CK111 · Level 8 · 4 years

Early Years and Childhood Studies

University College Cork (NUI) · Munster

2026 Round 1 points

387

Up 40 points since 2023 (347).

How do your points compare?

Don't know your points? Use the CAO points calculator.

About this course

One of the first Irish degrees in early years and childhood studies. It combines psychology, education and social studies.

How long
4 years
What you study
Year 1 covers social psychology, lifespan development, play and teaching approaches, child health and safety, and research methods. Later years look at special needs education, child care policy, drama and music for young children, and working with families. You finish with a research report.
Placement and abroad
You do a 13-week placement in both Year 2 and Year 3, and a one-week placement in Year 4.
Where it can lead
Pathways from the degree lead to early years care and education, primary teaching, social work, youth work, speech and language therapy, play specialist, guidance counselling and audiology.
Who it suits
Suits students who enjoy working with children, are interested in how they learn and grow, and are happy to spend time in placements.

Summary written by FindMyCollegeCourse.ie from the college's own course information. Check the college website for full details.

About Welfare

Focuses on social care and community support roles

These courses involve learning about the systems, policies, and practices that support the well-being of individuals and communities. This field focuses on understanding social justice, inequality, human behavior, social policy, and supporting vulnerable populations. E.g. Social Care, Community and Youth Work, Early Childhood Care.

Points history

2023347202434220253682026387

Round 1 points by year

YearRound 1Final (end of season)Middle student
2026387Published after the final round
2025 368368431
2024 342300410
2023 347308418

Round 1 is the points needed for a first-round offer. Final is the lowest points offered a place after all rounds. Middle student is the points of the student in the middle of everyone who got a place. * means not everyone on those points got a place (random selection). Source: CAO points lists.

Subject requirements

  • All Languages: Higher H7 or Ordinary O6
  • English: Higher H7 or Ordinary O6
  • Irish: Higher H7 or Ordinary O6

These are the course's own subject requirements. You also need to meet the college's general minimum entry requirements.

See the course on the University College Cork (NUI) website ↗

Is Early Years and Childhood Studies right for you?

Points tell you if you can get in. They don't tell you if you'll enjoy it. The CAO Interest Test matches your interests to more than 1,400 CAO courses, including courses in Welfare, and shows which ones fit your points.

Take the CAO Interest Test Try the free test first

Similar courses in Welfare

Level 8 courses with the closest 2026 Round 1 points.

Points and course details change every year. Always check cao.ie and the college website before you fill in your CAO form.