Postgraduate Diploma in Teaching and Learning (Early Childhood)
- Degree Structure - Start In
- Semester 1 (February)
150
Overview
Postgraduate Diploma in Teaching and Learning (Early Childhood)
UC’s Postgraduate Diploma in Teaching and Learning (Early Childhood) offers a professional teacher education qualification for students who already hold a degree.
This hands-on programme develops the knowledge and skills required to gain registration with the Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand, and embark on a career in early childhood education.
Through coursework, research, and professional placements you will examine the holistic development of infants, toddlers, and young children, as well as curriculum design and play pedagogy. Combined, this knowledge will enable you to create intentional, culturally responsive teaching strategies that contribute to child wellbeing and equitable learning outcomes.
Postgraduate Diploma in Teaching and Learning (Early Childhood)
- Professional placements in early childhood settings.
- Examine global ideas and frameworks that shape early childhood education.
- Develop working expertise in Te Whāriki (Aotearoa early childhood curriculum).
- Learn to make sound, research‑informed decisions that support equitable outcomes for tamariki, whānau, and communities.
Postgraduate Diploma in Teaching and Learning (Early Childhood)
Students wanting to enrol in the PGDipTchLn(EC) must have qualified for a relevant bachelor's degree with a B average 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 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.
Postgraduate Diploma in Teaching and Learning (Early Childhood)
The PGDipTchLn(EC) consists of 150 points of coursework and includes professional practice in early childhood centres.
Beginning in February, the programme will take 1 year full-time or up to 3 years part-time to complete.
Postgraduate Diploma in 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
- 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
Graduates can continue onto the Master of Teaching and Learning (Early Childhood).
Postgraduate Diploma in Teaching and Learning (Early Childhood)
Graduates will meet the requirements for Aotearoa New Zealand teacher registration, enabling them to begin their career in the early childhood education sector or other education-related organisations or government agencies in Aotearoa.
