Program Overview

Master of Teaching (Early Childhood)

The Master of Teaching (Early Childhood) is a nationally accredited initial teaching qualification for students who have already obtained a Bachelor degree or an equivalent qualification in areas other than Education. This course is dedicated to producing quality graduates ready to take up employment across the early childhood education sector, including teaching children from birth to 8 years of age.

Course Overview

Dealing specifically with children from birth to 8 years of age, this course focuses on the care and education of children in this age group in partnership with families and communities. The course is built on the principle that students come to the program with strengths from a diverse range of educational and life experiences. Reflective thinking and research, with an emphasis on links between theory and practice, is valued.

Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) Level

This course has been accredited by ECU as an AQF Level 9 Masters Degree (Coursework) Award.

Course Code

I81

Entry Requirements

ECU admission and English language requirements apply. All applicants are required to have a discipline-specific bachelor or equivalent qualification relevant to the Australian Curriculum or other recognised areas of school provision. Professional experience cannot be accepted as an alternative to completion of the bachelor degree.

Academic Admission Requirements (Band 6)

• Bachelor degree; or
  • Equivalent prior learning including at least five years relevant professional experience.

English Language Requirements (Band 5)

International students must attain an IELTS Academic with an average level of 7.5 or more, across the four components of listening, speaking, reading and writing; no score below level 7.0 in any of these components; and a score of 8.0 or more in the components of speaking and listening.

Fees

• Commonwealth supported - estimated 1st year indicative fee: AUD $4,750
• International students - estimated 1st year indicative fee: AUD $37,700

Duration

2 years full-time or part-time equivalent

Availability & Campus

Location | Semester 1 | Semester 2
---|---|---
City Campus | |
Joondalup | FT PT | FT PT
South West | |
Sri Lanka | |
Online | FT PT | FT PT

• FT = Full-time study, PT = Part-time study

Timetable

This course has a modified timetable.

Early Closing Date

This course has an early closing date for applications for Semester 1: 02/02/2026

Course Structure

The course structure includes the following units:

Year 1 - Semester 1

• LAN6120: Language and Literacy Birth to 5 Years (15 credit points)
• AED6160: Visual Arts and Music Education in Early Childhood (15 credit points)
• ECE6140: Investigating Young Children's Holistic Learning and Development (15 credit points)
• MSC6110: Mathematics and Technologies for Young Children (15 credit points)

Year 1 - Semester 2

• SCE6120: Science for Young Children (15 credit points)
• LAN6130: Early Literacy 5-8 Years (15 credit points)
• ECM6130: Mathematics in the Early Years of School: 5 to 8 Years (15 credit points)
• ECE6180: Early Childhood Practice and Pedagogy for Children 5-8 (15 credit points)

Year 2 - Semester 1

• ECE6320: Physical Education, Health and Wellbeing for Young Children (Healthy, Active and Safe Children) (10 credit points)
• HSS6180: Humanities and Social Sciences Birth to 8 Years (10 credit points)
• ECE6145: Inclusive Early Childhood Environments (15 credit points)
• ECE6160: Effective Pedagogy and Practice in Early Childhood Contexts (15 credit points)
• TPA6120: Teaching Performance Assessment (10 credit points)

Year 2 - Semester 2

• EDF6201: Aboriginal Contexts in Early Childhood Education (15 credit points)
• ECE6150: Contemporary and Comparative Perspectives in Early Childhood Education (15 credit points)
• AED6150: Dance, Drama and Media Arts Education in Early Childhood (15 credit points)
• ECE6170: Leading and Managing in Early Childhood Contexts (15 credit points)

Course Learning Outcomes

1. Reflect critically on a complex body of education knowledge, research principles and methods to demonstrate mastery of early childhood teaching.
2. Apply cognitive, technical and creative skills to investigate, evaluate and design innovative solutions in authentic early childhood situations.
3. Apply communication and collaboration skills that foster positive, ethical and respectful relationships with students, colleagues, parents/carers and communities.
4. Use high level self-management skills to plan, execute and reflect on an extended practicum, to enhance professional practice in the field of early childhood education.

Professional Recognition

Course Accredited by: Teacher Registration Board of Western Australia (TRBWA)

Career Opportunities

This course creates quality graduates ready to take up employment in education learning environments. Possible future job titles include:

• Kindergarten Teacher
• Pre-primary Teacher
• Early Childhood Teacher
• Pre-school Teacher
• Junior Primary Teacher
• Centre Director

Similar Courses to Consider

• Master of Teaching (Primary)
• Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Teaching

Courses for Further Progression

• Master of Education (Accelerated Online)
• Master of Education (Advanced)
• Master of Education
• Graduate Certificate of Education (Accelerated Online)
• Graduate Certificate of Education