Graduate Diploma in Teaching and Learning (Early Childhood)
GradDipTchLn(EC)
Duration
1 year full-time
Entry times
January
Scholarships
Pathways
Pathways include:
- Postgraduate Diploma in Education
- Master of Education
- Master of Education (Thesis)
Download Brochure
Duration
1 year full-time
Entry times
January
Scholarships
Pathways
Pathways include:
- Postgraduate Diploma in Education
- Master of Education
- Master of Education (Thesis)
Download Brochure
Overview
The Graduate Diploma in Teaching and Learning (Early Childhood) is for university graduates who wish to become an early childhood teacher, educating children in their vital early years of life, from 0—6 years of age.
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.
- The chance to teach infants, toddlers, and young children in their key developmental phase of life.
- Multiple placements in early childhood and community centres throughout your studies to gain real experience in this career path.
- Flexible study options with the ability to work on campus in Ōtautahi Christchurch, or by distance.
- UC has national and international recognition for producing high-quality teacher graduates.
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.
Find out more about how to apply for graduate and postgraduate qualifications.
Graduate Diploma in Teaching and Learning (Early Childhood) – example degree structure
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Professional Inquiry
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Professional Practice
-
Curriculum Studies
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).
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).
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
There are a range of professional development programmes available for practising teachers at UC — see the list of postgraduate diplomas and master's degrees available.
- Meet Matatū Aotearoa | Teaching Council of New Zealand graduating teachers’ standards requirements and are eligible to apply for registration with the Council as a teacher in Aotearoa.
- Join a rewarding career where you will enhance the lives of infants, toddlers, and young children.
- Gain skills in management, communication, coordination, responsibility, and organisation which will help with careers in and out of the teaching profession.
- Graduates have gone on to owning and operating their own early childhood businesses, and work in various roles within early childhood care, government agencies, and more.
Useful information:
- Read what other UC postgraduate students have gone on to achieve in their studies and careers in our student and graduate profiles.
- 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 you can do with a degree from UC.
- Come along to an upcoming information event for prospective postgraduate students.
See Tuition Fee Structure for more information
Contact us
See more information about our Initial Teacher Education programmes.
For full requirements, see the Regulations for the Graduate Diploma in Teaching and Learning (Early Childhood).
For study planning help, contact our Student Advisor team.
For more information on facilities, resources, and staff, see Te Kaupeka Ako | Faculty of Education.
For more general information, email info@canterbury.ac.nz or freephone 0800 VARSITY (827 748).