Master of Teaching (Early Childhood Education)

Postgraduate | 2026

Mode

On Campus

Start date

February

Campus

Magill, Mawson Lakes

Mt Gambier,Whyalla

Duration

2 year(s) full-time

Program code

MATEC

Study as

Full time or part time

Indicative annual fees

Commonwealth Supported

Non-tuition fees

SATAC code

ACM222

ACM236 Whyalla

ACM237 Mt Gambier

Prerequisite

None

Assumed knowledge

Assumed knowledge in the Australian Curriculum subject areas used for entry to the program is required

Entry requirements

Admission criteria

To be eligible, an applicant must have achieved the following minimum entry requirement and demonstrate they fulfil any essential criteria for admission. In cases where there are more eligible applicants than available places, admission will be competitive with ranks based on the entry criteria.

A completed bachelor (AQF level 7) degree or higher from a recognised higher education institution with a competitive Grade Point Average (GPA), which indicates a total of one year, full-time equivalent study that aligns with one or more Learning Areas of the Australian Curriculum.

Essential requirements

All applicants are required to submit a 400-600 word Teaching Capabilities Statement (TCS) with their application. In the TCS, applicants describe their motivation to teach. The TCS assesses non-academic entry requirements in accordance with national teacher education program standards.

Prior to undertaking any professional experience placement that involves contact with minors (under 18 years of age), students will be required to provide a successful Working with Children Check (WWCC) with the Department of Human Services. Information on the procedure to be followed for obtaining clearance will be provided with the letter of offer and may be viewed at the Teaching and Education Placements web page. These placements form a compulsory part of the program. A successful clearance is also required for visits to education sites in other courses, to enter any school, pre-school or childcare centre for any reason, including on placement, observation, internships or visits.

Note:

Please note that entry requirements for this degree are provisional and subject to change.

Why Master of Teaching (Early Childhood Education)?

Start, pivot or progress your teaching career.

As an early childhood teacher, you can encourage curiosity and creativity in the classroom. Support children and families from all walks of life. Nurture confidence, social skills and a lifelong love of learning.

Adelaide University’s Master of Teaching (Early Childhood Education) prepares you to teach children from birth to eight years of age. With 60 days of hands-on placements in early childhood and junior school settings, you’ll graduate ready to make a meaningful impact in young lives.

Overview

Our Master of Teaching (Early Childhood Education) prepares you to thrive – in the classroom and in the broader education landscape. Master modern teaching techniques, understand the nuances of childhood development, and discover how to create safe and inclusive learning environments for all students. Explore various education philosophies and teaching methods to refine your own unique teaching style. Learn how to implement play-based activities to engage and inspire young minds.

You’ll gain invaluable practical experience with 60 days of professional placements, and graduate ready to teach in a variety of settings. If you already hold a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education, this program will deepen your expertise and expand your teaching scope.

You can also choose to study this program at our regional campuses in Mount Gambier and Whyalla.

Key features

Gain a qualification to teach early childhood, ages birth to eight years
Learn how to integrate play-based approaches across the Australian Curriculum.
Build practical skills through 480 hours of work placements.
Study in modern, purpose-built learning spaces.
Develop culturally responsive and inclusive teaching practices.
Graduate eligible for registration with the Teachers Registration Board of South Australia.

What you'll learn

Become a nurturing and effective early years teacher in just two years of full-time study. With flexible study options, you could even be working in primary schools from your second year, while completing your studies. Graduate with an extended scope of practice in early childhood education, ready to meet the evolving demands of modern education and teach children from birth to eight years.

Gain a thorough understanding of childhood growth and development. Refine your skills in leadership and advocacy, ready to support children and families in diverse and challenging circumstances. Investigate the histories and philosophies of early education, exploring contemporary and alternative approaches. Master effective methods for teaching early literacy and numeracy.

