Graduate Diploma in Teaching and Learning (Early Childhood)
GradDipTchLn(EC)
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.
Students study the Diploma either on campus or via distance. Distance students study their programme off campus, and attend three on-campus intensives.
Students who successfully complete the Diploma will meet Matatū Aotearoa | Teaching Council of New Zealand graduating teachers standards requirements and may be eligible for provisional registration with the Council as a teacher in Aotearoa New Zealand.
UC's Te Rāngai Ako me te Hauora | College of Education, Health and Human Development has a national and international reputation for producing high-quality teacher graduates based on a 135-year tradition. UC is ranked in the top 250 universities in the world for Education and Training (QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2021).
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.
Graduate Diploma in Teaching and Learning (Early Childhood) – example degree structure
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Professional Inquiry
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Professional Practice
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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.
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
There are a range of professional development programmes available for practicing teachers at UC – see the list of postgraduate diplomas and master's degrees available.
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.
See Tuition Fee Structure for more information
Year | Points | Info | Fees (NZD) |
2020 | 150 | Banded Fee - total tuition fee dependent on course selection | $7,766 |
2021 | 150 | Banded Fee - total tuition fee dependent on course selection | $7,851 |
Year | Points | Info | Fees (NZD) |
2020 | 150 | Special (Set) Programme Fee | $30,000 |
2021 | 150 | Special (Set) Programme Fee | $32,500 |
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 Rāngai Ako me te Hauora | College of Education, Health and Human Development.
For more general information, email info@canterbury.ac.nz or freephone 0800 VARSITY (827 748).