Ireland – Froebel Department of Primary and Early Childhood Education, Maynooth University, Ireland.
Why choose Ireland?
Ireland offers international students a unique combination of academic opportunity, cultural richness and a warm welcome. As an English-speaking country in the Eurozone, Ireland is an ideal place to study, live and connect with Europe.
From historic towns and ancient landscapes to music, literature, festivals and vibrant city life, Ireland offers a rich cultural experience alongside high-quality education. Maynooth University is especially well placed in the friendly university town of Maynooth, with easy access to Dublin, the wider island of Ireland and European travel connections.
Why Maynooth University?
Maynooth University is an internationally recognised university located in County Kildare, just outside Dublin. It offers students the benefits of a lively campus community, strong academic support and access to Ireland’s capital city.
Students at Maynooth University become part of a welcoming and diverse university community. The campus offers a strong sense of belonging, while also providing opportunities for academic challenge, personal growth, international friendship and cultural exchange.
You can explore the Maynooth University campus here:
https://www.maynoothuniversity.ie/international/view-our-campus
Why the Froebel Department of Primary and Early Childhood Education?
The Froebel Department of Primary and Early Childhood Education at Maynooth University is known for providing a distinctive, student-centred learning experience for undergraduate and postgraduate students. The Department is named after Friedrich Froebel, the 19th-century German educator and founder of Kindergarten. Froebel advocated respect for the child, learning through activity, exploration of the environment, enjoyment of beauty in all its forms, and recognition of the unique gifts of every individual. These principles continue to shape the Department’s approach today. Students are encouraged to learn actively, think creatively, reflect deeply and engage with education as a relational, inclusive and transformative practice. For many international students, moving to a new country and university can feel like a big step. At the Froebel Department of Primary and Early Childhood Education, small-group teaching, accessible staff and strong student-support services help students feel welcomed and supported. The Department is known for offering a holistic student experience, where academic learning, personal development and professional formation are all valued. Students join a close learning community where relationships, care, creativity and reflective practice matter.
Learning, research and practice
The work of the Froebel Department of Primary and Early Childhood Education at Maynooth University bridges theory and practice in primary and early childhood education. The Department engages in interdisciplinary research, classroom-based studies, lifelong learning and partnerships with educational bodies. For international students interested in primary education, early childhood education, inclusion, creativity, sustainability, social justice and child-centred pedagogy, the Froebel Department offers an inspiring place to study and grow.
Choosing the Froebel Department of Primary and Early Childhood Education at Maynooth University means joining a department with a strong educational identity, a warm community and a deep commitment to children, teachers and learning.
We look forward to welcoming you to Maynooth University, to the Froebel Department of Primary and Early Childhood Education, and to Ireland.
Useful links
Maynooth University International Office:
https://www.maynoothuniversity.ie/international
Maynooth University Erasmus information:
https://www.maynoothuniversity.ie/international/erasmus
Froebel Department of Primary and Early Childhood Education:
https://www.maynoothuniversity.ie/froebel-department-primary-and-early-childhood-education
Contact
International Coordinator: Dr Máire Nic an Bhaird
Email: maire.nicanbhaird@mu.ie