In your first year, you’ll learn to plan, implement and document play-based learning activities. Explore concepts of language development – understanding how it works, develops and is used by children. Discover evidence-informed approaches to cultivate wellbeing and resilience, addressing inequalities and trauma in culturally diverse communities. During your second semester, complete a 10-day professional work placement in a real-world setting.

Your second year focuses on teaching early literacy and topics across the Australian Curriculum, including the Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences, Languages, Health and Physical Education, Mathematics, Science, and Design and Technologies. During this year, you’ll complete two professional placements totalling 60 days. One will be a 30-day placement in a preschool setting, working with children aged three to five. The other will be a 30-day placement in a Junior Primary setting, teaching children in Reception (the foundation year) to Year 2. If you already hold a Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood Education), you’ll complete one placement in a Junior Primary setting and a specialisation course instead of the early childhood placement.

A Working With Children Check (Police check) is required for all students to undertake placements and graduate. In addition, you must pass the Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Educators (LANTITE) prior to undertaking the final placement course.

What courses you'll study

Complete 96 units comprising:

72 units for all Core courses, and
24 units for all Work integrated learning

Complete 72 units for ALL of the following:

	Course code	Units
Course name Languages Education and First Nations Knowledges	Course code EDUC1018	Units 6
Course name Exploring Mathematics through Play	Course code EDUC3001	Units 6
Course name Learning about Literacies and Text Production	Course code EDUC2112	Units 6
Course name Pedagogies in Early Childhood	Course code EDUC5069	Units 6
Course name Play Pedagogies in Early Childhood	Course code EDUC5253	Units 6
Course name Classroom Management and Inclusive Education	Course code EDUC6008	Units 6
Course name Curriculum and Pedagogies 1: Arts and Technologies Education	Course code EDUC6115	Units 6
Course name Curriculum and Pedagogies 2: Health and Physical Education and Humanities and Social Sciences Education	Course code EDUC6116	Units 6
Course name Learning About Language	Course code EDUCX105	Units 6
Course name Mathematics Education 1	Course code EDUCX106	Units 6
Course name Learning About Reading	Course code EDUCX215	Units 6
Course name Science Education	Course code EDUCX222	Units 6

Course name		Course code	Units
Year 1
Semester 1
	Course name Learning About Language	Course code EDUCX105	Units 6
	Course name Languages Education and First Nations Knowledges	Course code EDUC1018	Units 6
	Course name Play Pedagogies in Early Childhood	Course code EDUC5253	Units 6
	Course name Professional Experience 1: Infant and Toddler Pedagogies Practices	Course code EDUC5908	Units 6
Semester 2
	Course name Pedagogies in Early Childhood	Course code EDUC5069	Units 6
	Course name Exploring Mathematics through Play	Course code EDUC3001	Units 6
	Course name Learning About Reading	Course code EDUCX215	Units 6
	Course name Professional Experience 2: Preschool Pedagogies and Practices	Course code EDUC6900	Units 6
Year 2
Semester 1
	Course name Science Education	Course code EDUCX222	Units 6
	Course name Curriculum and Pedagogies 1: Arts and Technologies Education	Course code EDUC6115	Units 6
	Course name Curriculum and Pedagogies 2: Health and Physical Education and Humanities and Social Sciences Education	Course code EDUC6116	Units 6
	Course name Mathematics Education 1	Course code EDUCX106	Units 6
Semester 2
	Course name Learning about Literacies and Text Production	Course code EDUC2112	Units 6
	Course name Classroom Management and Inclusive Education	Course code EDUC6008	Units 6
	Course name Professional Experience 3: Inquiry into Practice (Junior Primary)	Course code EDUC6901	Units 12

Complete 24 units for ALL of the following:

	Course code	Units
Course name Professional Experience 1: Infant and Toddler Pedagogies Practices	Course code EDUC5908	Units 6
Course name Professional Experience 2: Preschool Pedagogies and Practices	Course code EDUC6900	Units 6
Course name Professional Experience 3: Inquiry into Practice (Junior Primary)	Course code EDUC6901	Units 12

