Study Master of Teaching (Early Childhood) at the University of South Australia (UniSA). Information for Australian students.

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Australian students

Start Date
February

Campus
Magill
Mawson Lakes

Duration
2 year(s) full-time

Program Code
MMET

SATAC Code
4CM111 (Internal)
4CM188 (Internal)

Study as
Full-time or part-time

Mode
On-campus

Fees
Commonwealth Supported

Entry requirements

Applicants must have completed:
- an AQF Bachelor degree or equivalent from a recognised higher education institution with a competitive GPA, noting that entry is competitive and based on academic merit; and
- one year of full-time equivalent study, as part of their Bachelor degree or equivalent, relevant to one or more learning areas of the primary school curriculum (Arts, English, Health and Physical Education, Humanities and Social Sciences, Languages, Mathematics, Science, Technologies), which includes a minimum half a year of equivalent study relevant to one of the learning areas of the primary school curriculum.
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 SATAC application, about their motivation to teach, addressing the topics: 'Explain what you think teaching involves. Outline the personal and academic qualities you possess that will enable you to become an effective teacher. Describe your attitude to learning and provide an example of something you have learned that was meaningful'. 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 that involves contact with minors (under 18 years of age). Information on the procedure to be followed for obtaining clearance will be provided with the letter of offer and may be viewed at the UniSA Education Futures Working with Children Check web page. These placements form a compulsory part of the program. A successful clearance is also required for visits to education sites in other courses, eg to enter any school, pre-school or childcare centre for any reason, including on placement, observation, internships or visits.

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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) in the field of Early Childhood or Primary teaching. Additionally, applicants must be currently registered as a teacher in an Australian state or territory and have completed a minimum of two years 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.
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Degree overview

Gain practical experience with supervised field placements – starting in your first year.
This master’s degree has been approved by the Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA).
Enjoy further flexibility with a trimester degree structure, making it easier for you to prioritise field placements.
Benefit from flexible learning options, including part-time and some online study.
Study a master's degree that is solely focused on early childhood education.
Use this qualification as a pathway to further learning, including doctoral studies.
UniSA's education degrees are number one in South Australia¹ and World top 100 in Education².
Our curriculum is informed by our above world-class research in education³.
UniSA is an unstoppable university for unstoppable people. As one of the World’s Top Young Universities⁴, we’ll ensure you get the experience your future profession demands so it’ll feel like you’re studying one minute and in a career the next.

¹2022 QS Subject Rankings
²2023 THE Subject Rankings
³Results for Specialist Studies in Education – 2018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA).
⁴UNSTOPPABLE® is a Kellogg Company trade mark used under licence. Ranked #46, 2022 THE Young University Rankings, Ranked #29, 2021 QS Top 50 Universities Aged Under 50.

Snapshot

This industry-relevant postgraduate qualification is for students who have already completed a three-year bachelor’s degree and would like to increase their employment prospects with an early childhood qualification.

The curriculum is practical in nature and is solely focused on the education of children from birth to eight years of age. Practical learning is a major component and you will complete three supervised placements in childcare, preschool/kindergarten and junior primary schools, totalling 85 days.

The Early Childhood specialisation is taught at the Magill campus only.

Advanced Standing
You may be eligible for Advanced Standing and complete the requirements of this qualification in one year. Please see the entry requirements for further details.

When applying through SATAC, please refer to the following codes. If you are uncertain about your eligibility for Advanced Standing, please include more than one SATAC code in your list of application preferences.

2 years- SATAC CODE 4CM111
1 year- SATAC CODE 4CM188

Please note that this degree cannot be studied 100% online. Most courses are delivered in a blended mode; with a mixture of online and on-campus components. Some courses offered a fully online delivery.

What you'll need

WWCC clearance

Preservice teachers will be required to undertake a Working with Children Check (WWCC) through the Department of Human Services (DHS). The clearance will be valid for five years. The WWCC must be completed prior to being accepted for a placement and can take up to six to eight weeks to be processed. Strict confidentiality is maintained during the DHS clearance process. If a preservice teacher fails to obtain clearance for any reason, the University cannot accept responsibility for obtaining a professional experience placement or any other professional experience activity that a preservice teacher may require to complete the course of study. If preservice teachers cannot undertake a professional experience placement or any other professional experience activity which is a compulsory part of the program, they cannot graduate with an Initial Teacher Education degree from UniSA.

