Program Overview

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Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Early Childhood Education)

The Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Early Childhood Education) is a one-year programme that equips students with the knowledge and skills to support young children in their learning and development from birth to the age of five. This programme is designed for students who have already completed a bachelor's degree and wish to pursue a career in early childhood education.

Programme Overview

The programme combines theory and practice, with a focus on diversity, equity, inclusion, relational pedagogies, and Te Tiriti o Waitangi. Students will gain hands-on experience working in a range of early childhood settings, including centres and organisations, and will be supported by experienced teachers and university supervisors.

Programme Structure

The programme is a 150-point initial teacher education programme that can be completed in one intensive year or part-time over two years. The programme includes three practicum placements, totaling 17 weeks, in a range of early childhood centres and organisations.

Full-time 1 Year

• Code: EDPROFST 605 Name: The Early Years Teacher Type: Compulsory core course Points: 15 pts
• Code: EDPROFST 607 Name: The Relational Worlds of Children Type: Compulsory core course Points: 15 pts
• Code: EDCURRIC 601 Name: Creative Arts - Early Years Type: Compulsory core course Points: 15 pts
• Code: EDCURRIC 623 Name: Investigation and Exploration Type: Compulsory core course Points: 15 pts
• Code: EDPRAC 613 Name: Professional Practice 1: Early Childhood Education Type: Compulsory core course Points: 15 pts
• Code: EDPRAC 614 Name: Professional Practice 2: Early Childhood Education Type: Compulsory core course Points: 15 pts
• Code: EDCURRIC 624 Name: Curriculum and Pedagogy Type: Compulsory core course Points: 15 pts
• Code: EDCURRIC 600 Name: Literacies, Languages and Cultures Type: Compulsory core course Points: 15 pts
• Code: EDUC 603 Name: Education after Society Type: Compulsory core course Points: 15 pts
• Code: EDPROFM 600 Name: Te Ao Mori Type: Compulsory core course Points: 15 pts
• Code: EDUCM 199 Name: Te Reo Mori Type: Compulsory core course Points: 0 pts
• Code: EDUCSW 199 Name: English Language Competency Type: Compulsory core course Points: 0 pts

Part-time 2 Years

Year 1 75 points

• Code: EDPROFST 605 Name: The Early Years Teacher Type: Compulsory core course Points: 15 pts
• Code: EDPRAC 613 Name: Professional Practice 1: Early Childhood Education Type: Compulsory core course Points: 15 pts
• Code: EDCURRIC 601 Name: Creative Arts in the Early Years Type: Compulsory core course Points: 15 pts
• Code: EDUCM199 Name: Te Reo Mori Type: Compulsory core course Points: 0 pts
• Code: EDCURRIC 600 Name: Languages, Literacies, Cultures Type: Compulsory core course Points: 15 pts
• Code: EDUC 603 Name: Education After Society Type: Compulsory core course Points: 15 pts
• Code: EDUCM199 Name: Te Reo Mori Type: Compulsory core course Points: 0 pts

Year 2 75 points

• Code: EDPROFST 607 Name: Relational Worlds of Children Type: Compulsory core course Points: 15 pts
• Code: EDCURRIC 623 Name: Investigation and Exploration Type: Compulsory core course Points: 15 pts
• Code: EDPROFM600 Name: Te Ao Mori Type: Compulsory core course Points: 7.5 pts
• Code: EDCURRIC 624 Name: Curriculum and Pedagogy Type: Compulsory core course Points: 15 pts
• Code: EDPRAC 614 Name: Professional Practice 2: Early Childhood Education Type: Compulsory core course Points: 15 pts
• Code: EDPROFM600 Name: Te Ao Mori Type: Compulsory core course Points: 7.5 pts

Entry Requirements

To be eligible for the programme, students must have completed a bachelor's degree or higher in any discipline with a GPA of 2.4. Entrance is subject to satisfactory police check/s, safety checks, interview, and referees' reports. Students will also be required to sit literacy and numeracy tests.

Minimum Programme Requirements

• Study option: Taught 150 points
• Grade required: GPA Grade Point Average 2.4
• Bachelors degree

Further Programme Requirements

Students must have completed an undergraduate degree at a recognised university (or similar institution) in any discipline with a GPE of 2.4. Students will also need to provide evidence of meeting the Teaching Council Matat Aotearoa English Language requirements by IELTS or an approved alternative.

Fees

The 2026 fees for domestic students are NZ$9,577.50*. Fees are inclusive of 15% GST, but do not include the Student Services Fee, course books, travel and health insurance, or living costs.

Key Dates

Application Closing Dates

• Semester One 2026: 1 December 2025

Start Dates

• 2026 Semester One: 19 January

Career Opportunities

The programme will prepare students to become effective early childhood teachers and support them as they prepare for their transition into the teaching profession. Graduates may pursue careers as early childhood teachers, hospital play specialists, policy advisers, learning designers, researchers, education consultants, or curriculum developers.

Jobs Related to this Programme

• ECE teacher
• Hospital play specialist
• Policy adviser for the Ministry of Education
• Learning designer
• Researcher
• Education consultant
• Curriculum developer

Further Study Options

• Master of Education
• Postgraduate Diploma in Education
• Postgraduate Diploma in Educational Leadership
• Postgraduate Certificate in Education
• Postgraduate Certificate in Social and Community Leadership