Postgraduate | 2026

Master of Teaching (Early Childhood Education)

Start date

February, July

Campus

Magill, Mawson Lakes

Mount Gambier

Whyalla

Duration

2 year(s) full-time

Mode

Hybrid

Program code

MATEC

Study as

Full-time

Indicative annual fees

$41,300

Prerequisite

None

Assumed knowledge

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

English language requirements

IELTS Overall 7.0 IELTS Reading 7.0 IELTS Listening 7.0 IELTS Speaking 7.0 IELTS Writing 7.0 Equivalent English qualifications

CRICOS code

115961F

Entry requirements

Admission criteria

To be eligible for admission, an applicant must have achieved the following minimum entry requirement and fulfill 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) or bachelor honours (AQF level 8) degree with an overall Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher (or equivalent academic performance) or equivalent from a recognised higher education institution which includes completion of a total of one year full-time equivalent study that has direct relation to one or more Learning Areas that align with the Australian Primary school curriculum. A minimum of half a year of that study must be focussed on only one Learning Area.

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.

English language entry requirements

In addition, international students who speak English as an additional language must have obtained one of the following standards within the last two years prior to admission. Possession of one or more of these qualifications, in addition to the academic entry requirements, does not, in itself, guarantee a place at Adelaide University. Applications are considered on an individual basis and selection is competitive. Where previous study/work experience was conducted in English, the application must be accompanied by certified documentation from the educational institution/employer certifying that the language of instruction/employment was English.

IELTS Overall 7.0
IELTS Reading 7.0
IELTS Listening 7.0
IELTS Speaking 7.0
IELTS Writing 7.0

Please access the following link for a comprehensive list of English language tests accepted by Adelaide University and other important information in relation to meeting the University’s language requirements:

Equivalent English qualifications

International admissions by country

Country	Score
Australia - GPA 7.0 Scale	N/A

Why Master of Teaching (Early Childhood Education)?

Become an inspiring early childhood educator or deepen your teaching expertise.

Early childhood teachers guide children from the very beginning of their educational journey. It’s a pivotal time, with studies showing that quality early years teaching has a lasting impact on learning and development (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare). You won’t just teach basic language and maths skills – you’ll also 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

Adelaide University’s 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 daycare centres, preschools and junior schools up to Year 2. If you already hold a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education, this program will deepen your expertise and expand your teaching scope.

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 400 hours. One will be a 20-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.

Please note, a Working With Children Check (Police check) is required for all students to undertake placements and graduate.

What courses you'll study

Complete 96 units comprising:

66 units from Core courses, and
12 to 18 units from Work integrated learning, and
12 to 18 units from Electives

Complete exactly 66 units from the following:

	Course code	Units
Course name Language development	Course code EDUC5005	Units 6
Course name Play Based Learning, Theories and Pedagogies	Course code EDUC5001	Units 6
Course name Brain, Learning and Education	Course code EDUC5109	Units 6
Course name Early Numeracy	Course code EDUC5004	Units 6
Course name English and EALD Education: Learning to Read	Course code EDUC6010	Units 6
Course name Effective Pedagogical Practices and Engaging Young Learners and Guiding Behaviour	Course code EDUC5101	Units 6
Course name English: Literacies and Literatures	Course code EDUC6006	Units 6
Course name Curriculum and Pedagogies 1: Arts, HASS and Languages Education	Course code EDUC6101	Units 6
Course name Curriculum and Pedagogies 2: Health and PE, Design and Technologies	Course code EDUC6102	Units 6
Course name Mathematics Education 1	Course code EDUC6013	Units 6
Course name Science Education	Course code EDUC6012	Units 6

Complete 12 to 18 units from the following:

	Course code	Units
Course name Professional Experience Placement 1	Course code EDUC5900	Units 6
Course name Professional Experience Placement J	Course code EDUC6901	Units 6
Course name Professional Experience Placement B2	Course code EDUC6900	Units 6

Complete 12 to 18 units from the following:

	Course code	Units
Course name English: Literacies and Literatures	Course code EDUC6006	Units 6
Course name First Nations Peoples and Knowledges and Culturally Responsive Teaching	Course code INDG5000	Units 6
Course name Working with Number	Course code EDUC2011	Units 6
Course name Teaching Linguistically Diverse Learners	Course code EDUC2036	Units 6
Course name Young Peoples’ Literatures	Course code EDUC2037	Units 6
Course name Pedagogies for the Humanities and Social Sciences: An Interdisciplinary Approach	Course code EDUC2040	Units 6
Course name Becoming an Educator with an Arts Specialisation	Course code EDUC2004	Units 6
Course name Science of People, Society and the Future Planet	Course code SCIE1001	Units 6

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.

How to apply

Check your eligibility

Before you begin, find the degree you wish to study and check you meet the academic entry requirements and English language requirements.

Entry requirements

Gather your relevant documents

Ensure you have all supporting documentation needed at the time of application to avoid delays.

How to apply

Complete and send your application

Apply through one of the University’s official agency partners, or via our online application system.

Apply now

How to apply

Applications for international students are open now, to begin your studies in 2026.

Apply through one of the University’s official Education Agents, or via our International Application System.

Find an Education Agent

Depending on your country of citizenship, you may be required to apply through one of our Education Agents.

Find an education agent in your country

FAQs

Explore answers to some of our most frequently asked questions.

From August 2025 you can apply as a domestic student for entry to Adelaide University in 2026.
Applications for 2026 will be via SATAC for most undergraduate and postgraduate coursework programs. A direct application process will be available for 100% online degrees at a later date. In the meantime, you could start your degree at UniSA or the University of Adelaide and continue at Adelaide University.

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, including after-hours support provided via Studiosity through live online chat 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 (GP) to discuss acute and preventative health care matters.
Information and advice for international students regarding accommodation, student life, visa and work rights 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 our Academic calendar. 

View all FAQs

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 degree is offered at the following campus(es)

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: