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

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International students

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

Entry requirements

Applicants must have completed:
- A Bachelor degree or equivalent from a recognised higher education institution with a competitive GPA, noting that admission is competitive and based on academic merit.
- Additionally, within their Bachelor degree or its equivalent, applicants must have completed a total of one year, full-time equivalent study that has direct relation to one or more Learning Areas that align with the Australian Primary school curriculum. A minimum of half a year of that study will need to have been focused on only one Learning Area.
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.

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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) 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.
English language entry requirements
In addition to meeting academic entry requirements, international students who speak English as a second or additional language must also meet the University's English language entry requirements. The minimum language requirements for this program are:
English language test
- IELTS total [7.0]
- IELTS reading [7.0]
- IELTS writing [7.0]
- IELTS speaking [7.5]
- IELTS listening [7.5]
Please access the following link for a comprehensive list of English language tests accepted by UniSA and other important information in relation to meeting the University’s language requirements: English Language Equivalence Table (PDF)
View full entry requirements Hide full entry requirements

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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.
Learn with experienced early childhood teachers in collaborative learning classes.
Use this qualification as a pathway to further learning, including doctoral studies.
UniSA is World top 150 in Education¹.
Our curriculum is informed by our above world-class research in education².

¹2024 THE Subject Rankings
²Results for Specialist Studies in Education - 2018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA).

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 85 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 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

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 (independent study). 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
One of the World's Top Young Universities.¹

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.

¹Ranked #43, 2024 THE Young University Rankings.
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 85 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.

Study at UniSA

Hear from Steven and Karen as they share their experiences studying Early Childhood Education at UniSA.

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

How to apply for international students will give you helpful information about the application process at the University of South Australia. When you are ready, apply through our International Application System. If you would like to talk to someone near you about studying at the University of South Australia, we have agents all over the world who can assist you. Find an Education Agent in your country.

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

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

All applicants who wish to commence study in our Education degrees are required to submit a 400-600 word Teaching Capabilities Statement with their application. This supports the national priority to ensure those entering the teaching profession have the personal qualities to best support learners and graduate as classroom ready, high quality teachers.

The Teaching Capabilities Statement complies with the national Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL) initial teacher education program standard of academic and non-academic entry requirements. Further information can be found on the Entry Requirements page.

Credit transfer

You could be eligible for credit for previous studies you have undertaken. Find out online.

Go to credit assessor

Life in Adelaide

Current international students talk about living in Adelaide and studying at UniSA.

Hear from our students

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

Vice Chancellor's International Excellence Scholarship

Recipients can get a 50% reduction on tuition fees for up to four years of full-time study for selected degrees.

Learn more

International Merit Scholarship

Recipients can get a 15% reduction on tuition fees for the duration of their chosen degree.

Learn more

Your study experience and support

As a UniSA student, you will have unique access to work placement opportunities, overseas study tours and exchanges, networking events, internships, guest speakers and more.

Our campuses are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, workshops and laboratories, as well as spaces that simulate real work environments. These are all supported by the latest technologies and a 24/7 online learning platform. We have health services on campus, gymnasiums, technology zones and great student lounges. You will also gain access to a range of community clinics, which provide professional and cost effective services in areas of health, business, law and psychology. There are campus sport activities to keep you active, and if you are keen to explore the social side of university life, there are movies, cooking demonstrations, parties and lots more.

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 international student services provide you with all the support you need at university. We want you to succeed, and if you need help, we're here to assist. You can access a full range of support services, including:

career advice and mentoring
help with student visas and health cover
personal counselling
academic counselling
fees and finance help
common rooms
prayer rooms
security officers
accommodation services
as well as services offered through our student association, USASA.

We also offer study support from our Learning Advisers face-to-face or online. They are here to help you develop academically and professionally during your studies, and can offer help with the English language too. 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.

Dr Bec Neill

Program Director

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Dr Bec Neill

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.

You can access our online International Application System through our How to Apply page. The International Application System is an easy and secure online application and acceptance process. You will have visibility of your application through the secure online portal with the ability to download offer documents, submit your acceptance and make a payment.

Alternatively you can submit an application through one of the University's registered Education Agents.

If you are completing an Australian year 12 qualification in Australia or overseas, or the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme in Australia, you must apply through SATAC http://www.satac.edu.au/.

If you are applying for the UniSA Study Abroad or Study Abroad Plus program, you can submit your application online here.

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

There is no closing date for submitting your application however the admissions process takes between one and three weeks from the date that we receive your application and all required supporting documentation.

If you are completing an Australian year 12 qualification in Australia or overseas, or the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme in Australia, you must apply through SATAC. Key dates for applications can be found here.
What credit can I receive for previous studies?

You may be eligible to receive credit 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 credit will reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and may also reduce the overall duration of your degree.

The amount of credit you may be eligible to receive is assessed on a case-by-case basis by the Admissions team.

The best way to determine your eligibility to receive credit or advanced standing is to apply using our International Application System which can be found on our How to Apply page. You will need to supply detailed syllabus documents with your application.
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.

We also have many events throughout the year in Australia and overseas where you can speak with UniSA representatives about your area of interest. View our calendar of events in your home country by selecting the 'International' filter.

More FAQs

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)