Mandatory child-safe environments training.

All education students who are completing any in-school or site (i.e. preschools and childcare settings) observations, activities or professional experience placements must undertake mandatory training in Responding to Abuse and Neglect prior to the commencement of the activities or placements. In South Australia, child protection legislation and policy require all organisations to establish and promote child-safe environments. Mandatory reporting of child abuse and neglect training is required of all individuals working with children and young people. All undertaking professional experience placements in South Australian government and non-government schools and preschools must provide documented evidence (i.e. a certificate) that shows they have completed all the required training from one of the providers mentioned on the following website.

Literacy and Numeracy Test

All preservice teachers must meet the required standard in the national Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education (LANTITE) to be eligible for program completion and graduation. Preservice teachers will attempt LANTITE as they progress through their program. Preservice teachers will be required to successfully achieve both the literacy and numeracy components of LANTITE as a prerequisite for enrolment in their final Professional Experience Placement course. The University will provide a range of supports for preservice teachers to help them achieve the required standard. Preservice teachers will be allowed three attempts at each test. Any preservice teacher who fails to meet the standard on three occasions in either the literacy or numeracy test will be counselled regarding options.

Please note new entry requirements and learning area specialisations.

What you'll learn

This degree has been designed to develop skilled, committed and flexible early childhood educators.

The focus is on practical learning, particularly relating to the principles and concepts relevant to early childhood development and learning. You will focus on four major areas:

child development
curriculum studies
professional experience
education studies

You will also study mandatory courses in:

English
mathematics
science

Courses studied will include on-campus lectures and workshops; some courses will also be offered fully online or with online support. Learning will be supplemented with online lectures, learning activities, readings and discussion boards.

During the degree you will participate in four supervised placements in childcare, preschool/kindergarten and junior primary schools, totalling 80 days.

Degree structure

Course name	Area and cat no.	Units
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 (R-2)	EDUC 5267	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)
English Education Early Literacy	EDUC 5297	4.5	Rule(s): 5
Foundations of Learning and Development: A Child Centred Approach	EDUC 5261	4.5	Rule(s): 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)
Play, Learning and Development	EDUC 5270	4.5
Early Childhood Professional Experience and Reflection (Infant and Toddler)	EDUC 5186	4.5	Rule(s): 1
Mathematics and Science Education (Birth to 5)	EDUC 5298	9
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Early Childhood Professional Experience and Reflection (Inquiry into Practice)	EDUC 5293	13.5	Rule(s): 1

Rules & notes

Rules

1. Preservice teachers are required to take the three Professional Experience and Reflection courses in sequence. Professional Experience and Reflection days and blocks must be taken on a continuous full-time basis regardless of whether a preservice teacher is studying in a part-time or full-time mode.

2. Accreditation requirements mandate that preservice teachers in a two year program undertake supervised professional experience of no less than 60 days in a formal education setting. In South Australia this includes preschool settings. Preservice teachers are assessed against the Teachers Registration Board (SA) professional teaching standards and are awarded a non-graded pass (NGP). Preservice teachers in the Early Childhood Education specialisation undertake an additional professional experience placement of 20 days in a child care setting in order to meet ACECQA accreditation requirements.

3. Preservice teachers will be required to undertake a Working with Children Check (WWCC) through the Department of Human Services (DHS). The clearance will be valid for five years. The WWCC must be completed prior to being accepted for a placement and can take up to six to eight weeks to be processed. Strict confidentiality is maintained during the DHS clearance process. If a preservice teacher fails to obtain clearance for any reason, the University cannot accept responsibility for obtaining a professional experience placement or any other professional experience activity that a preservice teacher may require to complete the course of study. If preservice teachers cannot undertake a professional experience placement or any other professional experience activity which is a compulsory part of the program, they cannot graduate with an Initial Teacher Education degree from UniSA.

