Key details
Duration
Intake
Locations
Entry requirements
View full entry requirementsCredit points required
160Course code
Overview
Make a difference in children's lives with a Master of Teaching Early Childhood. If you already hold a bachelor degree in a relevant field other than education, this course will enable you to become a teacher in two years.
Study either online or on campus, part-time or full-time, with additional flexibility to switch between study modes. On graduating, you will be eligible to register as a teacher in early learning settings and primary schools in all states and territories in Australia. You are encouraged to review the employer eligibility requirements as they can vary state to state.
Graduate ready to plan and deliver engaging experiences appropriate to diverse learners and contexts and be prepared for new and challenging educator roles. This course will develop your awareness of the environmental and cultural influences on teaching and learning and explores the needs of learners and communities with diverse linguistic and cultural orientations, including Indigenous learners.
Apply your learning with 80 days of professional experience in prior to school and primary school settings.
As a teacher, your levels of personal literacy and numeracy will be broadly equivalent to the top 30% of the Australian population.
Relevant fields of previous study include art, music, technologies, English, health and physical education, mathematics, science or humanities and social sciences (e.g. history and geography).
Practical Placements
In order to complete the Master of Teaching Early Childhood, you are required to undertake professional placements, providing you with invaluable experience and the readiness to practice. You must provide proof that you have met all university and State/Territory pre-placement requirements before commencing professional placements.
Career opportunities
This qualification prepares you for Early Childhood Teaching in prior to school settings (early learning centres, long day care, family day care, preschools) and primary school settings (including out of school hours care).
Practical experience
You will complete a minimum of 80 days professional experience.
Professional recognition
This course has been accredited through the Teacher Registration Board of the Northern Territory (TRB NT) and with the Australian Children's Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA). It is consistent with the standards established by the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL) for the accreditation of Initial Teacher Education Programs (ITE) in Australia. Upon graduating, you will be recognised as an Early Childhood Teacher by ACECQA. You will also be eligible to register as a teacher across all Australian State and Territory jurisdictions (subject to meeting other eligibility criteria, such as National Literacy and Numeracy test for Initial Teacher Education as per Teacher Registration Requirement, English proficiency and suitability to teach).
Credit transfers and advanced standing
Pathways
Pathways for Higher Education to Higher Education
For information about credit transfer available to students with complete or incomplete study at this or other Institutions refer to Pathways for Higher Education to Higher Education
Credit transfer
For further information on credit transfer and how to apply visit ASK CDU
Credit transfers and advanced standing
Credit transfer
For further information on credit transfer and how to apply visit ASK CDU
Fees
Commonwealth supported places
Commonwealth Supported places are available in this course to students who meet one of the following residency requirements:
(a) be an Australian citizen, who will complete some of your course of study while resident in Australia; or
(b) a New Zealand citizen; or an Australian permanent visa holder; or an eligible former permanent humanitarian visa holder; who studies the entire course while living in Australia.
Further information about fees and charges can be found at Fees and Payments.
International tuition fees
The annual tuition fee for full time study in 2026 is AUD $32,760.00. This equates to $4,095.00 per 10 credit point unit (0.125 EFTSL).
These fees are subject to increases annually, effective at the start of each calendar year.
You can find a list of International fees and payments you can expect to pay as part of your studies in Australia. See 2026 Higher Education International Annual Tuition Fees.
CDU offers a number of scholarships to international students to assist with the cost of study.
Why study education at CDU?
Gain advanced knowledge in the education field with a postgraduate teaching degree at CDU. Choose from a range of specialist contemporary streams such as Digital Learning futures, Inclusive Education, Indigenous Knowledgee Education, International Education, Managing and Leading Education, or Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL).
- #2 Australian university for postgraduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
- Choose to study online, on campus, part-time or full-time as it suits you
- Unique opportunities for regional and remote placements
Why study education at CDU?
Educate and inspire the next generation with a teaching degree at CDU. You'll gain the skills and knowledge to enter the classroom with confidence, equipped with a nationally-accredited degree to work anywhere in Australia.
- Five-star Australian university for graduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
- Complete placements close to home
- Unique opportunities for regional and remote placements
Why study education at CDU?
Gain advanced knowledge in the education field with a postgraduate teaching degree at CDU. Choose from a range of specialist contemporary streams such as Digital Learning futures, Inclusive Education, Indigenous Knowledgee Education, International Education, Managing and Leading Education, or Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL).
- #2 Australian university for postgraduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
- Choose to study online, on campus, part-time or full-time as it suits you
- Unique opportunities for regional and remote placements
Why study education at CDU?
Educate and inspire the next generation with a teaching degree at CDU. You'll gain the skills and knowledge to enter the classroom with confidence, equipped with a nationally-accredited degree to work anywhere in Australia.
