Graduate Diploma in Teaching and Learning (Early Childhood)

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), and approval from the Dean of Education and Health Sciences, on the recommendation of a Selection Committee.

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

As places are limited we strongly recommend that you apply for programme entry as early as possible. Applications are open anytime, and close four weeks before the start of the programme in late January, or when places are filled (whichever comes first).

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.

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

While the programme is conducted flexibly on campus or by distance, students are required to attend two on-campus intensives during the year.

Students also attend professional practice placements in early childhood centres throughout their programme. These placements are arranged by Te Rāngai Ako me te Hauora | College of Education, Health and Human Development.

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:

• TEPI 361 Becoming a Professional Teacher
• TEPI 362 Being a Professional Teacher
• TEPP 361 Professional Practice 1
• TEPP 362 Professional Practice 2
• TECE 358 Curriculum Design
• TECE 359 Te Reo me ngā Tikanga Māori
• TECE 361 Holistic Development, Learning and Culture
• TECE 362 Curriculum for Infants and Toddlers
• TECE 364 Pedagogy of Play
• TECE 365 The Intentional Teacher

Successful completion of this Graduate Diploma meets Matatū Aotearoa | Teaching Council of New Zealand graduating teachers’ standards requirements. Upon successful completion, graduates may apply to the Teaching Council for provisional registration which enables them to apply for teaching positions in Aotearoa.

This programme is designed to meet the requirements of Aotearoa settings. Applicants should contact the relevant authorities for international requirements.

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.