DC001 · Level 8 · 4 years

Education in Early Childhood

Dublin City University · Dublin

2026 Round 1 points

410

Points have stayed about the same since 2023.

How do your points compare?

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

About this course

This degree prepares you to work with young children in preschools, creches and family support services. It is run by the DCU Institute of Education.

How long
4 years
What you study
You study psychology, sociology, the arts and philosophy, with a focus on literacy, maths, science and leadership. The core of the course is how to plan learning through play, support children's wellbeing and work with children with additional needs. Learning is through workshops, seminars and group study, and you can take a special needs elective in Year 4.
Placement and abroad
You do a work placement every year, and in Year 3 you can study abroad on Erasmus in Norway, Belgium or Hungary.
Where it can lead
Graduates can work as early childhood educators, preschool or naionra managers, early years inspectors, trainers or in children's voluntary and statutory organisations.
Who it suits
Suits students who love working with young children and enjoy creative, hands-on learning.

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

2023419202442020254202026410

Round 1 points by year

YearRound 1Final (end of season)Middle student
2026410Published after the final round
2025 420420451
2024 420420444
2023 419419444

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

  • Mathematics: Higher H7 or Ordinary O6 or Foundation F6
  • English or 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 Dublin City University website ↗

Is Education in Early Childhood 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.