Graduate Diploma in Teaching and Learning (Early Childhood)
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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).
Graduate Diploma in Teaching and Learning (Early Childhood)
Subjects and courses
The GradDipTchLn(EC) is made up of the following compulsory courses:
- TEPI361 Becoming a Professional Teacher
- TEPI362 Being a Professional Teacher
- TEPP361 Professional Practice 1
- TEPP362 Professional Practice 2
- TECE358 Curriculum Design
- TECE359 Te Reo me ngā Tikanga Māori
- TECE361 Holistic Development, Learning and Culture
- TECE362 Curriculum and Pedagogy for Infants and Toddlers
- TECE364 Pedagogy of Play
- TECE365 The Intentional Teacher
Domestic students
2024 tuition fee estimate: $8,435 (150 points)
2025 tuition fee estimate: $8,942 (150 points)
International students
2024 Special Programme Fee: $31,600 (150 points)
2025 Special Programme Fee: $33,000 (150 points)
2026 Special Programme Fee: $34,625 (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:
- Read what other UC postgraduate students have gone on to achieve in their studies and careers in our student stories.
- Te Rōpū Rapuara | UC Careers can help you to achieve the career you want, connect with employers, or find a job.
- For research into career destinations by qualification, visit Te Pōkai Tara | Universities New Zealand website.
- Find out more about what can you do with a degree from UC.
- Come along to an upcoming information event for prospective postgraduate students.
Example degree structure diagram
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).
