Arts - Children & Youth Studies
If you just want to study ‘children’ along with two other traditional Arts subjects and progress to secondary school teaching for example, among other careers, maybe Arts with Children’s Studies is for you.
| Award Name | Degree - Honours Bachelor (Level 8 NFQ) |
|---|---|
| NFQ Classification | Major |
| Awarding Body | National University of Ireland |
| NFQ Level | Level 8 NFQ |
| Award Name | NFQ Classification | Awarding Body | NFQ Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Degree - Honours Bachelor (Level 8 NFQ) | Major | National University of Ireland | Level 8 NFQ |
Duration
4 years
Specific Subjects or course requirements
Leaving Certificate Entry Requirements:
Minimum Grade H5 in two subjects and passes in four other subjects at O6/H7 level in the Leaving Certificate including Irish, English, another language, and three other subjects recognised for entry purposes.
Additional Requirements:
Students must satisfy the Garda/police vetting requirements.
Leaving Certificate General Entry Requirements
For holders of the Leaving Certificate, six subjects are required, with a minimum Grade H5 in two subjects and at least Grade O6/H7 in four other subjects.
An applicant may combine the results of the Leaving Certificate examinations obtained in different years for matriculation purposes for all programmes with the exception of Medicine (see section 1). This concession applies to matriculation only; it does not apply to the calculation of points for admission.
Acceptable Subjects
All subjects of the current Leaving Certificate examination are accepted for matriculation purposes, with the following exceptions:
Gaeilge–Bonnleibhéal (Irish, Foundation Level) will not be accepted for matriculation or points purposes.
Mathematics (Ordinary Alternative/ Foundation Level) will be accepted for matriculation purposes, but not as a substitute for the subject Mathematics in programmes for which the subject Mathematics is currently an entry requirement. Neither will a score be awarded for a grade in this subject.
Home Economics (General), which has been discontinued from 2004, is not an acceptable matriculation subject for admission to University of Galway. However, Leaving Certificate Home Economics–Scientific and Social is an acceptable matriculation subject for admission.
The combining of the following subjects is not permitted:
• Physics with Chemistry (joint) may not be presented with either Physics or Chemistry
• Only two of History, Economic History and Economics may be presented
• Music and Musicianship may not be presented with Music
• Agricultural Economics may not be presented with Economics
• Classical Studies may not be presented with Latin or Greek.
Laboratory Science Subjects:
The following subjects in the Irish Leaving Certificate are recognised laboratory science subjects:
• Agricultural Science
• Biology
• Chemistry
• Physics and Chemistry (joint)
• Physics.
For Engineering and Science programmes, Computer Science is a recognized Laboratory Science subject. For Engineering programmes, Technology, Engineering, Design and Communication Graphics or Construction Studies may be accepted in lieu of a Laboratory Science subject.
Bonus Points for Maths
A bonus of 25 points will be allocated to students who achieve grade H6 or above in Higher Level (HL) Mathematics. This means that the maximum cumulative Leaving Certificate points total will increase from 600 to 625 (existing maximum points plus bonus points).
The bonus points will only be relevant in cases where the subject HL Mathematics (including bonus points) is scored as one of the candidate’s six best subjects for points purposes. Consequently, if HL Mathematics (cumulative points score) is not among these six subjects, the bonus points will not be included in the total points score.
The maximum possible adjusted points score for applicants to Medicine will increase from 560 to 565. (For all scores over 550, each 5-point band equals one extra point.) The baseline score of 480 points will still apply but can include the bonus points if HL Mathematics (cumulative points) is among the best six subjects.
Age
Students must normally have attained the age of 17 by 15 January following entry, for example, for entry in 2024, date of birth must be on or before 15 January 2008. If a student under that age seeks to enter the University, special application must be made to the President of the University.
Leaving Certificate Vocational Progamme LCVP
Distinction 66
Merit 46
Pass 28
Note: While Link Modules are acceptable for points scoring purposes, they may not be counted as one of the six subjects to satisfy minimum entry/matriculation requirements. Students will have the opportunity to use their points allocation for the Link Modules as one of their six subjects for the purposes of calculating points.
