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Start date
February

Campus
Magill
Mawson Lakes

Duration
2 year(s) full-time

Mode
On-campus

Program Code
MMET

Fees
AUD$ 35,600 per annum (per 1.0 EFTSL) for students enrolled in 2025

English Language Requirements
  • IELTS total [7.0]
  • IELTS reading [7.0]
  • IELTS writing [7.0]
  • IELTS speaking [7.5]
  • IELTS listening [7.5]
Equivalent English qualifications (PDF)

International Admission by Country
See full entry requirements

CRICOS Code
077214E

Aim

The Master of Teaching (Early Childhood) qualifies graduates to apply an advanced body of knowledge in a range of contexts and with the professional capacities to be creatively and innovatively responsive to the changing and challenging demands of being educators of learners aged from birth to 8 years. The degree provides a pathway for lifelong learning and professional development as a reflective practitioner.

The Master of Teaching (Early Childhood) program qualifies graduates to teach children from birth to eight years of age in education settings, including long day childcare, kindergarten and junior primary school. Graduates combine theory and contemporary professional practice to engage children in learning, employing observation, planning, implementation and critical reflection. Graduates develop an understanding of the diverse social circumstances of families and communities and the importance of the rights of the child, enabling them to employ inclusive approaches that respect children and families, thus optimising children’s development, learning and wellbeing.

The Master of Teaching (Early Childhood) program is based on the following premises: the distinctiveness of the early childhood years; an ecological approach to children and their education; a holistic model of pedagogy; a multi-service understanding of the early childhood profession; a multi-disciplinary conception of the contemporary theoretical, policy and practice-based elements of early childhood education; inquiry into personal practice, a commitment to praxis of these critical elements and a view of teacher candidates as adult learners.

Content & Structure

Preservice teachers of the Master of Teaching (Early Childhood) degree will have a body of knowledge in professional experience, professional and discipline-specific curriculum studies and education studies. The preservice teachers will develop an in-depth understanding of the underlying principles and concepts in early childhood emotional, social cognitive and physical development and apply knowledge and competencies in curriculum planning for the teaching and nurturing of learners aged from birth to 8 years. Preservice teachers will have knowledge of research principles and methods applicable to teaching in early childhood settings.

The preservice teachers will complete 72 units of study comprising core courses and courses that are specific to the early childhood specialisation.

From 4 August 2025, the University of South Australia will no longer be accepting applications for new students. Study at Adelaide University.

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What courses you'll study

Course name Area and cat no. Units Reference  
FIRST YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
English Education (Junior Primary) EDUC 5259 4.5 Rule(s): 5
Mathematics and Science Education 1 EDUC 5289 4.5 Rule(s): 5
Curriculum and Pedagogy 1 (HASS and Technologies) EDUC 5251 4.5 Rule(s): 5
Curriculum and Pedagogy 2 (Arts and Health and PE) EDUC 5252 4.5 Rule(s): 5
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Mathematics Education - Early Childhood EDUC 5288 4.5 Rule(s): 5
English Education Early Literacy EDUC 5297 4.5
Early Childhood Professional Experience and Reflection (Junior Primary) EDUC 5287 9 Rule(s): 1,5
SECOND YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1)
English Education (Birth to 5) EDUC 5258 4.5
First Semester (Study Period 2 or 3)
Mathematics and Science Education (Birth to 5) EDUC 5265 4.5
Foundations of Learning and Development: A Child Centred Approach EDUC 5261 4.5 Rule(s): 5
Play, Learning and Development EDUC 5270 4.5
Early Childhood Professional Experience and Reflection (Infant and Toddler) EDUC 5186 4.5 Rule(s): 1
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Early Childhood Professional Experience and Reflection (Inquiry into Practice) EDUC 5293 13.5 Rule(s): 1

Professional accreditation and recognition

Successful completion of this program provides a recognised academic qualification which will enable graduates to apply for teacher registration in South Australia, interstate and some overseas countries. Applicants should note there are other criteria determining eligibility for registration by the Teachers Registration Board of South Australia and other registration and regulatory authorities. Applicants are advised to check registration requirements as they are subject to change.

This program has been approved by the Australian Children's Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) as an Early Childhood Teaching Qualification for the purposes of the Education and Care Services National Law.

Program Director

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