Master of Teaching (Early Childhood)

The Master of Teaching (Early Childhood) prepares you for a rewarding career as an early childhood teacher, supporting the learning, development and wellbeing of children from birth to five years.

This two-year postgraduate degree combines contemporary early childhood theory with practical, hands-on experience, helping you build the knowledge, skills and confidence to work in a range of early learning environments. You’ll explore child development, play-based learning, inclusive education and strong partnerships with families and communities.

The course is designed in alignment with the requirements of the Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) for early childhood teaching qualifications, supporting graduates in working towards early childhood teacher recognition in Australia, subject to relevant regulatory requirements.

A key feature of the course is professional experience, where you will complete supervised placements in approved early childhood settings. These placements allow you to apply your learning in real-world environments while developing your teaching practice and professional identity.

For students who may not initially meet direct entry requirements, a Graduate Diploma of Early Childhood Education pathway is available. This provides a supportive entry point into the master’s degree, with the option to exit with a standalone qualification if needed.

Throughout your studies, you will develop a strong foundation in ethical practice, advocacy for children’s rights, and evidence-informed teaching, preparing you to make a meaningful impact in early childhood education.

Course Structure

Qualifications for this award will require successful completion of 96 credit points including the units listed in recommended sequence below comprising 16 core units.

Units

Year 1, Trimester 1

• MTEC100 Foundations of Early Childhood Education & Care

• MTEC101 Child Development (0–5) MTEC200 Play in the Early Years

Year 1, Trimester 2

• MTEC300 Policy, Pedagogy & Curriculum for Infants to Preschoolers (0–5)

• MTEC301 Curriculum Studies

• MTEC500 Collaborative Family and Community Partnerships

Year 1, Trimester 3

• MTEC400 The Early Childhood Professional †

• PRFX201 Professional Experience I * †

Year 2, Trimester 1

• MTEC600 Language and Literacy in Diverse Communities

• MTEC501 Pedagogy, Curriculum and the Creative Arts *

• MTEC700 Inclusive and Trauma Informed Practice

Year 2, Trimester 2

• MTEC601 Diverse Leadership and Critical Pedagogies

• MTEC800 Curriculum Leadership Through Digital Practice

• PRFX401 Professional Experience II *

Year 2, Trimester 3

• MTEC900 Educational Research Methodologies †

• MTEC901 Capstone Research in Early Childhood * †

* Prerequisite(s)

• PRFX201 — (Pre) MTEC100 Foundations of Early Childhood Education & Care

• MTEC501 — (Pre) MTEC300 Policy, Pedagogy & Curriculum for Infants to Preschoolers (0–5) & MTEC301 Curriculum Studies

• PRFX401 — (Pre) PRFX201 Professional Experience I

• MTEC901 — (Pre) PRFX401 Professional Experience II

† Corequisite(s)

• MTEC400 —(Co) PRFX201 Professional Experience I

• PRFX201 — (Co) MTEC400 The Early Childhood Professional

• MTEC900 — (Co) MTEC901 Capstone Research in Early Childhood

• MTEC901 — (Co) MTEC900 Educational Research Methodologies

Domestic Entry Requirements

Applicants to the Master of Teaching (Early Childhood) are required to have completed an Australian AQF Level 7-degree (bachelor’s degree) or equivalent OR;

An Australian Graduate Diploma in a relevant field or equivalent. *

*A relevant field includes but is not limited to early childhood education and care, education, child development, psychology, social work, or health sciences with a child or family focus. Equivalence is assessed against AQF Level 8 criteria and with reference to ACECQA's Guidelines for the Determination of Equivalent Early Childhood Qualifications.”

International Academic and English Requirements

Subject to the above entry requirements, applicants with international qualifications (subject to verification of certified documentation) not delivered in English must demonstrate English equivalency as follows:

1. Academic IELTS: 7.0 or higher overall with no band lower than 7.0; listening and speaking scores of no less than 7.5; or

2. IBT (Internet-based TOEFL) Overall Score of 94, where reading and minimum listening section is 24, writing is 27 and speaking is 23; or

3. Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE): Overall score 185, writing and speaking 185; or

PTE Academic Module with a minimum score of 65 with a writing and speaking section minimum of 65

Although not an admission requirement it is important to note: Prior to commencing the first placement, students are required to undertake and have completed a National Police Check and Working with Children Check. All students will need to provide proof of relevant vaccinations before commencing placement (see your states Health Department website for relevant vaccinations).

