Master of Teaching (Early Childhood)
Course code I81
Why study at ECU?
Toggle between study options for Domestic or International students
About this Course
Provides a nationally accredited initial teaching qualification for students who have already obtained a Bachelor degree or an equivalent qualification in areas other than Education.
The Master of Teaching (Early Childhood) 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.
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.
This 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. Students develop a deep understanding of the importance of building strong, positive relationships with children, families, communities and colleagues.
Students are taught how to develop, implement and assess socially inclusive curricula where children are valued, respected and productively engaged in learning.
This course accommodates "principles and dimensions" of excellence and is delivered through mutually beneficial partnerships between ECU, and individual schools and early childhood settings.
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.
See Course Entry for further information.
Admissions
Fees
Commonwealth supported - estimated 1st year indicative fee AUD $4,650
See Fees and Scholarships for further information.
Availability & Campus
Location | Semester 1 | Semester 2 |
---|---|---|
Joondalup | FT PT | FT PT |
Mount Lawley | ||
South West | ||
Online | FT PT | FT PT |
Timetable
This course has a modified timetable. See Course Notes.
About this Course
Provides a nationally accredited initial teaching qualification for students who have already obtained a Bachelor degree or an equivalent qualification in areas other than Education.
The Master of Teaching (Early Childhood) 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.
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.
This 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. Students develop a deep understanding of the importance of building strong, positive relationships with children, families, communities and colleagues.
Students are taught how to develop, implement and assess socially inclusive curricula where children are valued, respected and productively engaged in learning.
This course accommodates "principles and dimensions" of excellence and is delivered through mutually beneficial partnerships between ECU, and individual schools and early childhood settings.
Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) level
This course has been accredited by ECU as an AQF Level 9 Masters Degree (Coursework) Award.
Course code I81
CRICOS code 098287C
Entry requirements
ECU admission and English language requirements apply.
See Course Entry for further information.
Fees
International students - estimated 1st year indicative fee AUD $37,700
See Fees and Scholarships for further information.
Availability & Campus
Location | Semester 1 | Semester 2 |
---|---|---|
Joondalup | FT | FT |
Mount Lawley | ||
South West | ||
Online |
Timetable
This course has a modified timetable. See Course Notes.
Course Entry
Admission requirements you'll need to meet for this course.
-
The following course-specific admission requirements are mandatory and must be satisfied by all applicants. These requirements are in addition to or supersede the minimum requirements outlined within the Academic admission requirements band section below.
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. These course-specific requirements supersede the minimum academic admission requirements for Band 6. All applicants are required to satisfy non-academic criteria, in addition to satisfying academic entry criteria. Applicants' non-academic capabilities will be assessed based on completion of a Non-Academic Requirements for Teacher Entry (NARTE) online questionnaire.
Academic admission requirements (Band 6) may be satisfied through completion of one of the following:
- Bachelor degree; or
- Equivalent prior learning including at least five years relevant professional experience.
-
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. Internationally schooled applicants may also be required to meet this requirement.
English competency requirements may also be satisfied through completion of one of the following:
- Bachelor degree or master degree from Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, the UK or the USA, or
- Undergraduate degree taught in English from a South African University.
Course Entry
Admission requirements you'll need to meet for this course.
-
The following course-specific admission requirements are mandatory and must be satisfied by all applicants. These requirements are in addition to or supersede the minimum requirements outlined within the Academic admission requirements band section below.
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. These course-specific requirements supersede the minimum academic admission requirements for Band 6. All applicants are required to satisfy non-academic criteria, in addition to satisfying academic entry criteria. Applicants' non-academic capabilities will be assessed based on completion of a Non-Academic Requirements for Teacher Entry (NARTE) online questionnaire.
Academic admission requirements (Band 6) may be satisfied through completion of one of the following:
- Bachelor degree; or
- Equivalent prior learning including at least five years relevant professional experience.
-
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. Internationally schooled applicants may also be required to meet this requirement.
English competency requirements may also be satisfied through completion of one of the following:
- Bachelor degree or master degree from Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, the UK or the USA, or
- Undergraduate degree taught in English from a South African University.
Course Details
Semester availability
Semester 1: Study full-time at Joondalup or Online
Semester 1: Study part-time at Joondalup or Online
Semester 2: Study full-time at Joondalup or Online
Semester 2: Study part-time at Joondalup or Online
Course Structure
All nationally accredited Initial Teacher Education courses require students to undertake the LANTITE tests, as set by ACER, and meet the Standard in personal literacy and personal numeracy to be eligible to graduate. Due to updated accreditation requirements, students commencing study from 2025 onwards are required to attempt the LANTITE during their first year of study. If this is not feasible due to exceptional circumstances, students must submit a written explanation along with a plan to complete the test at the earliest opportunity. This will be documented.
Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
---|---|---|
LAN6120 | Language and Literacy Birth to 5 Years | 15 |
AED6160 | Visual Arts and Music Education in Early Childhood | 15 |
ECE6140 | Investigating Young Children's Holistic Learning and Development | 15 |
MSC6110 | Mathematics and Technologies for Young Children | 15 |
Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
---|---|---|
SCE6120 | Science for Young Children | 15 |
LAN6130 | Early Literacy 5-8 Years | 15 |
ECM6130 | Mathematics in the Early Years of School: 5 to 8 Years | 15 |
ECE6180 | Early Childhood Practice and Pedagogy for Children 5-8 | 15 |
Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
---|---|---|
ECE6320 | Physical Education, Health and Wellbeing for Young Children (Healthy, Active and Safe Children) | 10 |
HSS6180 | Humanities and Social Sciences Birth to 8 Years | 10 |
ECE6145 | Inclusive Early Childhood Environments | 15 |
ECE6160 | Effective Pedagogy and Practice in Early Childhood Contexts | 15 |
TPA6120 | Teaching Performance Assessment | 10 |
Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
---|---|---|
EDF6201 | Aboriginal Contexts in Early Childhood Education | 15 |
ECE6150 | Contemporary and Comparative Perspectives in Early Childhood Education | 15 |
AED6150 | Dance, Drama and Media Arts Education in Early Childhood | 15 |
ECE6170 | Leading and Managing in Early Childhood Contexts | 15 |
I81|11
For more detailed unit information for this course take a look at our Handbook. To organise your life for next semester visit the Teaching timetable.
Student handbookCourse notes
Important course notes
-
This course does not follow the standard ECU academic calendar. Please check the School of Education calendar for start dates and practicum dates.
Students have the opportunity to complete a fast-tracked final year and achieve eligibility for employment in schools from Term 4 of that year.
International students considering a post-study visa application should be aware of the Department of Home Affairs Australian study requirements before choosing to take the FastTrack delivery option.
-
Central to this course is an extensive program of Professional Experience in schools and early childhood settings culminating in a final Teaching Practicum in the final year of the course. Students have the shared responsibility for the education, safety and well-being of children in schools and early childhood settings, therefore the teaching profession demands the highest
professional standards and personal ethics.
Students will complete a 2-week placement (ECE6140), five distributed days and a 4 week block placement (ECE6180 in a Junior primary setting) and five distributed days and a 6 week block placement (ECE6160) in a Kindergarten and/or Pre-Primary.
Further information regarding Professional Experience can be found at: https://www.ecu.edu.au/schools/education/professional-experience
Attendance requirements
Generally host Schools and Centres require that the Pre-Service Teachers attend the placement on a full time basis or otherwise meet their specific attendance requirements of the particular placement. There is limited scope for ECU to negotiate any deviations from these requirements.
Clearances and/or Risk Management Protocols Required
The Department of Education Western Australia and cooperating non-government schools have the right to determine 'fit and proper persons' to enter and practice in schools. For these reasons, all Pre-Service Teachers 18 years of age and over will be required to have a current Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check (NCCHC) and a current Working with Children Check, or the equivalent clearance issued by the relevant State authority before commencing this period of Professional Experience.
Further information can be found at http://www.ecu.edu.au/schools/education/professional-experience/before-professional-experience
Professional practice rules
During the placement, it is imperative that Pre-Service Teachers always demonstrate professionalism and respect for industry partners. Pre-Service Teachers must abide by the professional standards set out in the ECU Student Code of Conduct and comply with the applicable University policies and rules.
The Student Code of Conduct can be found at: http://policysearch.ecu.edu.au/PolicySearch/Record/767/file/document
The host School/Centre has absolute discretion to terminate the Pre-Service Teacher's placement prior to completion of the placement. Situations where this discretion has been exercised are typically where the School/Centre has had concerns about the Pre-Service Teacher's conduct or performance. ECU may also withdraw a Pre-Service Teacher from placement in certain circumstances. Early termination or withdrawal from the professional experience placement may result in a Fail grade for this unit.
-
Students will need to graduate to be eligible to register with the Teacher Registration Board of Western Australia (TRBWA). Registration with the Teacher Registration Board of Western Australia (TRBWA) is required to practice in the profession.
