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.
Our Master of Teaching (Early Childhood Education) prepares you to teach children from birth to eight years of age. With 65 days of hands-on placements in early childhood and junior school settings, you’ll graduate ready to make a meaningful impact in young lives.
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 65 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.
Adelaide University is ranked #89 in the world for Education Studies (Times Higher Education, 2026).
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. Become a nurturing and effective early years teacher in just two years of full-time study. 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 this year, you’ll complete two professional placements totalling 35 days. One will be 15-days working with infants and toddlers and the other will be 20-days in preschool setting, working with children aged three to five.
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 65 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.
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.
All pre-service teachers must complete mandatory Responding to Risks of Harm Abuse and Neglect – Education and Care (RRHAN-EC) training before placement. This training equips you with the knowledge and skills to identify and respond to risks of harm, abuse, and neglect, ensuring the safety of children in your care.
This degree is part of a stackable set of qualifications, meaning your study choices are flexible. If your goals shift, you can exit after six months of study with a standalone Graduate Certificate or after one year with a Graduate Diploma qualification.
You can also begin your studies with a shorter qualification like the six-month Graduate Certificate and continue on to complete the Graduate Diploma (one year) or full master’s degree.
Complete 96 units comprising:
Find details about the rules and notes that apply to your program, along with other essential information required for successful enrolment. Supplementary supporting resources may also be provided where applicable.
Listed here are all the courses that contribute to your program, including elective options that can be chosen. These courses come together to form your study plan. Courses fall into different categories, each of which have specific unit values that need to be met under the program rules.
Complete 96 units comprising:
Complete 72 units for ALL of the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
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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
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Course code
EDUC5069
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Play Pedagogies in Early Childhood
|
Course code
EDUC5253
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Classroom Management and Inclusive Education
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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
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Course code
EDUC6116
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Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Learning About Language
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Course code
EDUCX105
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Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Mathematics Education 1
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Course code
EDUCX106
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Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Learning About Reading
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Course code
EDUCX215
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Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Science Education
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Course code
EDUCX222
|
Units
6
|
Work Integrated Learning description
WIL courses give you real‑world experience as part of your degree.
Complete 24 units for ALL of the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Professional Experience 1: Infant and Toddler Pedagogies Practices
|
Course code
EDUC5908
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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
|
Graduate with a qualification recognised by the Australian Children’s Education & Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) and the Teachers 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 and 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.
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, 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.
This program is accredited by the Teachers Registration Board of South Australia (TRB) . Graduates are able to apply for teacher registration in South Australia. Applicants should note that additional criteria may apply, and are advised to check the current registration requirements, as these are subject to change. Graduates seeking employment in other parts of Australia or overseas should check the specific registration requirements of the relevant jurisdiction.
Applicants should note there are other criteria determining eligibility for registration by the Teachers Registration Board of South Australia (TRB) and other registration and regulatory authorities. Applicants are advised to check registration requirements as they are subject to change.
This program is accredited by the Australian Children’s Education & Care Quality Authority (ACECQA). The program is an approved early childhood qualification for Early Childhood Teachers under the National Quality Framework.
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:
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.
Program Director
College of Education, Behavioural and Social Sciences
School of Education
You'll be studying at one of our renowned campuses, accessing cutting-edge facilities and contemporary study spaces.
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.
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:
