhood settings.

Throughout the program, students will improve their leadership, communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills while also gaining confidence in evaluating professional practice, applying contemporary educational research, and incorporating digital technologies into teaching, learning, and assessment. The program also encourages students to demonstrate professionalism, inclusivity, cultural responsiveness, and ethical responsibility while working toward continuous quality improvement in early childhood education and care settings. Upon successful completion, graduates will have the academic knowledge, practical competencies, and professional attributes needed to advance to the position of Kindergarten Educator 2 (KGE 2) and pursue further studies in the field of Early Childhood Education.

Module Learning Outcomes

D.1 Child Development and Contemporary Early Years Practice – 10 ECTS | MQF Level 5

This module allows students to gain a comprehensive understanding of children’s physical, cognitive, social, emotional, and language development from birth to seven years old. Learners will critically evaluate major developmental theories and apply them to observation, planning, and assessment in early childhood settings. The module helps learners evaluate individual developmental needs, promote inclusive practice, collaborate with families and professionals, and implement evidence-based strategies that support children’s overall development and well-being.

D.2 Curriculum Planning, Play and Learning in the Early Years – 10 ECTS | MQF Level 5

This module helps learners understand contemporary curriculum approaches, play-based learning, and child-centered pedagogies in early childhood education. Learners will create, implement, and evaluate developmentally appropriate learning experiences that encourage creativity, communication, problem solving, and self-directed learning. The module also teaches learners how to incorporate observation, assessment, and reflective practice into curriculum planning while accommodating children’s diverse interests, abilities, and learning needs.

D.3 Safeguarding, Inclusion and Professional Practice – 10 ECTS | MQF Level 5

This module helps learners develop the professional knowledge and practical skills needed to protect children’s well-being while promoting inclusive and equitable educational environments. Learners will critically examine legislation, safety procedures, children’s rights, and ethical responsibilities in early childhood education. They will also improve their ability to identify and address safeguarding concerns, collaborate with families and multidisciplinary professionals, and promote inclusive practice that values diversity, equality, and the unique needs of children.

D.4 Leadership, Partnership and Professional Communication – 10 ECTS | MQF Level 5

This module enhances learners’ ability to communicate effectively and collaborate in early childhood education settings. Learners will improve their leadership, teamwork, and interpersonal communication skills while establishing professional relationships with children, families, colleagues, and external agencies. The module also teaches students how to contribute positively to organisational practice, demonstrate reflective leadership, promote continuous professional development, and effectively participate in multidisciplinary working environments.

D.5 Research, Reflective Practice and Professional Development – 10 ECTS | MQF Level 5

This module provides students with the knowledge and practical skills needed to critically evaluate professional practice using research-based methods. Learners will improve their learning experiences and professional performance by developing reflective practice skills, analysing current educational research, and making evidence-based decisions. They will also improve their academic writing, critical thinking, problem-solving, and independent learning abilities, while encouraging ongoing professional development in early childhood education.

D.6 Professional Practice Placement – 20 ECTS | MQF Level 5

This module allows students to apply theoretical knowledge to professional practice through supervised placement in an approved early childhood education setting. Learners will plan, deliver, and evaluate learning experiences while adhering to safeguarding principles, inclusive practice, effective communication, and professional ethics. The module also helps learners improve their ability to reflect critically on their practice, respond to feedback, collaborate with mentors and colleagues, and meet the professional standards required of a Kindergarten Educator 2 practitioner.

Programme Structure

Hours of Total Learning

The program has 120 ECTS, which equates to 3,000 total learning hours, based on the principle that 1 ECTS equals 25 hours of learning. The program is designed to be completed full-time over two academic years and includes taught lectures, supervised practice placements, independent study, research activities, and the completion of a dissertation, ensuring that students develop both academic knowledge and professional competencies necessary for graduate-level practice in Early Childhood Education and Care.

Overall Programme

Breakdown by Module