QQI FET Applicants General Information
Careers / Further progression
Arts with Children’s Studies (AWC)
Career Opportunities
The expertise acquired through a BA with Children’s Studies will assist students in identifying the career path that best suits their particular talents and ambitions. It is the perfect platform from which to pursue careers in social work, advocacy, the creative arts, education and community development. Recent graduates are currently working in speech and language therapy, play therapy, social work, and public policy, as well as teaching and educational support in Ireland and abroad. Excellent for those interested in primary and/or secondary school teaching.
Arts (Children’s Studies) (ACS)
Career Opportunities
The Arts (Children’s Studies) provides students with the knowledge, confidence and transferable skills to identify their preferred career path. Graduates will be well placed to pursue careers in education, social work and community development work, as well as to gain entry to postgraduate degrees in teaching, play therapy, social work, health promotion, arts administration, special-needs education and public advocacy. Excellent for those interested in primary school teaching. Students who are interested in becoming primary school teachers should note that this will require the addition of a two-year postgraduate Masters in Education at an Irish college of education combined with the Scrúdú Cáilíochta sa Ghaeilge.
Further Study
• Professional Master of Education for either primary or secondary school teaching
• MA (Social Work)
• MSc Childhood Speech, Language, and Communication Needs
• MA (Play Therapy)
• MSc (Adolescent Health)
Further information
Mature—Applying on the Grounds of Mature Years
If you are at least 23 years of age on or before 1 January 2024 and if your school leaving examination results do not meet normal matriculation and entry requirements, you may apply on the grounds of mature years. In general, applicants are selected on the basis of academic aptitude, which may include certain Leaving Certificate subjects, relevant work and life experience, and evidence of motivation and interest in the programme area. These areas should be addressed in the written application.
It is strongly advised that intending applicants consult the Mature Students Guide, prior to making an application, for information on the application process and assessment criteria. Full details are available from October 2022 in the Mature Students Guide, which can be accessed online or by emailing University of Galway.
In addition, University of Galway will host a Mature Students Information Evening on Wednesday 10 January 2024. This special information evening is designed for anyone aged 23 or over who may be considering studies at University of Galway in 2024. To attend this evening please sign up now at:
All applicants intending to apply for Medicine in 2024 on the grounds of mature years will be required to take the HPAT Test. Registration closing date for the test is 20 January 2024 and the test date is Friday 16 February–Monday 19 February. Mature applicants must also have an Honours Science subject to H4 Leaving Certificate standard prior to taking the HPAT test. Successful candidates will be invited to the MMI interview in May.
Applications must be made by 1 February through the Central Applications Office (CAO). Please note that a late application cannot be made by those applying on grounds of mature years. The applicant must ensure that copies of all relevant information—for example, certificates, transcripts and a personal statement—are included with the CAO application.
Admission on the grounds of mature years is competitive. Applicants who are successful in gaining admission on the grounds of mature years are also assessed on the basis of their school leaving qualifications (if any) in competition with other applicants.
Find out more Access Centre
e. maturestudents@universityofgalway.ie
w. universityofgalway.ie/mature
CAO w. cao.ie
HPAT Test Information w. hpat-ireland.acer.edu.au/
Further advice and guidance t. +353 91 49 2695 w. universityofgalway.ie/mature
Average Intake:
Arts with Children’s Studies, 30
Arts (Children’s Studies), 50
Entry 2024
Early online application (discounted): Fee €30 Closing Date: 20 January 2024 at 5pm
Normal online application: Fee €45 Closing Date: 1 February 2024 at 5pm
Late online application - restrictions apply (see page 3 2024 CAO Handbook): Fee: €60 Closing Date: 1 May 2024 at 5pm
Change of Mind - restrictions apply (see page 3 2024 CAO Handbook): Fee: Nil Closing Date: 1 July 2024 at 5pm
Exceptional online late application (see page 34 of the 2024 CAO Handbook): Fee €60 Closing Date: 22 July 2024 at 5pm
Be sure to complete any action well in advance of closing dates. You should avoid making an application close to a closing date. No extensions to closing dates will be allowed and all application fees are non-refundable.
