Master of Teaching (Early Childhood)
Degree Level Postgraduate
You're considered an International student if you are:
Degree Level Postgraduate
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
International Admission by Country
See full entry requirements
CRICOS Code
077214E
Applicants must have completed:
Critical information regarding Learning Areas entry requirements can be found here.
-----Additional entry requirements-----
In accordance with national teacher education program standards, applicants must also fulfil non-academic entry requirements. All applicants will be required to submit a 400-600 word Teaching Capabilities Statement with their application. Complete information on content, format and submission is available here.
Applicants are advised that a successful Working with Children Check (WWCC) with the Department of Human Services is required for all preservice teachers prior to undertaking any professional experience placement or site visit that involves contact with minors (under 18 years of age). Information on the procedure to be followed for obtaining clearance can be found on the Professional Experience Placement website.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
To be eligible for Master of Teaching (Early Childhood) with 1 year of Advanced Standing applicants must have completed an Initial Teacher Education degree (i.e. Bachelor of Teaching or three-year Diploma of Teaching) accredited by AITSL (or prior to 2010 a previous equivalent accrediting body) in the field of Early Childhood or Primary teaching. Additionally, applicants must have completed a minimum of two years of full-time employment as an early childhood teacher (children ages 0-5 years) or two years full-time employment as a junior primary or primary school teacher (children ages 5-8 years) in Australia within the last five years. Applicants eligible for 1.0 EFTSL of advanced standing complete the program in 1 year of full-time study or equivalent part-time study.
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.
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.
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.