4. Preservice teachers enrolled in programs in UniSA Education Futures and who are completing any in-school or site (ie preschools and childcare settings) observations, activities or professional experience placements, must undertake mandatory training in Responding to Abuse and Neglect prior to the commencement of the activities or placements. In South Australia child protection legislation and policy require all organisations to establish and promote child safe environments. Mandatory reporting of child abuse and neglect training is required of all individuals working with children and young people. All preservice teachers undertaking professional experience placements in South Australian government and non-government schools and preschools must provide documented evidence (ie a certificate) that shows they have completed all the required training from one of the providers mentioned on the following website. For more information go to the UniSA Education Futures Pre-requisites and Requirements web page.

5. Applicants who have completed a three year degree or diploma in early childhood or primary teaching, are teachers registered in Australia, have met the learning areas study requirements (or have equivalent experience) and have at least two years of experience teaching in a pre-school or primary school setting within the last 5 years, are eligible to enter the program with 1.0 EFTSL Advanced Standing in lieu of these courses and complete the program in 1 year of full-time study or equivalent part-time study. One year of full-time equivalent study relevant to one or more learning areas of the primary school curriculum (Mathematics, Science, English, Languages, Health and Physical Education, Humanities and Social Science, Technologies, Arts) which includes a minimum of half a year of full-time equivalent study relevant to one of the learning areas of the primary school curriculum is required or equivalent experience.

6. All preservice teachers must meet the required standard in the national Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education (LANTITE) to be eligible for program completion and graduation. Preservice teachers will attempt LANTITE as they progress through their program. Preservice teachers will be required to successfully achieve both the literacy and numeracy components of LANTITE as a prerequisite for enrolment in their final Professional Experience Placement course. The University will provide a range of supports for preservice teachers to help them achieve the required standard. Preservice teachers will be allowed three attempts at each test. Any preservice teacher who fails to meet the standard on three occasions in either the literacy or numeracy test will be counselled regarding options.

Study hours

For each course you study, you will need to allocate time for various classes such as lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Plus you will need additional hours to study in your own time to complete assignments, readings and projects, as well as to contribute to online discussion forums. So as a general rule, if you are studying full-time you would need to allocate 12–26 hours of study when at university and 14–28 hours of independent study per week.

Assessment

Your studies will incorporate practical, professionally focused and research-based learning, so assessment types will vary. You can expect them to include:

essays
projects
presentations
research project

Why Master of Teaching (Early Childhood)

We are South Australia's largest tertiary provider of education degrees. Practical learning is a major focus and you will gain industry experience starting in your first semester.

As Australia’s university of enterprise:

we are the largest university in South Australia with more than 33,000 students
we hold 29th spot in the QS World University Rankings for institutions under 50 years old¹

Our commitment to research with an industry focus is unprecedented in South Australia. In the 2018 nationwide Excellence in Research for Australia evaluation, 100 per cent of our assessed research was rated world-class or above². It’s a very good time to choose UniSA for your postgraduate study.

¹2021 QS Top 50 Universities Aged Under 50
²Results for Specialist Studies in Education - 2018 Excellence in Research for Australia

Real-world connections

Workplace learning is a major focus of this master's degree and throughout your studies you will complete 80 days of field-based placements. Placements take place in childcare centres, preschools and junior primary settings. This practical experience will equip you with the skills and confidence needed after graduation and will help you to build industry networks and relationships.

Male students will also be offered the opportunity to build professional and social networks with male educators who have successfully graduated as part of the University’s MENtor Program. UniSA offers an extensive range of career-related events and workshops online, on campus and around Adelaide to develop your skills and increase your knowledge.

Career outcomes

Your career

If you want to make a difference, have an interest in childhood development, and have the patience, warmth, integrity and communication skills needed when working with young children, this master’s degree may be for you.

