Master of Teaching (Early Childhood)

at University of South Australia

This degree has been designed to develop skilled, committed and flexible early childhood educators.

The focus is on practical learning, particularly relating to the principles and concepts relevant to early childhood development and learning. You will focus on four major areas:
 

• child development
• curriculum studies
• professional experience
• education studies

You will also study mandatory courses in:
 

• English
• mathematics
• science

Courses studied will include on-campus lectures and workshops; some courses will also be offered fully online or with online support. Learning will be supplemented with online lectures, learning activities, readings and discussion boards.

During the degree you will participate in four supervised placements in childcare, preschool/kindergarten and junior primary schools, totalling 80 days.

Applicants must have completed:
 

• an AQF Bachelor degree or equivalent from a recognised higher education institution with a competitive GPA, noting that entry is competitive and based on academic merit; and
• one year of full-time equivalent study, as part of their Bachelor degree or equivalent, relevant to one or more learning areas of the primary school curriculum (Arts, English, Health and Physical Education, Humanities and Social Sciences, Languages, Mathematics, Science, Technologies), which includes a minimum half a year of equivalent study relevant to one of the learning areas of the primary school curriculum.

Additional entry requirements
In accordance with national teacher education program standards, applicants must also fulfil non-academic entry requirements. All applicants will be required to submit a 400-600 word Teaching Capabilities Statement with their SATAC application, about their motivation to teach, addressing the topics: 'Explain what you think teaching involves. Outline the personal and academic qualities you possess that will enable you to become an effective teacher. Describe your attitude to learning and provide an example of something you have learned that was meaningful'.

English language entry requirements

In addition to meeting academic entry requirements, international students who speak English as a second or additional language must also meet the University's English language entry requirements. The minimum language requirements for this program are:

English language test
 

• IELTS total [7.0]
• IELTS reading [7.0]
• IELTS writing [7.0]
• IELTS speaking [7.5]
• IELTS listening [7.5]

FEES 

AUD$ 31,900 per annum (per 1.0 EFTSL)

If you want to make a difference, have an interest in childhood development, and have the patience, warmth, integrity and communication skills needed when working with young children, this master degree may be for you.

This specialised teaching field shows promising job prospects, with very strong growth in Australia1. Careers to consider:
 

• childcare educator: encourage the healthy intellectual and psychological growth of children aged from birth to four years of age
• kindergarten teacher: responsible for a child’s first education experience; this role often encompasses introducing basic skills, including letters, numbers, social science and behavioural skills
• preschool teacher: educate and care for children aged three to five years
• junior primary teacher: develop lesson plans in line with curriculum objectives and facilitate classroom learning for children aged five to eight