A core feature of the course is its embedded professional experience component, consisting of two supervised field placements undertaken in ACECQA-approved early childhood education and care settings. In alignment with ACECQA’s revised 2025 placement requirements (effective 1 July 2025), placements are distributed to ensure that students gain experience across the full early childhood age range. Students will complete a total of 60 days of professional experience, including 30 days with preschoolers and 30 days with infants and toddlers in the last fieldwork placement. This exceeds the minimum requirement of 15 days of supervised professional experience with children under the age of three, introduced in July 2015.

Field placements are progressively sequenced to build competence and confidence in working with diverse learners, families, and service types.

Applicants can apply to have their prior formal study, non-formal learning, and extensive professional experience assessed for credit against the learning outcomes of specific units within the degree. This is detailed and guided by the Awarding Credit Transfer (CT) and Recognised Prior Learning (RPL) in Higher Education Programs Policy and Procedure

Credit transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) may be granted for up to 50% of the course*.

*Professional placement units are not eligible for credit transfer or RPL in ACECQA-accredited courses.

Acknowledge will be seeking professional accreditation from ACECQA

Graduates of the MTeach EC would be eligible for ACECQA recognition as Early Childhood Teachers and can work across a variety of settings, including:

• Early childhood education and care services

• Kindergartens and preschools

• Inclusive education and community services

• Government and non-government policy and advocacy roles.

Typical roles include:

• Early Childhood Teacher (ECT)

• Educational Leader

• Centre Director

• Inclusion Support Worker

• Curriculum and Pedagogy Advisor.

Domestic Students

FEE-HELP

FEE-HELP is a Commonwealth Government loan available to eligible students enrolled in AE Courses in order to help pay all or part of their tuition fees.

FEE-HELP is available for all Units of Study for eligible students.

Details about HELP loans including eligibility requirements and repayment of a HELP debt can be found on the Fee-help website.

The current FEE-HELP Information Booklet can be downloaded here.

AE Student Review Procedures for Re-Crediting a FEE-HELP Balance can be downloaded here.

If you have any questions about applying for FEE-HELP please contact us at: https://www.studyassist.gov.au/financial-and-study-support/fee-help

International Student

Indicative total tuition fee: TBA

Administration fee: TBA

View fee list here. - TBA

TBA

Students can review the criteria that may impact their course progression here. For placement-related information, please refer to the Student Handbook. A range of support services are also available, including academic and non-academic support resources to help you throughout your studies.

Students are not required to purchase textbooks or e-books. Note that AE provides comprehensive digital library access at no additional cost, including: ProQuest eBook Central, SAGE eBooks, ProQuest Sociology Collection, EBSCOhost, and Early Childhood Australia publications. Reference available student support (24/7 helpline, Learning Resource Specialists, eLearning Support Officers) for navigating digital materials.

To enrol as an international student, follow these steps:

1. Submit an enquiry through our website or contact our admissions team

2. Provide your academic transcripts and English test results for assessment

3. Receive your Letter of Offer and accept the offer

4. Pay your initial tuition deposit

5. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) for your visa application

Start Your Application

If you're currently studying in Australia and considering a new course, there are important regulations to be aware of:

View Enrolment Guide

Yes, we offer Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and credit transfer for relevant previous qualifications. Credit transfer depends on the relevance and level of your previous studies and how they align with this course.

Contact our admissions team for a free assessment of your eligibility for credit transfer. Credit transfer may reduce your study duration and overall tuition fees, depending on the outcome of the assessment.

Changes to your course or provider may impact your student visa. You must ensure you continue to meet your visa conditions, including maintaining enrolment in a registered course.

For specific advice about your visa, please contact the Department of Home Affairs or a registered migration agent/lawyer.

Students studying in designated regional areas may have access to additional visa-related benefits under current government settings.

• Lower cost of living compared to major cities

• Strong employment opportunities in growing regional economies

As visa regulations can change, students should refer to the Department of Home Affairs for the most up-to-date information.

https://www.homeaffairs.gov.au/

We provide comprehensive support services for international students:

• Academic support and tutoring

• Career services and employment assistance

• Student welfare and counselling

• Accommodation assistance

• Orientation programs for new students

• Support with understanding student visa conditions and compliance requirements