Video transcript
 

Behind every successful learner, is a great educator. Behind every great educator, is an exceptional leader.

A leader who supports and empowers teachers to do their best work.

A leader who is committed to improving learning experiences for all children, and knows that raising the quality of education for one child, raises us all.

A leader who looks to the wider world to improve pedagogy and practice but turns to their community to make decisions, together.

Whether shaping policy or guiding strategy, lead learning in early childhood education and create positive outcomes for students, families and communities with the ECU accelerated online Master of Education.

 

Learning outcomes

  • Research and practice

    Understand, critique and apply the latest research and strategies in early childhood education to improve your practice and ensure better outcomes for children.

  • Leadership

    Be an advocate for early childhood education through effective leadership. Apply strategies across pedagogical practices and programs to instigate change for the benefit of children, students and the community.

  • Global perspective

    Develop a global perspective of early childhood education and its impact on curriculum, education systems, community and leadership across Australia and in local contexts.

  • Language and literacy

    Explore evidence-based research on teaching and learning language and literacy in contemporary early childhood contexts.

Career outcomes

Upon successfully completing the Master of Education (Early Childhood Education), you will have the knowledge of pedagogy and leadership skills to excel in a number of roles including:

  • Educational/Classroom Leader
  • Pedagogical Leader
  • Early Childhood Literacy Consultant
  • Kindergarten Improvement Advisor
  • Director of Early Childhood

 

What you will study

The Master of Education (Early Childhood Education) comprises four core units of study and four specialisation units of study.

Through this advanced coursework, you will deepen your understanding of contemporary issues in pedagogy, practice, policy, curriculum, assessment strategies and leadership in early childhood education. You will also critically reflect on your practice, with a particular focus on leading change in pedagogy and practice to advocate for children and their learning and establish positive outcomes for families and communities.

 

 

Entry criteria

Core units
  • Leading Education in a Global Context

    This unit examines the issue of globalisation and its impact on education, systems and leaders.

  • Assessment in Education: Policies, Pedagogy and Equity

    This unit explores contemporary issues associated with assessment relevant to all phases of education and learning areas.

  • Inquiry-Based Practice

    This unit examines a variety of academic inquiry practices.

  • Advanced Seminar

    This unit explores educational research and how education theory relates to educational practice.

Course admission requirements

To gain entry into the Master of Education (Early Childhood Education), you will have a Bachelor of Education or a Bachelor level degree in any other field plus a Graduate Diploma of Education or Master of Teaching. You are required to have 2 years experience in educational setting or organisation, with equivalents considered. You will also be required to meet English Language Requirements (Band 4).

Specialised units
  • Leading Early Childhood Pedagogy and Practice (0-8 years)

    This unit examines leadership in early childhood settings and explores factors that impact on pedagogy and practice.

  • Leading Family and Community in the Early Years (0-8 years)

    This unit examines current research on the nature of leadership, the role of integrated services and the importance of professional identity.

  • Contemporary Issues in Early Childhood Education

    This unit builds on international and national contemporary research and discussion on early childhood models of curriculum delivery, leadership, pedagogy, policy and legislative reforms.

  • Language and Literacy in Early Childhood

    This unit critically explores evidence-based research about teaching and learning language and literacy in contemporary early childhood contexts.

Special entry

Special entry may be considered for students with a Bachelor level degree in another area or a three-year trained teacher, both supported by extensive professional experience.

Accelerated and 100% online

Delivered 100% online and with six study periods a year, you could complete the Master of Education in as little as 16 months while continuing to work full-time. Designed to be intuitive and user-friendly, you’ll experience the same quality of education and learning outcomes, as well as the connection with your fellow students and academics, that you would if studying on-campus. You will also receive dedicated one-on-one support from a Student Success Advisor who can assist with all non-academic questions and motivate you to reach your study goals.

 

Grow your network

ECU has a large professional teacher and education network, putting you in good company to connect, collaborate and network with experienced and passionate peers globally.

Quality learning experience

Your learning experience will be of the highest quality, as you’ll learn from experienced, passionate academics who are experts in their field. From our beginnings in 1902 as Claremont Teachers College, we have been at the forefront of teacher education for over 100 years.

Frequently asked questions
Will a Master of Education (Early Childhood Education) qualify me to become an early childhood teacher?

Our Master of Education (Early Childhood Education) is for qualified early childhood education professionals who want to develop their skills. If you would like to become a qualified early childhood professional, you can study a Master of Teaching (Early Childhood Education).

Will gaining a Master of Education (Early Childhood Education) allow me to open up a childcare centre?

A postgraduate degree is not a pre-requisite to opening a childcare centre, however, it can be extremely beneficial. Having a Master of Education (Early Childhood Education) will deepen your knowledge of effective leadership, pedagogy and practice in early childhood settings, and help position you as an expert in your field. This degree can also help you become a great candidate for leadership positions in existing early childhood settings like childcare centres.

What job roles in the early childhood sector can I get with this degree?

The Master of Education (Early Childhood Education), is for current early childhood educators. This postgraduate degree can help students become great candidates for a variety of roles in early childhood settings. These could include positions like Educational Leader, Classroom Leader, Early Childhood Consultant, Director of Early Childhood Services, Kindergarten Improvement Advisor, Pedagogical Leader, Lecturer, Early Childhood Policy Advisor and more.

For more information on the Career Opportunities in Early Childhood Education, visit our blog.

What age group is early childhood and is early childhood education in demand?

Early childhood refers to children from birth to eight years old. According to the Australian Government’s Job Outlook, Early Childhood Teachers are predicted to have very strong growth over the next five years. According to the Australian Industry and Skills Committee, Employment in the Child Care Services and Preschool Education industry sectors has increased steadily since 2012, with further projected increases until 2025.

Read more about the Future of Education on our blog.

What are pedagogical practices in early childhood education?

According to ECU academics Dr Elizabeth Stamopoulos and Associate Professor Lennie Barblett, pedagogy is the “art, craft and science of teaching”. It encompasses the theory and frameworks of all curriculum elements that impact educational settings.