Course name		Course code	Units
Year 1
Semester 1
	Course name Learning About Language	Course code EDUCX105	Units 6
	Course name Languages Education and First Nations Knowledges	Course code EDUC1018	Units 6
	Course name Play Pedagogies in Early Childhood	Course code EDUC5253	Units 6
	Course name Professional Experience 1: Infant and Toddler Pedagogies Practices	Course code EDUC5908	Units 6
Semester 2
	Course name Pedagogies in Early Childhood	Course code EDUC5069	Units 6
	Course name Exploring Mathematics through Play	Course code EDUC3001	Units 6
	Course name Learning About Reading	Course code EDUCX215	Units 6
	Course name Professional Experience 2: Preschool Pedagogies and Practices	Course code EDUC6900	Units 6
Year 2
Semester 1
	Course name Science Education	Course code EDUCX222	Units 6
	Course name Curriculum and Pedagogies 1: Arts and Technologies Education	Course code EDUC6115	Units 6
	Course name Curriculum and Pedagogies 2: Health and Physical Education and Humanities and Social Sciences Education	Course code EDUC6116	Units 6
	Course name Mathematics Education 1	Course code EDUCX106	Units 6
Semester 2
	Course name Learning about Literacies and Text Production	Course code EDUC2112	Units 6
	Course name Classroom Management and Inclusive Education	Course code EDUC6008	Units 6
	Course name Professional Experience 3: Inquiry into Practice (Junior Primary)	Course code EDUC6901	Units 12

Career outcomes

Graduate with a qualification recognised by the Australian Children’s Education & Care Quality Authority and the Teacher Registration Board of South Australia. This will allow you to register and work as a teacher in early childhood and care sites, including daycare centres, preschools and in schools up to Year 2. Whether guiding toddlers in language acquisition, supporting neurodivergent learners to access the curriculum or encouraging children to express themselves creatively – you can have a rewarding and deeply impactful career.

Industry trends

In 2023, the Royal Commission into Early Childhood Education and Care unveiled its final report into early childhood development in South Australia. The report outlines an ambitious vision to make South Australia a nation leader in early childhood development. The key goals include reducing the number of children entering school with developmental issues, providing up to 30 hours of preschool per week for 3- and 4-year-olds needing extra support, rapidly applying new scientific findings, and spearheading national policy discussions on early childhood education.

Adelaide University’s Master of Teaching (Early Childhood Education) is designed with these recommendations in mind, ensuring you are prepared to meet the future needs of the industry.

Accreditation

Adelaide University is working through relevant approvals for program accreditation ahead of students commencing in 2026.

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FAQs

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Applications for Australian students to study at Adelaide University will open in August 2025. Applications will be via SATAC for most undergraduate and postgraduate coursework programs.

Applications to study a 100% online degree will open in July 2025 via a direct application process.

In the meantime, you could start your studies at UniSA or the University of Adelaide in 2025 and continue on to Adelaide University in 2026.

Adelaide University is South Australia’s largest university with seven campuses across the state. Adelaide City Campus is in the heart of the central business district (including eastern and western precincts), while our Magill, Mawson Lakes and Waite campuses are located within the inner suburbs of Adelaide. Our Mount Gambier, Roseworthy and Whyalla campuses are set in the regions of South Australia. Building on our digital and online learning successes, we aim to also deliver online education to more students than any other Australian university.

Each of our campuses is equipped with cutting-edge, discipline specific facilities, contemporary study spaces and well-resourced libraries. Our city and suburban campuses also feature on-site gyms and eateries, and health services on, or nearby, campus.

You will be well supported academically, socially, emotionally and spiritually with access to on-campus facilities and services such as counselling, learning support, childcare, prayer rooms and more.

