Master of Early Childhood Education

The Master of Early Childhood Education degree offers two pathways, one for practising teachers with relevant early childhood education experience who wish to gain postgraduate qualifications in early childhood education and to acquire or update their expertise in a dynamic field of study and practice. This pathway does not meet requirements for registration to teach in schools or early childhood services, and does not fulfil the current Australian policy initiative for early childhood teachers with three year degrees to upgrade to four year degrees.

The other pathway is designed for practising teachers with a three year undergraduate early childhood teaching degree (or equivalent). It is a program of advanced study that satisfies a requirement for a fourth year degree level qualification in Australia, making it equivalent to a four year

Bachelor of Teaching/Education in Early Childhood. It is not a stand-alone teaching qualification.

Students who wish to undertake the pathway to qualify them as 4 year trained should ensure they choose the correct courses. These courses are clearly noted in the program structure.

The University of Newcastle has a dynamic team of early childhood lecturers who are engaged in research and scholarship at the local, national and global level. Their research and publications are at the cutting edge in early childhood and they are also leaders and participants in a range of early childhood fora. There is an opportunity for you, through the Masters degree, to undertake projects with the support of our staff, which align with your work, whether you are a local or international scholar or practitioner. You will also have the opportunity to study with lecturers from other programs who teach courses in an area of specialisation.

The Master of Early Childhood Education program is suitable for students who wish to extend their leadership, critical analysis, research and/or curriculum and pedagogy capabilities.

The pathway designed for practising teachers with a three year undergraduate early childhood teaching degree (or equivalent), will allow experienced teachers and leaders in early childhood education to satisfy the requirements of the Department of Education, Employment and Workforce Relations policy of ensuring every child has access to a program delivered by a four-year university trained teacher.

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Please visit http://www.newcastle.edu.au/campaigns/postgrad/how-to-apply.html for information on how to gain entry.

Admission to the Master of Early Childhood Education is open to applicants who have satisfactorily completed a relevant Bachelor degree or Australian equivalent. Approved applicants may commence study in the Graduate Certificate in Educational Studies (Early Childhood Education) prior to entering the Masters award, and may then seek up to 40 units credit in the Master of Early Childhood Education (for students not undertaking the 4th year level qualification upgrade).

If you wish to apply for credit for studies completed at another institution or if you are changing programs within the University and wish to transfer your credit to the new program, go to http://www.newcastle.edu.au/service/credit-transfer/ and click on ‘How to Apply for Credit’.

Candidates will be able to seek credit for up to 40 units at the Masters level based on appropriate studies undertaken at a similar level at another University or another related postgraduate program. Successful completion of the required 40 unit specialisation in Early Childhood Education in the Graduate Certificate in Educational Studies will also provide articulation into the Master of Early Childhood Education.

There are no formal professional experience requirements. Students may however choose to undertake workplace projects to suit their current interests or needs.

Students who undertake the pathway that is designed for practising teachers with a three year undergraduate early childhood degree (or equivalent), will be undertaking study that satisfies a requirement for a fourth year degree level qualification in Australia, making it equivalent to a four year Bachelor of Teaching/Education in Early Childhood. It is not a stand-alone teaching qualification.

International students must comply with the University of Newcastle's English language proficiency requirements. All International Students enrolled in the program will be provided with an orientation to familiarise them with the rules, expectations, facilities and services offered by the University. Please visit http://www.newcastle.edu.au/students/international/student-support/ to find out more about the support services available to international students.

Students with disabilities who require reasonable adjustments to undertake their program should contact the Disability Support Service before semester or early in the semester. Some adjustments need up to 4 weeks lead time to organise, so it is imperative that early contact is made. The Disability Support Service and relevant Faculty and School officers will work together to ensure reasonably adjustments are provided in a timely manner.

Please note: All students must fulfil the inherent requirements of the programs and courses they are undertaking. While reasonable adjustments can be made, these adjustments cannot compromise academic integrity. It is the student's responsibility to check all the requirements of courses, and consider the effects of any medical condition or disability on their ability to complete course requirements. Please visit http://www.newcastle.edu.au/service/disability/ for more information.

International students may be able, with their own government or funding agency, to complete a project, supported by a University of Newcastle supervisor, in their own country.

All students can access additional learning development mechanisms provided by the Centre for Teaching and Learning.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students can draw on the assistance and support provided by the Indigenous Student Support and Development service through the Wollotuka Institute.