This specialised teaching field shows promising job prospects, with very strong growth in Australia¹. Careers to consider:

childcare teacher: encourage the healthy intellectual and psychological growth of children aged from birth to four years of age
kindergarten teacher: responsible for a child’s first education experience; this role often encompasses introducing basic skills, including letters, numbers, social science and behavioural skills
preschool teacher: educate and care for children aged three to five years
junior primary teacher: develop lesson plans in line with curriculum objectives and facilitate classroom learning for children aged five to eight

¹Australian Government, National Skills Commission, Job Outlook 2020.

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.

Industry facts

Employment for early childhood teachers in Australia is projected to increase by 9,800 (27.9 per cent) by November 2020¹.

¹Australian Government Department of Employment, Occupational Employment Projections 2015

By 2020 employment for childcare centre managers in Australia is projected to increase by 22.7 per cent¹.

¹Australian Government Department of Employment, Occupational Employment Projections 2015

In 2016, there were 344,676 children aged four or five years old enrolled in a preschool program in Australia¹.

¹ABS, Preschool Education, Australia, 2016

How to apply

Applying to study with us:

go to the top of this page and make note of the SATAC code, then click Apply
you will be redirected to the SATAC website to continue your application
address the non-academic entry requirements

-----Additional entry requirements-----

In accordance with national teacher education program standards, please note that as part of your SATAC application, you are also required to meet non-academic entry requirements.

All applicants will be required to submit a 400-word Education Statement with their SATAC application, about their motivation to teach, addressing the topic, ‘Why I want to be a teacher and my understanding of the role’. The Education Statement should include a list of relevant community service, volunteer or professional experiences and significant awards. Complete information on content, format and submission is available here.

Credit Transfer

Get a head start on your degree. Find out if you're eligible for credit from previous studies.

Go to credit assessor

Entry pathway

We believe in equal access to further education, so we offer a range of pathways to university.

Find a Pathway

Scholarships

Every year, over 2,500 UniSA students are supported in their studies through scholarships and grants worth millions of dollars. Check out the scholarships below. One of them may be perfect for you. Visit our scholarships page for more.

More scholarships

Scholarship for student leadership

Available for students who are interested in undertaking specified activities with the aim of enhancing the overall student experience at UniSA.

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International travel grants

Travel Grants are available to participate in our Study Overseas Programs. UniSA has agreement with over 80 institutions globally.

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Your study experience and support

Our campuses have fantastic facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, workshops, laboratories, tech zones, and spaces that simulate real work environments. You’ll also find student gyms and campus sport activities to keep you active. We also offer flexible study options, with online resources available for accessing lecture recordings, virtual classrooms, library resources and learning support.

Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit different requirements and budgets. Options include dedicated student accommodation and private rentals. See our long-term accommodation pages, or explore our student accommodation by Scape on Bank Street in Adelaide’s lively cultural precinct, an ideal location for students. It is within easy reach of UniSA’s city and metropolitan campuses, Rundle Mall shopping, the Central Market, Chinatown, and the West End’s vibrant nightlife. It is also across the road from the Adelaide train station, and on bus and tram routes.

Student services

Our student services provide you with all the support you need at university. You can access a full range of support services including academic and personal counselling, career advice, social support services, as well as those through our student association, USASA. When you become a UniSA student, you can also contact Campus Central for help with anything related to your degree. They will help you with your enrolment, ID cards, fees, timetables and more.

24/7 digital environment

Our learnonline facilities include a personal learning environment with virtual classrooms, lecture recordings, emails, learning support, administration, library access and results. The environment is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so you can tailor your learning to your life. We are continually investing in innovative digital technologies for a high-quality student learning experience.

Your campus

We have six campuses in metropolitan and regional areas, each with modern facilities including lecture theatres, libraries and laboratories, as well as spaces that simulate real work environments.

Your program director

My vision is to work collaboratively to equip graduates with qualities that promote learner achievement and wellbeing, which transfers to productive citizenship.

Ms Wendy Piltz

Program Director

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Ms Wendy Piltz

Program Director

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Ask UniSA

How do I apply?

There are a number of ways to apply to study UniSA's undergraduate and postgraduate coursework degrees.

Applications for admission into the University of South Australia’s undergraduate and most postgraduate degrees are made via the South Australian Tertiary Admissions Centre (SATAC). Visit satac.edu.au and follow the links.

