Undergraduate Higher Diploma in Early Childhood Education
Undergraduate Higher Diploma
Early Childhood Education
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Course Description
The Higher Diploma in Early Childhood Education (ECE) in Malta emphasizes the importance of foundational education and lifelong learning.
This course equips practitioners with essential competencies, knowledge, skills, and the right attitudes to excel in ECE.
Participants will gain insights into the historical, philosophical, and sociological aspects of the field, while also exploring local context challenges and opportunities.
Designed for both newcomers and seasoned educators, this accredited program ensures practitioners are fully prepared to provide quality education in Kindergarten settings, ultimately fostering the growth and development of young children throughout their early educational journey.
Entry Requirements
Candidates who apply for this course will possess:
- A full qualification at MQF level 4 in Early Childhood Education and SEC/Ordinary Level passes in Mathematics, English and Maltese.
OR
- 2 Advanced Level passes and 2 Intermediate Level passes including 2 subjects from Mathematics, English, Maltese.
A pass at SEC/Ordinary Level in the subject that is not presented at advanced/intermediate level from the 3 specified above. - In the case of students who do not possess all the formal required academic qualifications, then the RPL process could be applied such that if evidence of equivalent learning, related to the area of study of this programme, is found then the applicant could still be accepted in the course. Such RPL process will subject applicants to an interview held with a board of experts within the field, chosen specifically by IDEA Academy, so as to verify their experiences and prior learning.
IDEA Academy’s RPL policy can be accessed through this link
Furthermore, it will be advised to students at entry point that before going on placements, they will need to be in possession of:
- The POMA (Protection of Minors Application) certificate.
- A first-aid certificate prior to commening placement practice.
- A valid police conduct certificate.
Target Audience
This programme has the following target groups:
- Individuals who are approaching the field of Early Childhood Education.
- Individuals who have been working in the field as a means of capacity building.
- Individuals looking to advance to Kindergarten Educator III role.
Career Paths
This programme aims to equip the target audience with the knowledge, skills and competences listed in this application.
The possible posts that this course prepares for are:
- Kndergarten Educator III
Modules
You are required to complete all 19 compulsory modules (120 ECTS)
If you stop here, you will get:
Undergraduate Certificate in Early Childhood Education
Don’t stop now! Go for that Diploma / Higher Diploma Programme 🚀
If you stop here, you will get:
Undergraduate Diploma in Early Childhood Education
Don’t stop now! Go for that Diploma / Higher Diploma Programme 🚀
🏁 Amazing! You’ve just achieved your Undergraduate Higher Diploma.
Undergraduate Higher Diploma in Early Childhood Education
Why stop here? Carry on your education with a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Early Childhood Education🚀
How you’ll be assessed
The course comprises:
- Evening classes for part-time courses.
- Classes held throughout the day for full-time courses.
- Guided learning, presentations, comprising synchronous online discussions, tutorials and/or videos.
- Self-study hours comprising research, reading and assignment work.
Assessment
Assessment is carried out via two mandatory components:
- Modular Assessment
- Summative Assessment
- Work Placement Practices
The programme includes different forms of assessment which allow for and promote students’ critical engagement. The formative and summative assessment tasks may include an in-class assignment and/or a home-based written assignment using diverse assessment tools which may take the form of online and in-class discussions, examinations, case studies, reports, proposals, essays, and presentations, etc., as applicable to the diverse modules.
Course Intake Dates
March/ April 2025
Learning Outcomes
For Knowledge:
The learner will be able to:
- Gain an overall perspective of Early Childhood Education (ECE) on an international, European, and local level (Module 1)
- Review the foundations and roots of ECE through a historical, philosophical, and sociological perspective (Module 2)
- Discuss and consolidate knowledge with regards to the various areas of development (physical, cognitive, emotional, linguistic, social) of young children (Module 3)
- Identify appropriate research tools to strengthen own academic writing (Module 4)
- Show awareness of the most relevant contemporary issues within the ECE field (Module 5)
- Navigate the various pedagogical tools and documentation which are made use of within ECE (Module 6)
- Analyse the important role of learning through experiential immersion in ECE (Module 7)
- Discuss and evaluate how the Emergent Curriculum is responsive to the interest of young children (Module 8)
- Gain knowledge relating to the core functions of an ECE setting and one’s own responsibilities (Module 9)
- Explore ways how to promote inclusivity and diversity in ECE contexts (Module 10)
- Gain a consolidation of the fundamentals of research including research ethics and diverse research approaches (Module 11)
- Assess how different elements (such as play, physical education, etc.) can contribute to creative expression in ECE (Module 12)
- Identify the core elements for healthy, safe and secure environments in ECE (Module 13)
- Evaluate the benefits and challenges of bilingualism in ECE (Module 14)
- Examine different tools, resources and approaches which may be used in multimodal teaching in ECE (Module 15)
- Review sustainability practices in ECE settings in Malta (Module 16)
- Demonstrated advanced knowledge relating to different leadership styles and theories (Module 17)
- Navigate the complexity of the ECE practitioner’s personal and professional identity (Module 18)
- Examine and adopt inclusive approaches for involving various stakeholders during professional practice (Module 19)
For Skills:
The learner will be able to:
- Apply the canonical theories of ECE (Module 1)
- Research historic, sociological, and philosophical approaches to ECE (Module 2)
- Promote healthy and holistic child development in ECE (Module 3)
- Display good use of academic writing, using an appropriate scholarly approach (Module 4)
- Make use of various resources (such as academic literature) to discuss contemporary issues in ECE (Module 5)
- Produce documentation based on careful observation of young children (Module 6)
- Promote an ECE setting which is conducive to experiential learning (Module 7)
- Move towards project-based and problem-based learning through the Emergent Curriculum (Module 8)
- Document basic reflections and potential self-recommendations after his/her first professional experience (Module 9)
- Make use of the right tools to conduct research relating to the everchanging multicultural and inclusive education (Module 10)
- Formulate research questions and design appropriate research (Module 11)
- Be an active promoter of creative awareness and expression in ECE settings and evaluate and implmenet ways how this can be acheived (Module 12)
- Collaborate in securing healthy, safe, secure, and positive spaces within ECE settings (Module 13)
- Prepare learning experiences that respect bilingualism in ECE (Module 14)
- Help young children explore different modes of communication and representation (Module 15)
- Help young children engage in sustainable practices to ensure the well-being of the environment (Module 16)
- Have an active part in the decision-making process as a leader in ECE (Module 17)
- Formulate a critical mindset to reflect on one’s own (professional and personal) identity in ECE (Module 18)
- Analyse practical issues in the daily work of an ECE practitioner (Module 19)
See what students have to say about our courses
After many years – probably too many – I accepted the fact that I had to improve academically in order to get better career opportunities, as experience alone was not enough.
I knew that juggling family, work and study commitments would be a challenge and therefore finding the right institution that could understand these realities was crucial for me to ensure that I would succeed.
IDEA Academy has indeed ticked all the right boxes. The lecturers were all very knowledgeable and, more importantly, they provided everyday life examples that we could relate to. I also appreciated the Academy’s administration. They were extremely supportive and were always willing to listen to our suggestions and address any queries in an efficient and timely manner.
Claudio Cauchi
Higher Diploma in Business Management