LATE APPLICATIONS
Late Applications are those which are received after 5pm on 1 February 2024. The closing date for late applications is 5pm on 1 May 2024, subject to the restrictions listed on page 3 of the 2024 CAO Handbook. The online facility for late applications opens on the 5 March 2024 at 12:00 noon - a fee of €60 applies.
Exceptional Late Applications (Exception to the timetable)
The exceptional closing date of 22 July at 5pm applies only to applicants who are registered as an undergraduate student on 1 May 2024 in any year in any one of the participating HEIs (subject to the exclusions listed below). In order to avail of the Exceptional Late Application facility you must have entered the HEI through the CAO system. This is an exceptional late closing date and all steps must be completed by 5pm on 22 July. No changes may be made after this date.
If you did not enter your current course through the CAO system, you must first contact the Admissions Office of the HEI to which you wish to apply and they will inform you if you may submit an application direct to the institution.
Exclusions:
You may submit a late application only for entry to courses other than your existing course. If you wish to repeat the year in the same course you must arrange this within your HEI.
Mary Immaculate College Limerick, Marino Institute of Education, Trinity College Dublin, University of Limerick and Maynooth University have special procedures in place in the case of current or previous students who wish to apply for entry to another course in the same HEI. Such applicants must contact their Admissions Office to determine the application procedure. However, if you are a student in another HEI and you wish to apply to any of these five HEIs, you should apply through CAO.
Refer to page 34 of the 2024 CAO Handbook on how to make an Exceptional Late Application.
Restrictions
As a CAO applicant you may experience one or more of the following restrictions based on your course choices, your category of application, or restrictions imposed by the HEIs that you wish to apply to. Please read the section on 'Restrictions' on page 3 of the 2024 CAO Handbook carefully. This section includes information on:
General Restrictions
1. Making a late application
2. Making changes to your course choices
Restricted Courses
3. Applying for a restricted course
Mature Applicants
4. Mature applicants
Supplementary Admissions Routes
5. Applying for DARE and/or HEAR
Children Studies
About this course
These two programmes have been designed to provide graduates with different skill sets and academic knowledge. It is important to familiarise yourself with the differences between these programmes and make an informed choice about which one best suits your aspirations.
Arts with Children’s Studies
Arts with Children’s Studies (AWC) is four-year arts degree that offers the ability to study two general arts subjects to degree level, in addition to specialising in Children’s Studies. Ideal for those with a genuine desire to study other arts subjects and those looking to pursue post-primary teaching.
Arts (Children’s Studies)
Arts (Children’s Studies) (ACS) is a four-year arts degree in Children’s Studies that offers the option of also studying one modern language. Interdisciplinary, including work in the community in seven of eight semesters, and a half-year or full-year placement in Ireland or abroad.
Helping you make an informed choice about our arts (children studies courses)
• If you just want to study ‘children’ along with two other traditional Arts subjects and progress to secondary school teaching for example, among other careers, maybe Arts with Children’s Studies is for you.
• If you want to study ‘children’ at an in-depth level over four years in a degree that is practice based and pursue a career in primary school teaching for example, among other careers, maybe Arts (Children’s Studies) is for you.
Arts with Children’s Studies (AWC)
Why choose this course?
• This is the only degree in Ireland or in Europe that enables students to combine an Arts degree with a specialism in Children’s Studies.
• Selected Children’s Studies modules alongside the Arts subjects.
• Students avail of a work placement and or exchange opportunity in third year.
• Specifically recommended for those interested in secondaryschool teaching.
Your course year by year
In First Year, students will select Children’s Studies along with three other Arts subjects from groups 1, 2, 3, 5, 6 & 7 from the Joint-Honours subject groupings. Please note students may only select one subject from a subject grouping. For subject choices please refer to page 36. In Second Year, students will progress with Children’s Studies and two of the Arts subjects selected in First Year. Third Year will focus exclusively on Children’s Studies. In Final Year, students will study the two Arts subjects selected in Second Year.