Graduates must meet the Teacher Registration Board of WA (TRBWA) English language proficiency requirements for teacher registration in Western Australia. Further information is available at http://www.trb.wa.gov.au
Course learning outcomes
- Reflect critically on a complex body of education knowledge, research principles and methods to demonstrate mastery of early childhood teaching.
- Apply cognitive, technical and creative skills to investigate, evaluate and design innovative solutions in authentic early childhood situations.
- Apply communication and collaboration skills that foster positive, ethical and respectful relationships with students, colleagues, parents/carers and communities.
- 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
CourseAccredited by: Teacher Registration Board of Western Australia (TRBWA)
Course Details
Semester availability
Semester 1: Study full-time at Joondalup
Semester 2: Study full-time at Joondalup
Course Structure
All nationally accredited Initial Teacher Education courses require students to undertake the LANTITE tests, as set by ACER, and meet the Standard in personal literacy and personal numeracy to be eligible to graduate. Due to updated accreditation requirements, students commencing study from 2025 onwards are required to attempt the LANTITE during their first year of study. If this is not feasible due to exceptional circumstances, students must submit a written explanation along with a plan to complete the test at the earliest opportunity. This will be documented.
Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
---|---|---|
LAN6120 | Language and Literacy Birth to 5 Years | 15 |
AED6160 | Visual Arts and Music Education in Early Childhood | 15 |
ECE6140 | Investigating Young Children's Holistic Learning and Development | 15 |
MSC6110 | Mathematics and Technologies for Young Children | 15 |
Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
---|---|---|
SCE6120 | Science for Young Children | 15 |
LAN6130 | Early Literacy 5-8 Years | 15 |
ECM6130 | Mathematics in the Early Years of School: 5 to 8 Years | 15 |
ECE6180 | Early Childhood Practice and Pedagogy for Children 5-8 | 15 |
Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
---|---|---|
ECE6320 | Physical Education, Health and Wellbeing for Young Children (Healthy, Active and Safe Children) | 10 |
HSS6180 | Humanities and Social Sciences Birth to 8 Years | 10 |
ECE6145 | Inclusive Early Childhood Environments | 15 |
ECE6160 | Effective Pedagogy and Practice in Early Childhood Contexts | 15 |
TPA6120 | Teaching Performance Assessment | 10 |
Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
---|---|---|
EDF6201 | Aboriginal Contexts in Early Childhood Education | 15 |
ECE6150 | Contemporary and Comparative Perspectives in Early Childhood Education | 15 |
AED6150 | Dance, Drama and Media Arts Education in Early Childhood | 15 |
ECE6170 | Leading and Managing in Early Childhood Contexts | 15 |
I81|11
For more detailed unit information for this course take a look at our Handbook. To organise your life for next semester visit the Teaching timetable.
Student handbookCourse notes
Important course notes
-
This course does not follow the standard ECU academic calendar. Please check the School of Education calendar for start dates and practicum dates.
Students have the opportunity to complete a fast-tracked final year and achieve eligibility for employment in schools from Term 4 of that year.
International students considering a post-study visa application should be aware of the Department of Home Affairs Australian study requirements before choosing to take the FastTrack delivery option.
-
Central to this course is an extensive program of Professional Experience in schools and early childhood settings culminating in a final Teaching Practicum in the final year of the course. Students have the shared responsibility for the education, safety and well-being of children in schools and early childhood settings, therefore the teaching profession demands the highest
professional standards and personal ethics.
Students will complete a 2-week placement (ECE6140), five distributed days and a 4 week block placement (ECE6180 in a Junior primary setting) and five distributed days and a 6 week block placement (ECE6160) in a Kindergarten and/or Pre-Primary.
Further information regarding Professional Experience can be found at: https://www.ecu.edu.au/schools/education/professional-experience
Attendance requirements
Generally host Schools and Centres require that the Pre-Service Teachers attend the placement on a full time basis or otherwise meet their specific attendance requirements of the particular placement. There is limited scope for ECU to negotiate any deviations from these requirements.
Clearances and/or Risk Management Protocols Required
The Department of Education Western Australia and cooperating non-government schools have the right to determine 'fit and proper persons' to enter and practice in schools. For these reasons, all Pre-Service Teachers 18 years of age and over will be required to have a current Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check (NCCHC) and a current Working with Children Check, or the equivalent clearance issued by the relevant State authority before commencing this period of Professional Experience.
Further information can be found at http://www.ecu.edu.au/schools/education/professional-experience/before-professional-experience
Professional practice rules
During the placement, it is imperative that Pre-Service Teachers always demonstrate professionalism and respect for industry partners. Pre-Service Teachers must abide by the professional standards set out in the ECU Student Code of Conduct and comply with the applicable University policies and rules.
