Who is this programme for?: This programme is designed primarily for existing early years educators. We have introduced a new learning pathway for students of early years education in that this Major award at Level 6 represents the first two stages of our full degree programme and as such is recognised by the QAB for the purposes of professional recognition.
Entry Requirements: Leaving Certificate and equivalent Level 5 award holders. Recognition of Prior Learning and Prior Experiential Learning can also be considered.
Programme Structure: The programme is a 120 ECTS programme with 60 credits per annum across 2 semester for both daytime and flexible learners. Modules are either 5 ECTS (1 semester) or 10 ECTS (2 semester) with the exception of placement which will be 20 ECTS per year.
Teaching, Learning & Assessment : This programme will be delivered via blended learning with live online sessions in the evenings and some Saturdays on campus. Full time provision is also available. The programme will involve a combination of small group working, classroom debate and discussion, the use of key note lectures, role play, and problem-based learning. Students will also have access to the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) resources that are available.
Start Date – September 2022*
Graduate Profile: Level 6 graduates can work as Montessori or early years educators and may become room leaders and/or managers in early years settings. Graduates of this programme may progress to our Level 7 and Level 8 degree programmes.
Special Requirements: Student must engage in professional placement each year in two separate settings. The total hours that need to be completed is 150 per year.
Mode of Study
Blended Learning; Daytime (full time learners) approx. 80% in class, 20% online; Flexible (evening & weekends) approx. 20% in class, 80% online.
*Pending differential validation of the first 2 years of our existing QQI and QAB recognised B.Ed. Montessori Education degree programme.
About St. Nicholas Montessori College of Ireland
We have been preparing Ireland’s leading Montessori teachers and early years practitioners since 1970. We are accredited by QQI and we are a founder member of the Irish Montessori Education Board (IMEB) and of the Higher Education College Association (HECA).
Our vision is to bring excellence in Montessori education to the broader education landscape so that all young people are placed at the heart of their own educational experience and empowered to be independent, confident and creative lifelong learners.
Additionally at SNMCI, we are about to make the big move – into our brand new campus building on Cumberland Street in Dun Laoghaire.
Programme Fees
Blended Delivery: 3,990 per year – INTRODUCTORY DISCOUNT FOR SEP 22 2,990 per year.
Full time campus based: 5,990 per year
Full time campus based: 5,990 per year
Qualification
Accreditation QQI and QAB
Higher Certificate in Early Years Montessori Education (QQI Level 6)
ECTS = 120
ECTS = 120
Duration
2 Years
Next Step
“Our aim is not merely to make the child understand, and still less to force him to memorize, but so to touch his imagination as to enthuse him to his innermost core.”
Maria Montessori
“If schooling were evidence based, I think all schools would look a lot more like Montessori schools.”
Angelline Stoll Lillard - The Science Behind the Genius
“The education of even a small child . . . does not aim at preparing him for school, but for life.”
Maria Montessori