MT571 · Level 7 · 3 years

Early Childhood Education and Care

Munster Technological University - Kerry · Munster

2026 Round 1 points

222

Points have stayed about the same since 2023.

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About this course

A degree for people who want to work with young children, based on supervised practice in real childcare settings. It also covers the management skills needed to run a childcare service.

How long
3 years
What you study
First year includes play and early learning, child health, language and numeracy, sociology and childhood policy. Teaching is a mix of lectures, workshops and practicals. In the final year you study research methods, choose areas to specialise in and write a dissertation.
Placement and abroad
All students do a supervised work placement across two full semesters, in Ireland or abroad.
Where it can lead
Graduates work as centre leaders or managers, curriculum developers, community outreach workers and early intervention specialists, and can progress to the Level 8 add-on year, which may lead on to the Professional Master of Education in primary teaching.
Who it suits
Suits students who enjoy being around children, like practical placement learning and are interested in how children learn and grow.

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

2023216202422320252542026222

Round 1 points by year

YearRound 1Final (end of season)Middle student
2026222Published after the final round
2025 254254420
2024 223223420
2023 216216359

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

  • English or Irish: Higher H7 or Ordinary O6
  • Mathematics: Higher H7 or Ordinary O6 or Foundation F2

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 Munster Technological University - Kerry website ↗

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