For the MBA degrees please apply through the UniSA MBA Application Portal. Applications for a small number of degrees are submitted direct to UniSA through our Apply Online portal. It will be noted on the degree page if you need to apply via Apply Online.

Postgraduate study by research
For information on applying to do postgraduate study by research, including Master of Research, PhDs or Doctorates, please visit unisa.edu.au/resdegrees.
Is there a closing date for applications?

Undergraduate
Yes. The deadline to apply to study a degree at UniSA for semester one (commencing late February) and be given equal consideration is in early December. While you may be able to apply after this date, you are not guaranteed to be considered equally with other applicants and your application may not be assessed in time for the main round of offers (mid January). Some degrees will not make any offers after the main offer round. Please click here find all of the key dates for applications here.

Postgraduate
Most postgraduate degrees do not have a closing date for applications. However, there are exceptions, so it is best to check – either on the SATAC website, Apply Online or the degree homepage. Postgraduate offers are normally ‘rolling’, meaning they may be sent out at any time up until the program starts. This also means that applications may close at any time without warning, if the quota is filled earlier. For this reason, postgraduate applications should be submitted without delay. For more information, please contact our Future Student Enquiries team on (08) 8302 2376 or via the online enquiry form.
What credit can I receive for previous studies?

Credit transfer or advanced standing

You may be eligible to receive a credit transfer or advanced standing for your chosen UniSA degree based on your previous studies, if they are in a related area at an equivalent or higher level. Receiving a credit transfer will reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and may also reduce the overall duration of your degree.

Recognised prior learning

If you have related industry experience, you may also be eligible to receive recognised prior learning for this experience. Receiving recognised prior learning will normally reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and can reduce the duration of the degree.

How do I get credit?

Credit transfer and recognition of prior learning is assessed on a case-by-case basis by the Program Director who will discuss your prior learning and experience with you to ascertain what credit you may be eligible for.

Many of our credit transfer arrangements are listed on our online Credit Assessor.
Can I speak to someone regarding my study options?

UniSA welcomes the opportunity to speak with you regarding your study options. Our staff are able to talk to you about degree information, career outcomes and pathways, entry requirements, applications, and student life, so that you are able to make the best study decision for your future.

Click here to book a 1:1 appointment with one of our enquiries team.

If you are interested in studying an MBA please contact admissions@unisa.edu.au and our Future Student Enquiries team will contact you regarding your enquiry.

Alternatively, you can complete a MyCareerMatch career profile. MyCareerMatch is an online career profiling tool that you can use free-of-charge through UniSA. MyCareerMatch specialises in career profiles and provides you with a personalised career report outlining information about your personality style and a list of career options, which are complementary to your natural strengths and talents.

We have many events throughout the year where you can speak with a lecturer or tutor about your degrees of interest. You can find out what is happening at UniSA by visiting our events page or by signing up to our mailing list, so you're the first to know about careers events, information sessions, degree requirements, scholarships and more!

There are also many career counsellors external to the University that you can discuss your career options with. If you are unsure where to start your search, you can contact the Government's Work Ready team (formally Skills for All). Visit skills.sa.gov.au or call 1800 506 266.

You may also find Job Outlook a helpful resource in your decision-making.
Where can I get further information?

It can be difficult to decide what degree you would like to do and where. You might find information from government organisations will help to weigh up your degree and provider options.

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TEQSA is a regulatory body for higher education providers. Use the TEQSA national register of higher education providers to search for a course or a provider. Compare courses and providers for undergraduates and postgraduates using the Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching (QILT) online comparison tool.

More information on university admission

Visit the SATAC website to find out important news, events and information on applying to university in South Australia. Visit Study with Us to find out everything you need to know about studying at UniSA, admissions and the application process.

Questions about your application

If you have any questions or concerns regarding your application you should contact the Future Students Enquiries team in the first instance.

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What others are saying

What I like most about my degree is the opportunity to engage with creative and engaging educators who stretch the boundaries of my mindset and challenge me to think critically about my teaching practice.

Joanna Loi

Master of Teaching (Early Childhood)