Master of Teaching and Learning (Early Childhood)
- Degree Structure - Start In
- February, July, November
180
Overview
Master of Teaching and Learning (Early Childhood)
A Master of Teaching and Learning (Early Childhood) from UC is an advanced postgraduate teaching degree for students who wish to develop their early childhood teaching practice and gain Aotearoa New Zealand teaching registration.
Like the Postgraduate Diploma in Teaching and Learning (Early Childhood) (PGDipTchLn(EC)), the Master’s degree in Early Childhood includes coursework and hands-on learning through professional placements, with an added focus on examining global and local cultural influences on early childhood teaching practices.
Graduates of the MTchLn(EC) are highly knowledgeable and skilled early childhood teachers who are innovative, adaptable, and resilient in supporting and enhancing the diverse learning strengths of each of their students.
Master of Teaching and Learning (Early Childhood)
- Professional placements in early childhood settings.
- Examine global ideas and frameworks that shape early childhood education.
- Learn to contribute to innovation in early childhood services.
- Develop expertise in Te Whāriki (Aotearoa early childhood curriculum) and related curriculum documents.
- Gain the skills to apply te reo me ngā tikanga Māori in teaching.
- Learn how to support equitable outcomes for tamariki, whānau, and communities.
Master of Teaching and Learning (Early Childhood)
Students wanting to enrol in the MTchLn(EC) must have a relevant bachelor's degree with a B average or higher (or be entitled to enrol for the degree 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 not your first language, you are also required to meet UC's Teaching language requirements. See how to provide your English language evidence to UC. If you need help meeting these requirements, or would like to practise your English skills before studying, UC offers English for Academic Purposes (EAP) language programmes. You are also required to meet the language requirements set out by Matatū Aotearoa | Teaching Council of New Zealand.
For the full entry requirements, 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.
Master of Teaching and Learning (Early Childhood)
The MTchLn(EC) consists of 180 points of coursework and includes professional practice in early childhood centres.
Beginning in February, July, or November, the programme will take up to 1.5 years full-time or up to 3 years part-time to complete.
Master of Teaching and Learning (Early Childhood)
Compulsory courses
- TECE458 Curriculum Design
- TECE459 Te reo me nga tikanga Māori
- TECE461 Holistic development, learning and culture
- TECE462 Curriculum and Pedagogy for Infants and Toddlers
- TECE463 Global and local studies of early childhood education
- TECE464 Pedagogy of Play
- TECE665 The Intentional Teacher
- TEPI661 Becoming a professional teacher
- TEPI662 Being a Professional Teacher
- TEPP461 Professional Practice 1
- TEPP462 Professional Practice 2
Master of Teaching and Learning (Early Childhood)
Graduates of the Master in Teaching and Learning (Early Childhood) will meet the requirements for Aotearoa New Zealand teacher registration and will be able to apply advanced knowledge and experience of contemporary educational theory and professional practice to a range of career pathways including:
- teaching roles in early childhood education
- roles in education‑related organisations (government and private)
- educational leadership opportunities