Work Placement
The third year of the degree incorporates a placement and/or exchange. Students are encouraged to tailor their work placements to their chosen career paths. National placements include schools, hospital playrooms and working with children with disabilities.
International placements include SEK Schools in Spain, International Festivals, English Language Assistant Schemes and Language Exchanges.
Study Abroad
Study abroad opportunities are available for language students, with limited opportunities in Canada for non-language students.
Arts (Children’s Studies) (ACS)
Why choose this course?
• Do you want to make a difference and make the world a better place for children?
• This interdisciplinary course, the only one of its kind in Europe, will give students a unique qualification highly sought after in Ireland and abroad.
• The course includes a placement or exchange in Year 3 with national and international placements available.
• Recommended for those interested in pursuing Primary School Teaching.
Work Placement
The third year of the degree incorporates a placement and/or exchange. Students are encouraged to tailor their work placements to their chosen career paths. National placements include schools, child care, hospital playrooms and working with children with disabilities.
International placements include SEK Schools in Spain, International Festivals, English Language Assistant Schemes and Language Exchanges.
Study Abroad
Study abroad opportunities are available for language students, with limited opportunities in Canada for non-language students.
Arts with Children’s Studies (AWC)
Year One
• Children in Social Contexts
• Irish Childhoods: Gaelic Language and Literature
• Irish Children’s Literature
• Children and Health
Year Two
• Child and Family Law
• Developmental Psychology
• European Educational Approaches
Year Three
• Connecting Research, Policy and Practice in Children’s Services
• Children’s Rights
• Theatre for Children and Young People
• Transitions in Children’s Lives
• Twenty-First-Century Young Adult Literature
• Digital Health Literacy in Childhood and Youth
• Work Placement and/or Study Abroad
Year Four
• Completion of studies in your two core degree subjects.
Modules offered may change from year to year, depending on availability.
A continuous assessment is applied in all Children’s Studies modules. Students spend an average of 40 hours a week attending lectures, tutorials and community-based practice work and undertake independent study.
Arts (Children’s Studies) (ACS)
Your course year by year
Year One
• Introduction to Children’s Studies
• Children in Social Contexts
• Children and Fairy Tales
• Children and Health
• History of Childhood
• Children and Creativity
• Sociological and Political Studies (Optional)
• Modern Language or Irish (Optional)
Year Two
• Irish Childhoods: Gaelic Languageand Literature
• Adolescents in Ireland: Healthy and Risky Behaviour
• Research Methods
• Child and Family Law
• Educational Pedagogies: Policies and Practice
• Children and Storytelling
• Marginalised Children Groups (Optional)
• Introduction to Paediatric Medicine (Optional)
• Adolescents in Ireland: Health and Risky Behaviours (Optional)
• Modern Language or Irish (Optional)
Year Three
• Philosophy for Children
• Children and Transition
• Children and Play
• Children and Theatre
• Twenty-First-Century Young Adult Literature
• Work Placement and/or Study Abroad
Year Four
• Children’s Rights
• Children, Culture and Media
• Applied Behavioural Analysis
• Managing Children with Learning Disabilities
• Connecting Research, Policy and Practice in Children’s Services
• Picture Books
• Digital Health Literacy in Childhood and Youth
A combination of continuous assessment and end-of-semester written examinations is used. Certain modules also require project work.
Students will be involved in community work throughout the programme.
Students spend an average of 40 hours a week attending lectures, tutorials, community-based practice work, and undertaking independent study.
Equivalent modules may be substituted from time to time for any of the above under exceptional circumstances and when approved by the College of Arts, Social Sciences, and Celtic Studies.
Arts with Children’s Studies (AWC)
Find out more
Dr Kate Harvey
College of Arts, Social Sciences,
and Celtic Studies
t. +353 91 49 4453
e. kate.harvey@universityofgalway.ie
w. universityofgalway.ie/gy110
Arts (Children’s Studies) (ACS)
Find out more
Dr Devon Goodwin
College of Arts, Social Sciences,
and Celtic Studies
t. +353 91 49 3668
e. devon.goodwin@universityofgalway.ie