The Student Code of Conduct can be found at: http://policysearch.ecu.edu.au/PolicySearch/Record/767/file/document
The host School/Centre has absolute discretion to terminate the Pre-Service Teacher's placement prior to completion of the placement. Situations where this discretion has been exercised are typically where the School/Centre has had concerns about the Pre-Service Teacher's conduct or performance. ECU may also withdraw a Pre-Service Teacher from placement in certain circumstances. Early termination or withdrawal from the professional experience placement may result in a Fail grade for this unit.
-
Students will need to graduate to be eligible to register with the Teacher Registration Board of Western Australia (TRBWA). Registration with the Teacher Registration Board of Western Australia (TRBWA) is required to practice in the profession.
Graduates must meet the Teacher Registration Board of WA (TRBWA) English language proficiency requirements for teacher registration in Western Australia. Further information is available at http://www.trb.wa.gov.au
Course learning outcomes
- Reflect critically on a complex body of education knowledge, research principles and methods to demonstrate mastery of early childhood teaching.
- Apply cognitive, technical and creative skills to investigate, evaluate and design innovative solutions in authentic early childhood situations.
- Apply communication and collaboration skills that foster positive, ethical and respectful relationships with students, colleagues, parents/carers and communities.
- 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
CourseAccredited by: Teacher Registration Board of Western Australia (TRBWA)
Fees and Scholarships
Fees
- AUD $4,650 - Commonwealth supported estimated 1st year indicative fee 1
Note
1 The 'estimated 1st year indicative fee' is provided as a guide only, based on a typical enrolment of students undertaking the first year of this course. At ECU, you pay for the individual units you enrol in, not an overall course fee, so the total cost of your course will vary, depending on what units you choose. An indicative fee will be provided with your course offer, however you can use our Course Fee Calculator to estimate the actual amount you'll need to pay. ECU fees are adjusted annually.
Some units require the payment of a fee for incidental goods or services required to complete those units. For more information and the full list of incidental fees for courses and units, visit What are Incidental Fees.
Scholarships
ECU has a scholarship program that provides many opportunities each year to students undertaking studies here.
Find a scholarshipCareer Opportunities
This course creates quality graduates ready to take up employment in education learning environments.
Possible future job titles
Kindergarten Teacher, Pre-primary Teacher, Early Childhood Teacher, Pre-school Teacher, Junior Primary Teacher, Centre Director
Similar courses to consider
Courses you can consider if you are interested in progressing further in this area.
Fees and Scholarships
Fees
- AUD $37,700 - International students estimated 1st year indicative fee 1
Note
1 The 'estimated 1st year indicative fee' is provided as a guide only, and has been calculated based on a typical enrolment of students undertaking the first year of this course. At ECU, you pay for each individual unit you enrol in, not an overall course fee, so the total cost of your course will vary, depending on what units you choose. An indicative fee will be provided with your course offer, however you can use our Course Fee Calculator to estimate the actual amount you'll need to pay. ECU fees are adjusted annually.
Some units require the payment of a fee for incidental goods or services required to complete those units. For more information and the full list of incidental fees for courses and units, visit What are Incidental Fees.
Scholarships
ECU has a scholarship program that provides many opportunities each year to students undertaking studies here.
Find a scholarshipCareer Opportunities
This course creates quality graduates ready to take up employment in education learning environments.
Possible future job titles
Kindergarten Teacher, Pre-primary Teacher, Early Childhood Teacher, Pre-school Teacher, Junior Primary Teacher, Centre Director
Similar courses to consider
Courses you can consider if you are interested in progressing further in this area.
Need some help deciding what to study?
Our future student events include a mix of on-campus and online sessions designed to help you decide what to study at ECU.
Creative thinkers start here
Creative thinkers start here
Student stories
Quick guide to uni-speak
-
-
The Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) is the national regulator of qualifications in the Australian education and training system. The AQF defines the essential characteristics, including the required learning outcomes, of the different types of qualifications issued across the higher education systems in Australia.
-
ATAR is the Australian Tertiary Admission Rank, the primary criterion for entry into most undergraduate university courses in Australia. The ATAR is a percentile score which denotes a student's ranking relative to their state-wide peers upon completion of their secondary education.
-
CRICOS is the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students. A CRICOS code is allocated to education institutions (like ECU) who are approved to recruit, enrol and deliver education to overseas students. Courses with a CRICOS code are available to international students who meet the entry requirements.
-
A major, or unit set, is your chosen area of in-depth study in an undergraduate course. It usually involves 8 units of study, or one-third of the units in a 3-year degree. Talk to your Student Information Office if you need help choosing a major subject.
