Unlocking Your Future in Early Years: The Power of a Level 8 Degree

If you're already working in the early years sector and want to rediscover your passion or step into advanced roles, the BA (Hons) in Early Childhood Care and Education supports a transformative step in your career.

If you already hold a level 7 qualification you can top it up to a level 8 with our one year programme. Or if you have a level 6 you can start your three year journey to level 8.

This level 8 qualification not only opens up a wide range of career progression opportunities, but it also aligns with national policies aimed at professionalising the early years workforce and improving outcomes for children.

Let's take a closer look.

Why Progress to a Level 8 Degree?

The early learning and care (ELC) sector in Ireland is evolving rapidly.

As part of the DCEDIY's Nurturing Skills: Workforce Plan for Early Learning and Care and School-Age Childcare (2022–2028), there is a strong emphasis on supporting educators to upskill and take on more advanced roles.

By completing a level 8 degree, you don’t just enhance your knowledge and confidence - you position yourself to be part of this exciting movement toward a more professional, respected sector.

Hear what our graduate, Sharon McCready, has to say about the value of continued studies in this video below.

Career Opportunities with a Level 8 BA (Hons) in Early Childhood Care & Education

Here are just some of the ways this qualification can advance your career:

• Graduate Premium Pay: You'll become eligible for the graduate payment increase (€16.28 per hour) under the DCEDIY’s Core Funding model, which recognises the value of higher qualifications in early years settings.

• Graduate Centre Managers earn up to €18.11 per hour.

• Management Roles in ELC Settings: With a Level 8 degree, you can step into leadership or management roles, helping shape high-quality learning environments and mentor junior staff.

• Specialist Roles in Sector-Support Agencies: Organisations such as Pobal, Tusla, and Better Start seek Early Years specialists to support services across Ireland. Your degree could be the key to joining these impactful teams.

• Policy and Public Sector Roles: Graduates can play a meaningful part in shaping the future of early years education by working on policy development within the Irish civil service and public agencies.

• Research and Academia: If you have a passion for inquiry, this qualification provides the academic foundation to become a researcher or lecturer, contributing to the growing body of knowledge in early years education.

• Tutoring and Further Education: Graduates may also move into tutor roles for further education programmes, helping to inspire the next generation of Early Years Educators.

Further Study and Specialisation

A Level 8 BA (Hons) also serves as a gateway to postgraduate and professional qualifications, including:

• Level 9 Programmes in areas such as Early Childhood Studies, Inclusive Education and Special Educational Needs (SEND), Education Studies, or Play Therapy.

• Professional Master of Education (PME): Interested in primary teaching? This degree qualifies you to apply for a PME and pursue a fulfilling career in the primary education sector. *Irish language requirements may apply.

Making a Meaningful Difference

The First 5 Strategy from the Government of Ireland recognises early childhood as one of the most important periods in human development.

It is during these early years that children begin to form their sense of identity, build emotional wellbeing, and develop the social and cognitive skills that will shape their future.

As an early years educator, your role goes far beyond teaching. You are nurturing potential, creating meaningful relationships, and becoming a trusted and consistent presence in a child’s early experiences.

The work is personal, emotionally rewarding, and profoundly impactful.

For many people working in the sector, the choice to work with young children comes from a deep sense of purpose.

It is about being there for the small moments that matter like offering encouragement, support, and care when it is needed most.

It is about seeing the world through a child’s eyes and helping them explore it with curiosity and confidence.

Completing a Level 8 qualification allows you to strengthen your knowledge of child development, educational theory, and inclusive practice.

It also empowers you to advocate for children and families in your setting and beyond.

But more than that, it confirms your dedication to the profession and to making a real difference every day.

With this qualification, you become part of a new generation of professionals who are shaping not just the futures of the children in your care, but the future of the early years sector itself.

You bring heart, purpose, and leadership to a field that is growing in both recognition and importance.

Where Research Meets Passion and Fulfilment

In the final year of the Level 8 degree, you will undertake a research project that gives you the opportunity to explore a topic within early childhood education that you are genuinely passionate about and interests you.

This is more than just an academic exercise, it is a chance to dive deeper into an area that matters to you, your setting, and the children you work with.

Whether your interest lies in outdoor play, inclusive practice, language development, or emotional wellbeing, your research can lead to real, evidence-informed changes in how you approach your work.

Many students find that this project not only enriches their professional understanding but also reignites their sense of purpose.

By applying your findings in practice, you can introduce new strategies, influence your team, and ultimately enhance the experiences and outcomes for the children in your care, making a lasting difference that extends well beyond the classroom.

Why Choose Portobello Institute?

At Portobello, we understand that many of our students are already active in the sector.

That’s why we offer a flexible, blended learning model with dedicated academic and career support.

You’ll study alongside like-minded professionals, guided by tutors who are experts in both practice and policy.

We are the early years sector educator of choice and have been delivering qualify qualifications and experiences for over 40 years.

Portobello Institute is reliable, quality, professional, flexible and accessible for early childhood care and education progression.

Ready to Progress Your Career?

Whether you’re looking to take on leadership roles, specialise in inclusive education, influence national policy, or simply find more passion and purpose in your work, the BA (Hons) in Early Childhood Care and Education is your next step.

Be more than an educator - be a leader, advocate, and changemaker in the early years sector.