BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies Online
Our BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies Online is offered in collaboration with the University of East London. This level 8 comparable degree is available to you if you have achieved a pass mark or higher in the QQI level 6 Early Care and Education course. The degree requires you to complete 6 modules of 30 credits each to achieve the BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies.
BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies Online
Our BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies Online is offered in collaboration with the University of East London. This level 8 comparable degree is available to you if you have achieved a pass mark or higher in the QQI level 6 Early Care and Education course. The degree requires you to complete 6 modules of 30 credits each to achieve the BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies.
Course Modules:
How distance learning works
Our Online BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies degree is completed through our online interactive learning management system.
As our learner, you will be issued with an email to create your own password to access your degree. All materials such as course notes, supplementary reading documentation, online videos, and assignment briefs are contained in folders within each module. Each module has a site structured around a sequence of weekly topics. Each topic contains a lecture, typically a series of slides and accompanying audio recording, supported by guidance on key learning outcomes, self-assessment questions, and links to core and additional readings and other resources. You will also have access to our online student community and discussion forums to foster communication with our other students to discuss and resolve issues related to your studies.
Introduction to the degree
Chevron Training’s BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies is offered in collaboration with the University of East London. 
The degree is available to you if you have achieved a pass mark or higher in the QQI level 6 Early Care and Education course. The degree requires you to complete 6 modules of 30 credits each to achieve the BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies. The purpose of this honours degree is to provide you with the knowledge to evaluate childhood from a range of different critical perspectives and to explore the factors that influence the childhood experience. By examining issues such as health, early years’ legislation and global inequalities in childhood, you will appreciate the impact which these factors can have on a child’s development.
Degree aims & learning outcomes
This level 8 comparable degree is designed as an articulation pathway from the QQI level 6 in Early Childhood Care and Education and this articulation has been mapped to the QAA Early Childhood Studies Benchmark Statements. Therefore the overall degree aims and learning outcomes are to:
- Gain knowledge, understanding and a critical appreciation of early childhood studies
- Understand the development, needs and experience of young children, and the services which support them
- Achieve a foundation for employment, professional and further academic study in the early years domain
- Become a skillful and adaptable graduate
- Be part of University of East London’s commitment to widening access to higher education
DCYA Approved
Our BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies degree is recognised and approved by DCYA for Higher Capitation. See page 27 of this document.
Entry requirements
You must hold a QQI Level 6 Major award in Early Childhood Care and Education or FETAC Level 6 Advance Supervision. You are also required to have either primary or secondary education completed via English, alternatively a score of 6.0 is required in the IELTS academic exam (this is an English proficiency assessment).
Course cost
3 year version: €2900 per year * 3 years
2 year version: €2900 for year one, €4500 for year two
Note that Year Two of the 2 year version would require full time study hours. However, a decision on 2 year or 3 years option isn’t required until after completion of Year One.
Further information:
- Qualification gained: BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies
- Assessment method: All of the assessments are project based assignments
- Career opportunities: Graduates of the Early Childhood Studies Degree undertake a variety of career paths in the education, health and social-care fields. There is a current need for well-trained graduates who can quickly move up to more senior roles in childcare centres and other early childhood care and education settings. Holders of this award will also be eligible to gain the higher capitation grant from the DCYA (€75 from September 2016) for their role in an early childhood centre. Some students go on to specialise in a particular area such as Special Educational Needs, while others go on to take up advisory posts in local authorities or government departments.
- Progression to further studies: You can progress to our MA Early Childhood Care & Education Management degree.
Student support
At Chevron Training we are committed to the ongoing needs of our students and provide the following support structures to assist students following course completion:
- 24 hour guaranteed turnaround email response to any queries in relation to online course content
- Free access to e-library
- Recommended reading uploaded on online platform
- Feedback available on all assignment and project work prior to submission
- No set study hours – study at a time that suits you and your lifestyle
- Discussion forum – to engage with other learners
- Phone support is also available from our highly qualified tutors
- Online interaction with the other online learners
- UEL student card issued
- No examinations – all project and assignment based assessment
- Lines open Monday to Sunday 24/7
“I completed my level 8 online with chevron and graduated in November just gone. I am now starting a masters in UCD in september. Had no problem being recognised for higher cap and to qualify with UCD for a masters. Highly recommend this course. I received my BA level 8 in just a year and a half. Started in January 2017 and completed it in May 2018.”
Jackie Mayock
“I completed my BA Honours in Early Childhood Studies with Chevron. From the start to finish, I found this company very professional with highly qualified, supportive and patient staff. Any query or question I had, was always clearly answered and there was always someone at the other end of the phone or email. As a working mother of 2 children, I was a little unsure whether it would suit me but I have to say I enjoyed the course and you get out of it what you put into it.”
Evonne Burke Foran
“I have just completed my BA(hons) in Early Childhood Studies with Chevron and I cannot recommend it enough. As an already busy working Mum I was nervous that perhaps I may have taken on too much, but throughout the entire course I as encouraged and supported. The team of tutors are all highly qualified and extremely knowledgeable but most importantly for me they were all so approachable. Every email was answered promptly, and there was always someone at the end of the phone. To anyone considering online training I would definitely recommend Chevron, and to everyone at Chevron, a huge thank you.”
Alison Twohig
“I have been living and working outside Ireland for four years and wanted to gain a qualification that would help me reach my goal of becoming a primary school teacher in Ireland, after researching many different options Chevron was undoubtedly the best option. A team of encouraging and motivating tutors that would answer questions and phone calls morning noon and night even despite the time difference! A wonderful platform and library with large volumes of resources and knowledge, an attractive payment plan and which was most important to me was being able to achieve a Level 8 qualification in 18 months! I am now one step closer to reaching my goal and have a perfect foundation for the next stage in my career!”
Helena Allen
“I have just completed my BA in early childhood education with chevron, it has been a great experience, I was delighted four years ago when I found chevron training online whilst researching to do a level 6 in childhood, which once again was a positive experience, after my level 6 chevron contacted me regarding the BA in childcare and I didn’t think twice ( I was searching and searching for a online bachelors as I wanted to work whilst I studied) chevron couldn’t have been more helpful, Karen, Myriam couldn’t have been more helpful, always at the other side of the phone or email to help, Karen would take a call late during the evenings when I had finished work, over any issue, Dave is brilliant in regards to any problem big or small and full of important information, I would not go past chevron for future education! The easy payments, online portal and study method really worked for me and I enjoyed every minute of it, I have made so many friends from online chats and have really met a lot of amazing women! I would recommend this course to anyone who is willing to pursue a higher form of education in childcare! Thanks a mill to everyone at chevron over the last 4 years”
Andrea O’Keeffe
“The flexibility and convenience in regards to both study and payment was why I initially chose to undertake the BA (hons) Early Childhood Studies with Chevron Training. Although assignments need to be submitted by certain dates, I was able to study at times that were convenient for me – essential as I work in a pre- school and have three young children. The online learning platform was very clear and easy to navigate. There was a wealth of resources in the online library. I found Karen to be an excellent tutor. She was extremely supportive, enthusiastic and positive. She always replied promptly to any query that I had. I feel that the degree is very valuable as it challenged my thinking and delivered a wealth of information that is directly relatable to working in the early years sector. As a result of completing this degree I have been promoted to manager of the setting that I work in. I am looking forward to using the knowledge I gained to enhancing the experiences of children in the early years setting.”