Master of Teaching (Early Childhood) and nested Graduate Diploma of Early Childhood

Quick Facts

Course Overview

Holmes Institute’s Master of Teaching (Early Childhood) and nested Graduate Diploma of Early Childhood are designed to produce future early childhood professionals who are ready for work. The qualifications have been designed for students who have obtained an undergraduate or postgraduate qualification in areas other than education. The courses are built on the principle that students come to the program with strengths from a diverse range of educational and life experiences.

The range and number of professional practice experiences are a key feature of the course. This ensures students can make the essential connection between theory and practice while building professional and generic skills in authentic early childhood environments. Partnerships between Holmes and childhood educational organisations enable students to gain experience in diverse settings enabling them to work with children from differing economic, social, ethnic, and educational backgrounds.

Successful completion of the course provides graduates with the opportunity to gain employment as early childhood professionals equipped with the knowledge and skills to make a positive difference to the lives of young children.

Qualification

On successful completion of this course, students are awarded the Master of Teaching (Early Childhood) or with the Graduate Diploma of Early Childhood. The courses meet the Australian Qualifications Framework specifications for Level 9 or 8 qualifications. Students will graduate with an Australian Children’s Education & Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) approved qualification and be eligible to apply for registration as an Early Childhood Teacher with their local regulatory authority. Applicants should consult the English language requirements for registration as an Early Childhood Teacher with the relevant jurisdictional teaching authority prior to acceptance of an offer.

Mode of Delivery

This course is delivered face-to-face on campus. Units are delivered in a lecture and tutorial format. Course is offered at our Melbourne campus. Study includes participation in two professional experience placements.

Opportunities for Further Study

After successful completion of 8 units graduates of this course are eligible to receive the Graduate Diploma of Early Childhood. After successful completion of 16 units graduates of this course are eligible to receive the Master of Teaching (Early Childhood). Students can apply for higher-level qualifications or undertake additional vocational or professional education.

Career Opportunities

As an early childhood professional, graduates are qualified to secure roles working with children aged birth to 5 years in private, independent, or public settings. Graduates are also qualified to seek employment in a range of other education-adjacent fields, including in early years’ service management, policy, consultancy, research community and government organisations. This specialised field shows promising job prospects, with very strong growth in Australia. Careers could include: Pre-primary Teacher, Early Childhood Professional, Pre-school Teacher, and Centre Director. Students will graduate with an ACECQA approved qualification and be eligible to apply for registration as a Teacher with their local regulatory authority.* Students are able to access a range of resources and services to help with gaining academically relevant employment both during and after graduation.

*Holmes will apply to have the course added to ACECQA’s list of approved programs when the course has been accredited by TEQSA.

Course Learning Outcomes

Master of Teaching (Early Childhood)

1. Critically evaluate and analyse theory and practice in child development, health and well-being, pedagogy, leadership, and management.
2. Appraise pedagogy and practice in designing, implementing, and evaluating educational programs.
3. Monitor and assess children’s learning and development using a range of assessment tools.
4. Critically evaluate research, issues and principles connected with professional decision-making as an early childhood professional/leader in educational settings.
5. Communicate effectively as ethical, reflective, and informed early childhood professional when working with colleagues, communities, children, and their families, and other stakeholders.
6. Identify abilities, interests, and needs of communities, children, and their families to develop inclusive programs which reflect an understanding of the diversity of Australian society.
7. Synthesise educational research principles and methods to critically evaluate education programs and policies.

Graduate Diploma of Early Childhood

1. Evaluate and analyse theory and practice in child development, health and well-being, pedagogy, leadership, and management.
2. Appraise pedagogy and practice in designing, implementing, and evaluating educational programs.
3. Monitor and assess children’s learning and development using a range of assessment tools.
4. Evaluate research, issues and principles connected with professional decision-making as an early childhood professional/leader in educational settings.
5. Communicate effectively as ethical, reflective, and informed early childhood professional when working with colleagues, communities, children, and their families, and other stakeholders.
6. Identify abilities, interests, and needs of communities, children, and their families to develop inclusive programs which reflect an understanding of the diversity of Australian society.

Course Structure

[pre-requisites] (co-requisite)