Structure of Course

On acceptance of their place on the course, learners would be required to attend an induction day. This covers all aspects of the programme content, delivery, assessment, and requirements. Induction provides the learner with an opportunity to become familiar with the environment, peers, and faculty members.

Learners can complete this course on a full-time basis over 1 year and on a part-time basis over 2 years. Attendance would normally require attendance in person (either in class or on Zoom) on 1 evening per week (6 pm to 9 pm) and Saturdays (9.30 am to 4.30 pm)  in the academic year from September to July. The timetable has been structured to optimise the utilisation of online learning via Zoom where this allows,  but skills-based components do require a certain amount of in-person attendance and it is taught using a combination of classroom-based and blended learning techniques via Zoom. This allows the learner to access classes in person or using on-line facilities. In certain skill-based modules, attendance will be a mandatory requirement.

Each learner on the Full-Time route would study and submit for assessment 4 modules in Semester 1 (40 ECTS), while those on the Part-Time Route would submit 2 Modules (20 ECTS) in Semester 1. In Semester 1, learners focus on fundamental Modules associated with the programme and on the full-Time option, are also taught a 10 ECTS Module on Research Methodologies and Design to support them with their Dissertation Module.

On the Part-Time route, this Research Module is taken in Semester 4. The Dissertation Module commences in Semester 1 and is due for completion and submission in Semester 3 for Full-time Students and Semester 5 for Part-Time Students.

In Semester 2, learners on both the Full and Part-Time options will complete a total of 30 ECTS of topic focussed learning as well as completing their Practicum module (10 ECTS) and are assessed on this body of work by the end of the First Semester. In the Practicum (Work-Based Learning) module, all learners will be required to undertake a minimum of 150 hours of practice placement, with 15 hours of supervision arranged by the College, 10 of which would be mentoring or small group tutoring with 5 hours direct 1 to 1 placement supervision.

Students will complete the Programme on submission of their Dissertation Module at the end of Semester 3 on the full-time route and Semester 5 of the Part-time route. Those students who exit the programme without completion of their Dissertation will be eligible for an Exit Award of a Postgraduate Diploma in Childhood Studies.

The following are the modules that have to be completed on this course which means a total of 90 ECTS have to completed for the Award of MA in Childhood Studies

How are learners assessed on this course?

This course has been designed to enable learners to demonstrate their academic and reflective learning in appropriate ways. The assessment strategy comprises a range of assessment tools and approaches to allow for a valid assessment of different learning outcomes as well as for the valid assessment of differing learning styles and situations.  The range of assessment tools or approaches is also chosen to complement the proposed teaching strategies that jointly best allow inference of learner attainment of the learning outcomes as evidenced in demonstration of relevant knowledge, skill, or competence.  Assessment tasks normally include:

• Written Assignments (e.g. Essay, Written Report, Research Proposal)
• Projects (Individual and Group)
• Practical Assignments
• Individual and group presentations
• Terminal Examinations
• Learning Journals or Portfolios

At the start of each academic year, learners also receive a Programme Handbook, which supplements the Student Handbook.  The Programme Handbook contains the specific academic information relevant to the individual’s programme, notably module descriptors, learning outcomes, associated assessment strategies, book lists, and academic calendars are published on the LMS.  The academic calendar details lecture commencement and conclusion dates, as well as assignment submission dates and examination week dates. This is published on the LMS for learners and lecturers.  Additionally, modular content on the LMS includes details on the assessment strategy derived from the validated programme document.

Within the first week of each module, learners receive relevant assignment briefs for the modules being completed in that semester.  The assignment briefs provide learners with details of the assessment tools being employed, the learning outcome(s) which have been designed to measure their knowledge acquisition and what criteria will be applied to assess performance, and the deadline and means of submission.

The completion of a research-based dissertation is a central part of the Masters programme and each learner is supported by an academic supervisor for the entire period of their dissertation.

