The Master of Teaching (Early Childhood) prepares you to specialise in early years learning and development.

Why study at Melbourne?

1. Readiness to teach. Be confident in education settings by integrating the latest theory with practice so you can work with learners of all abilities and evaluate, identify and support their individual learning needs as they evolve over time.
2. Practical experience and unparalleled support. Become an active member of a school or early childhood community from your first semester and be supported by a Mentor Teacher and Clinical Specialist every step of the way.
3. Holistic approach to teaching. As well as creating high impact learning environments, gain other important skills such as establishing safe environments and promoting positive behaviours to nurture wellbeing for yourself and your students, and encourage future generations to adopt an ecological mindset through sustainable practices.
4. Indigenous perspectives. Build a greater understanding of Indigenous worldviews, in particular Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ways of knowing and being, so you are empowered with inclusive learning activities for the next generation of Australian citizens.
5. Influence and shape educational communities. Build capabilities to confidently take on leadership positions as you embark on your career.

The Master of Teaching (Early Childhood) is for those:

• Seeking to gain a qualification accredited by the Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) to teach specialised early years learning and development
• Pursuing a career in children’s services coordination, early childhood research, policy formation, quality regulation and assessment or positions involving early intervention for children with special needs.

Students who have completed a bachelors degree at the University of Melbourne have access to a Guaranteed Entry pathway into the Master of Teaching. This includes early admission into the Master of Teaching and a Commonwealth Supported Place (for Domestic students only). If you’re a year 12 student, you can secure your place in the Master of Teaching program with one of our new Graduate Degree Packages, comprising both a bachelors and masters qualification.

You will learn through our clinical model of education, which is unique in Australia. Connecting with our latest research, you will become skilled in assessing individual student abilities and being able to adapt your teaching to support the needs of each student in your classroom as they grow and develop over time.

In your final year, you will undertake a professional Work Integrated Learning (WIL) experience, deeply exploring an area of learning of your choice. This includes a placement relevant to your chosen topic, which can be in non-education settings such as hospitals, museums, art galleries and more. This experience provides an opportunity for reflection and growth that aligns with the continuous professional learning approach in teaching practice.

Study structure

You will learn from the latest theory and research through a blend of flexible online and on-campus cohort experiences, alongside highly supported placements in both early childhood settings and primary schools.

The course is offered full time over two years or extended over three years, and requires completion of 200 credit points of study.

View this course in the Handbook

Highly employable

Our graduates are prepared for the challenging work of being an educator, which sets them apart with employers. Our network of early childhood centres and schools often approach us directly with job prospects. There are regular opportunities to move into roles that influence and shape the direction of a school or early childhood service. Our program ensures graduates have the capabilities and confidence to move into leadership positions and make a difference.

Careers

The Master of Teaching (Early Childhood) is accredited by the Australian Children’s Education & Care Quality Authority (ACECQA). Graduates may apply for registration to work in Australian early childhood education and care settings.

This program also benefits other career paths in government (policy reform), research and community roles including:

• Children’s services coordination
• Youth health and wellbeing
• Assessment and evaluation
• Quality regulation and assessment.

Industry connections

You will develop connections with community and industry that will open doors to an outstanding future through your studies and placements.

Research pathways

Graduates interested in pursuing a research pathway can apply for the Master of Education (Research), which provides research training experience for potential entry to the Doctor of Philosophy – Education.

Have an undergraduate degree in any discipline, AND Complete and meet all benchmarks for the Teacher Capability Assessment Tool (TCAT).

IELTS (academic English Only): 7.0 (written 7.0 and no band less than 7.0)
TOEFL Internet-based test: 94 + ; Writing 27; Speaking 24; Reading 24; Listening 24;
Pearson Test of English Academic: 65 + no communicative skill below 65