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Graduate certificate or diploma

Graduate Diploma in Teaching and Learning (Early Childhood)

GradDipTchLn(EC)
09 October 2023

UC's Graduate Diploma in Teaching and Learning (Early Childhood), GradDipTchLn(EC), equips you to teach infants, toddlers, and young children in this key developmental phase of life. Find out about studying a GradDipTchLn(EC) through our Te Kaupeka Ako | Faculty of Education.

START

Graduate Diploma in Teaching and Learning (Early Childhood)

Degree Structure - Start In
January

POINTS

150

DURATION

Graduate Diploma in Teaching and Learning (Early Childhood)

Degree Structure - Duration
1 year full-time

Overview


Graduate Diploma in Teaching and Learning (Early Childhood)

Introduction

Early childhood teaching is a challenging and satisfying career where you can make a difference in children’s lives. Through guided play, you can help children gain the skills they need for healthy intellectual, emotional, and physical development.

The Diploma meets Matatū Aotearoa | Teaching Council of New Zealand graduating teachers standards requirements, and you may be eligible for provisional registration with the Council as a teacher in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Graduate Diploma in Teaching and Learning (Early Childhood)

What will my study involve?

  • The chance to teach infants, toddlers, and young children in this key developmental phase of life.
  • Multiple placements in early childhood and community centres throughout your studies to gain real teaching experience.
  • Flexible study options on campus in Ōtautahi Christchurch, or by distance.
  • You will also learn about Te Whāriki, the Early Childhood curriculum, to prepare you for the teaching profession.

Graduate Diploma in Teaching and Learning (Early Childhood)

Entry requirements

Students wishing to enrol in the GradDipTchLn(EC) must have a relevant bachelor's degree or higher (or be entitled to enrol for the Diploma with other qualifications of an equivalent standard).

Selection for entry is not automatic and is based on academic ability, involvement and interest in working with children and young people, community involvement, communication skills, and other personal qualities.

The selection process includes a police check and may include an interview.

If English is your additional language, you are also required to meet the requirements set out by Matatū Aotearoa | Teaching Council of New Zealand.

For the full entry requirements, see the Regulations for the Graduate Diploma in Teaching and Learning (Early Childhood) or use the admission requirements checker.

How to apply

Applications are open throughout the year and close 1 December for domestic students or 31 October for international students.

For more details on entry requirements and the teacher education application process, see the Guide to Applying.

See Admission and enrolment for all information on enrolling at UC.

Graduate Diploma in Teaching and Learning (Early Childhood)

How do I plan my diploma?

The Graduate Diploma in Teaching and Learning (Early Childhood) is a 1 year full-time programme.

You can study the Diploma either on campus or via distance. Distance students study their programme off campus, and attend an on-site intensive (OSI) at the beginning of each semester.

You will also attend professional practice placements in early childhood centres throughout the programme.

For full requirements, see the Regulations for the Graduate Diploma in Teaching and Learning (Early Childhood).

Domestic students

2024 tuition fee estimate: $8,435 (150 points)
2025 tuition fee estimate: $8,942 (150 points)

International students

2024 tuition fee estimate: $31,600 (150 points)
2025 tuition fee estimate: $33,000 (150 points)

Graduate Diploma in Teaching and Learning (Early Childhood)

Further study

There are a range of professional development programmes available for practising teachers at UC — see the list of postgraduate diplomas and master's qualifications available.

Graduate Diploma in Teaching and Learning (Early Childhood)

Career ready

  • Meet Matatū Aotearoa | Teaching Council of New Zealand graduating teachers’ standards requirements and are eligible to apply for registration as a teacher in Aotearoa.
  • Gain transferable skills in management, communication, coordination, responsibility, and organisation.
  • Graduates have gone on to owning and operating their own early childhood businesses, and work in various roles within early childhood care, and government agencies.

Useful information:

Example degree structure diagram
Graduate Diploma in Teaching and Learning (Early Childhood)

Each small block represents a 15-point course. However, some courses may be 30 points or more.

This diagram is an example only – other combinations are possible. For specific course requirements, see the Regulations for the Graduate Diploma in Teaching and Learning (Early Childhood).


Brochures

Postgraduate Prospectus 2024

Whakatairanga Tāura

Download (application/pdf, 6 MB)
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International Prospectus 2024/2025

Download (application/pdf, 6 MB)
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