Assessment and Standards (Revised 2013) refers to the use of either complete programme stages or modules as Capstone entities, specifically stating “Capstone modules and stages are designed to provide an opportunity for learners to integrate learning attained in other modules and stages. They are always necessary. An example of a capstone module is the process by which a learner produces a dissertation under supervision.”

Within that context, the Dissertation Module is identified as an appropriate capstone module for the MA in  Childhood programme.  This module will afford learners the opportunity to draw upon personal, aesthetic, empirical, and other patterns of knowing and forms of learning and integrate these with theoretical components of their learning across the full programme.  It will afford learners the opportunity to demonstrate a synthesis of such learning. In this module, learners will be assessed by means of a completed Dissertation.

What supports are available to learners

At ICHAS, every lecturer and member of staff is committed to excellence in education and professional practice. Each Module has a Module Leader who works with learners to enhance their learning and will provide formative and summative feedback throughout every module. Each programme has a Programme Co-ordinator and in addition, you will have direct access to the Programme Leader and the Director of Graduate Studies.

The Dissertation and Practicum are central elements of the Masters programme. Each learner will undertake these modules under the direction of an Academic and Practicum supervisor respectively for these modules.

Who Awards My Qualification?

On successful completion of the programme, your qualification is awarded by Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI). QQI is one of the principal Irish awarding body for 3rd level education in Ireland and sets the standards for awards on the NFQ. Because this programme is both validated and awarded by QQI, the Award you receive is recognised in Ireland and internationally. See www.qqi.ie for further information.

Where Can I progress to on completion of the course?

On successful completion of the MA in Childhood Studies, learners will be qualified to access  Level 10 Programmes on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ).

The knowledge, skills, and competence required to successfully participate in and complete this Level 9 programme will normally require applicants to have successfully achieved a Level 2:2 award in a relevant Level 8 degree.

Those who have completed other relevant educational programmes or have relevant professional experience etc., where Recognised Prior Learning (RPL) and Acquired Prior Learning (APL) can be applied to the programme by submission of programme content, qualification, and assignments equivalent to an appropriate Level 8 award at an Honours 2:2 standard, can also be considered.   Candidates over 23 years of age who hold significant professional qualifications and or can demonstrate appropriate learning from experiential or other sources of learning may apply through a Recognition of Prior Learning route (RPL).  For non-native speakers of English, an IELTS score of 6.5 (or equivalent) is required.  Candidates may study on either a full-time or part-time basis.

All applicants will be required to attend for interview to ascertain their suitability for the programme.

In the case of overseas applications, whose first language is not English, applicants will have to provide either certification of completion of a primary degree through the medium of English or submit the official results of English Language competency demonstrated through the completion of English language proficiency tests indicating a minimum score of to B2+ in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFRL). Certification may be evidenced through the production of a certificate of IELTS Level 6.5 or equivalent) or equivalent competency tests, if applicable.

All international applicants must meet the visa requirements for study in Ireland.

Successful applicants would be required to complete Garda Vetting at the College.

If you have any queries in relation to this course then please contact the college on 061 216288 or email us at info@ichas.ie. A member of the Admissions team will be happy to assist you

• This programme is congruent with the objective of providing accessible and flexible programmes to adult learners and has been designed with particular emphasis on the use of blended learning technologies to support traditional classroom learning
• This programme supports learners to develop personally & professionally to enable them to achieve a Masters Degree in Childhood Studies.
• Develop learners knowledge, skills & competence to an appropriate level of ‘Higher Order Practice’
• Modules within the programme are designed to build personal capacity, collaborative problem-solving skills, and an understanding of the systems and context within which individuals may be best supported.
• The programme provides a progression opportunity to complete a range of Programmes at Level 10 nationally and internationally.

A central component of the ICHAS vision is the provision of flexible and affordable education for all, with this in mind the college  has established a bursary for this programme reducing the tuition fees as outlined below

Tuition fees

For details on international fees, please click here

For details on Irish/EU fees please click here

(this includes a 2% PEL levy). In addition, students who opt for monthly instalments will incur an extra fee of €100 to avail of this facility. All fees are fully protected under our Protection of Enrolled Learners’ Policy.