UG Prospectus 2025

112 WhyDCU? − The BECEwill prepare you for a career working as a professional in the growing area of early childhood education − The BECE develops graduates who are critical and creative thinkers, skilled in workingwith young children and their families, who are strong researchers and advocates for early childhood − Youwill study with internationally recognised experts in early childhood education helping you become a professionally qualified educator − Develop new friendships and social networks as you learnwith your peers in large-group lecture situations, in workshops and seminars with small groups, individually in tutorials and through professional placement − Youwill develop your areas of practical and academic interest through electivemodules − You can opt to study abroad in Year 3 on an Erasmus programme − Professional placement will take place each year of this course About You Do youwant tomake a difference to the lives and educational futures of young children (birth to 6 years)? Are you interested inworkingwith children with special needs, with children and families or in support and early intervention organisations? Then follow your passion and become a professional early childhood educator. The BECE coursewill enable you to become a skilled professional leader in the field of early childhood, whichwill prepare you for a range of career possibilities in early education at home and abroad. Additional Requirements The general entry requirements for admission to theUniversity apply (see page 174). GardaVetting Garda vetting has been introduced for students who have unsupervised access to children and vulnerable adults as part of their studies at DCU. Youmust successfully complete the Garda vetting process in order to complete the process of registration. Understanding: EarlyChildhood Education (BECE) Early childhood is a growing field, with increasing state investment which acknowledges the importance of learning and development in the early years. This coursewill equip you to take a leadership role in curriculumor management within the early childhood field. Workingwith young children and their families, supporting their education is rewarding andmakes a real difference to children’s lives. Our BECE degreewill enable you to succeed by developing your skills, knowledge and understanding of: − Children’s wellbeing, development and learning (birth to 6 years) − Curriculumplanning, implementation and assessing learning − Learning through play, indoors and outdoors − Supporting creativity and thinking through earlymaths, technology, art, music and literacy − Being a professional, using initiative, preparing for leadership and management opportunities − Understanding thewider social and legislative context and its impact on children and families − Working inclusively with a broad range of children, families and other professionals Course Structure All students take required early childhood education and caremodules and spend approximately 1000 hours on professional placement and related activities over the duration of the course. Each year of the BECE has a different focus. In Year 1, youwill cover the core information needed to understand young children and how they develop. A range of supports are available to help students settle in academically and socially to DCU. Year 1 builds the knowledge and pedagogical foundation for the course. Year 2 focuses on the early childhood environment and its impact in supporting young childrens’ learning and development. Youwill learn how to create settings that support and challenge young children. Year 3 explores diversity, equality, inclusion and social justice as it relates to young children and their families. Youwill discover how to support and engagewith the rich cultures, languages, traditions and needs of a diversity of children and their families through respectful relationships. In Year 3 youwill have an Erasmus option to study for a semester in places such as Belgium, Hungary andNorway. Year 4 focuses on leadership, ethics and research. Youwill complete a dissertation in an area of professional interest. You will also select froma range of relevant specialisms to deepen areas of interest that may be relevant for your future careers. Year Abroad Studying abroad provides awonderful opportunity to experience the culture of another country. If youmeet the required criteria andwish to travel abroad in Year 3, youwill spend a semester (January - April) studying at one of our partner universities, in Belgium, Hungary andNorway. For more information, please visit dcu.ie/placement/study. Bachelor of Early Childhood Education (BECE) Develop the knowledge, expertise and skills to support the development and early education of children frombirth to 6 years