You will be well supported through a range of services at Adelaide University to ensure you get the most out of your student experience. Support services include:

Academic learning support, spanning assistance with writing, referencing, mathematics and more.
Advice and advocacy regarding access, adjustments and inclusivity if you have a disability, impairment, chronic health condition or significant caring responsibilities.
Libraries providing flexible study spaces, access to books, computer suites and online resources – as well as referencing support, search tips and more.
Career development hub, including extensive self-help resources, online learning programs, on-campus events, workshops and networking, one-on-one advice, and job search support.
Qualified counsellors who can provide confidential support to manage your mental health and wellbeing.
On-campus medical clinics on-site where you can make an appointment with a General Practitioner to discuss acute and preventative health care matters.
Information and advice for international students regarding accommodation, student life, and academic policies and procedures.
An active and visible LGBTIQA+ Ally Network that ensures the University provides a supportive environment where all staff and students can safely work and study free of harassment or discrimination.
Prayer rooms on campus, including gender specific spaces for worship purposes.
Campus security available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to ensure all students feel safe on campus.
A range of scholarships offered to commencing and continuing students each year to make university life a little easier.
A number of social outlets including student lounges, gyms, student-led clubs, sports teams and free events throughout the year.

Your tuition fees will depend on your program of study and enrolment load. You can find the annual fees relevant to your program on the specific degree page under the ‘fees’ section. The annual fee payable for your chosen program will also be outlined in your Offer of Admission.

Adelaide University will open in January 2026. Your studies will start at different times depending on what study period you’ve applied for. Adelaide University is currently using a semester model, which means most degrees start in Semester 1. Some degrees are also available to start in mid-year, sometimes with a different degree structure. 

Studies at Adelaide University typically commence in:  

February for Semester 1  
July for Semester 2.

Some degrees, such as the Bachelor of Medical Studies and Master of Business Administration, will have different starting dates. View the relevant degree page for more detail. 

For other key dates, including census dates and exam periods, you can view the Academic calendar. 

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Your study experience and support

Adelaide University sets you up for success in your studies – and your social life. You’ll have access to work placement and internship opportunities, overseas study tours and exchanges, networking events with guest speakers and more. Our campuses are equipped with purpose-built facilities including lecture theatres, libraries, workshops, laboratories, and spaces that simulate real work environments. These are all supported by the latest technologies and a 24/7 online learning platform with personalised study information and resources.

You’ll have everything you need to live well and thrive during your studies, with health services on campus, gymnasiums, technology zones and modern student lounges. Get involved in campus sport or join our student clubs that will connect you to your passions – and the people who share them.

Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit your individual requirements and budget, with options ranging from dedicated student accommodation to private rentals. One of the world’s most liveable cities, Adelaide has lots of leafy parks, gardens and social hubs – and some of the highest living standards globally. No matter where you are in Adelaide, you’re only a short distance from beaches, vineyards, museums, art galleries, restaurants, bars and parklands. Visit the accommodation web page to find out more.

Student services

We’re here to support you on your student journey. Adelaide University offers a range of support services and facilities, including:

Career advice and mentoring services
Personal counselling
LGBTQIA+ support
Academic support
Fees and finance help
Security services
Accommodation services
Common rooms
Prayer rooms.

You’ll also have unlimited access to our dedicated student support hub. Visit in-person or online, or contact our friendly team by phone. We can assist you with anything study-related including enrolment, identification cards, timetables, fees and more.

Your campus

You'll be studying at one of our renowned campuses, accessing cutting-edge facilities and contemporary study spaces.

This program is offered at our Magill, Mount Gambier and Whyalla campuses.

Study hours

Your courses will require a combination of different learning formats, including lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Aside from your classes, you’ll also need to allocate additional time for independent study. This may include assignments, readings, projects and contributing to online discussion forums. As a rough guide, full-time studies may require 12-26 hours of class time and 14-18 hours of independent study per week.

Assessment

During your studies at Adelaide University, you’ll complete a mixture of practical, professional and research-based learning. Your assessment types will vary depending on the degree you’re studying, but may include:

Case studies
Essays and assignments
Examinations
Group projects
Internships and placements
Practicals
Presentations
Reports and project documentations
Research projects
Workplace and classroom contributions.

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Master of Teaching (Early Childhood Education)