-
Minors include between 4 and 6 study units in a specific discipline. Not all courses require you to complete a minor. Your minor subject doesn't appear on your printed degree (parchment), but is part of your academic transcript.
-
If you're enrolled in 3 or more units in a semester this is considered full-time study. To complete most 3-year degrees studying full-time you'll need to complete 4 units per semester, i.e. 24 units over 3 years.
-
-
-
If a course is available to study part-time you can generally expect it to take twice as long to complete as it would in full-time mode. Part-time students are enrolled in 1 or 2 units maximum per semester.
Note: International students who hold a student visa can only choose the full-time study option for our courses. This is to ensure the course is completed within the duration of the student visa.
-
Most courses start in Semester 1 each year, usually in the last week of February. Some courses can be started in Semester 2 (we call this mid-year). There's a week of Orientation before each semester to help you get used to uni life.
-
A lot of our courses start in Semester 2 each year, usually in the last week of July. We call this mid-year. There's a week of Orientation beforehand to help you get used to uni life.
-
We use a points system to make it easier for you to understand your study progress. Most Bachelors degree study units are allocated 15 credit points. If you're studying a 3-year full-time degree you'll need to successfully complete 360 credit points - that's 24 units x 15 points per unit.
-
These are compulsory units you have to successfully complete as part of your course.
-
An elective is a unit you choose to study that counts towards your course requirements, but isn't compulsory. For some courses we recommend elective units. In some situations, a course coordinator may approve an elective unit as a replacement for a compulsory one.
-
Quick guide to uni-speak
-
-
The Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) is the national regulator of qualifications in the Australian education and training system. The AQF defines the essential characteristics, including the required learning outcomes, of the different types of qualifications issued across the higher education systems in Australia.
-
ATAR is the Australian Tertiary Admission Rank, the primary criterion for entry into most undergraduate university courses in Australia. The ATAR is a percentile score which denotes a student's ranking relative to their state-wide peers upon completion of their secondary education.
-
CRICOS is the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students. A CRICOS code is allocated to education institutions (like ECU) who are approved to recruit, enrol and deliver education to overseas students. Courses with a CRICOS code are available to international students who meet the entry requirements.
-
A major, or unit set, is your chosen area of in-depth study in an undergraduate course. It usually involves 8 units of study, or one-third of the units in a 3-year degree. Talk to your Student Information Office if you need help choosing a major subject.
-
Minors include between 4 and 6 study units in a specific discipline. Not all courses require you to complete a minor. Your minor subject doesn't appear on your printed degree (parchment), but is part of your academic transcript.
-
If you're enrolled in 3 or more units in a semester this is considered full-time study. To complete most 3-year degrees studying full-time you'll need to complete 4 units per semester, i.e. 24 units over 3 years.
-
-
-
If a course is available to study part-time you can generally expect it to take twice as long to complete as it would in full-time mode. Part-time students are enrolled in 1 or 2 units maximum per semester.
Note: International students who hold a student visa can only choose the full-time study option for our courses. This is to ensure the course is completed within the duration of the student visa.
-
Most courses start in Semester 1 each year, usually in the last week of February. Some courses can be started in Semester 2 (we call this mid-year). There's a week of Orientation before each semester to help you get used to uni life.
-
A lot of our courses start in Semester 2 each year, usually in the last week of July. We call this mid-year. There's a week of Orientation beforehand to help you get used to uni life.
-
We use a points system to make it easier for you to understand your study progress. Most Bachelors degree study units are allocated 15 credit points. If you're studying a 3-year full-time degree you'll need to successfully complete 360 credit points - that's 24 units x 15 points per unit.
-
These are compulsory units you have to successfully complete as part of your course.
-
An elective is a unit you choose to study that counts towards your course requirements, but isn't compulsory. For some courses we recommend elective units. In some situations, a course coordinator may approve an elective unit as a replacement for a compulsory one.
-
Do you have any questions about the Master of Teaching (Early Childhood)?
The Important Things
Things you should know about if you're thinking about studying here.
Course Entry
There's more than one admission pathway into an ECU course. It depends on what you've studied already, or your work or life experience.
Fees & Scholarships
Course tuition fees can change, but we can give you an estimate of your costs. If you're eligible, a scholarship or student loan can help too.
Applying
Applying for a course is a fairly simple process, especially if you have scanned copies of qualifications, your resume or other paperwork, ready to upload.
ECU Experience
Starting a course is an exciting and sometimes daunting time, so we make a massive effort to ensure you get all the support you need to have a positive experience.