- Five-star Australian university for graduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
- Complete placements close to home
- Unique opportunities for regional and remote placements
What will I study?
You will study a range of units, including professional experience in a range of schools and early learning settings. The units are designed to develop skills, strategies and dispositions for facilitating positive development and learning in the children you will teach. Necessary skills and understandings for a range of early childhood roles and capacities such as building family and community partnerships, leadership, advocacy and quality improvement systems are developed across the course.
Course structure
You can study the Master of Teaching Early Childhood online as an external student, on campus as an internal student, or as a mix of both. All students access learning materials online and are encouraged to interact in a range of modes to develop professional dialogue and networks.
All students must pass prior to graduation the ACER Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education (LANTITE) as required by the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL). The cost of the testing will be met by the student. Refer to https://teacheredtest.acer.edu.au/
Please check the pre-requisite and assumed knowledge requirements prior to enrolment.
A candidate must successfully complete units totalling 160 credit points (cp) as detailed below. All units are valued at 10 credit points unless otherwise indicated.
Note:
The course has a requirement of 80 days of Professional experience.
Professional experience units MUST be undertaken in the following sequences: EPE501, EPE502, EPE635
| Unit type | Credit Points | Specific requirements |
| Core Units (17 units) | 160cp | Compulsory Core units totalling 160 credit points as per the list of units detailed below: ECE501 Human Development and Play Pedagogies ECE503 Curriculum Studies and Programming ECE512 Assessment for Learning and Curricula ECL516 Early Years Literacy and English ECL523 Mathematics with Young Children ELA525 English Literacy and Literature (F-2) ELA526 English Literacy and Literature (3-6) EMA565 Mathematics Curriculum and Pedagogy EPE501 Early Childhood Professional Experience 1 EPE502 Early Childhood Professional Experience 2 ESC520 Science Curriculum and Pedagogies EST500 Equity, Inclusion, Diversity and Advocacy EST505 Indigenous Perspectives and Inclusive Practices EST510 Research Based Practice and Leadership EST520 Teacher Professional Identities EPE635 Professional Experience: Assessment for Graduate Teachers LAN020 Literacy and Numeracy (LANTITE) (0cp) |
| 160cp | Total Credit Points |
Course Rules (unless otherwise indicated in the above course structure)
- See the Higher Education Course Rules (Award Requirements) in the Units and Courses Policy.
Study plan
STUDENTS COMMENCING IN SEMESTER 1
The Recommended Study Plans provided below are suitable for students enrolling in a full-time or part-time study load. Students entering this course with advanced standing, or wishing to vary their study plan due to work, personal, financial or other reasons should use the table as a guide to create an individual study plan.
When designing an individual study plan:
- maintain the basic order in which units are to be attempted; and
- check the prerequisite and assumed knowledge for each unit as some units assume you have completed foundation unit/s in the unit area at a lower level.
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit |
Full-Time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | Summer Semester | |||
| Year 1 | |||||
| EST500 Equity, Inclusion, Diversity and Advocacy | CO | EST505 Indigenous Perspectives and Inclusive Practice | CO | EPE501 Early Childhood Professional Experience 1 | CO |
| ECE501 Human Development and Play Pedagogies | CO | ECL516 Early Years Literacy and English | CO | ||
| ECE503 Curriculum Studies and Programming | CO | ECL523 Mathematics with Young Children | CO | ||
| EST510 Research Based Practice and Leadership | CO | ECE512 Assessment for Learning and Curricula | CO | ||
| LAN020 Literacy and Numeracy (LANTITE) (0CP) | CO | ||||
| Year 2 | |||||
| ELA525 English Literacy and Literature (F-2) | CO | ELA526 English Literacy and Literature (3-6) | CO | ||
| EMA565 Mathematics Curriculum and Pedagogy | CO | EST520 Teacher Professional Identities | CO | ||
| ESC520 Science Curriculum and Pedagogies | CO | EPE635 Professional Experience: Assessment for Graduate Teachers | CO | ||
| EPE502 Early Childhood Professional Experience 2 | CO | ||||
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit |
Part-Time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | Summer Semester | |||
| Year 1 | |||||
| EST500 Equity, Inclusion, Diversity and Advocacy | CO | EST505 Indigenous Perspectives and Inclusive Practice | CO | LAN020 Literacy and Numeracy (LANTITE) (0CP) | CO |
| ECE501 Human Development and Play Pedagogies | CO | ECL516 Early Years Literacy and English | CO | ||
| Year 2 | |||||
| ECE503 Curriculum Studies and Programming | CO | ECL523 Mathematics with Young Children | CO | EPE501 Early Childhood Professional Experience 1 | CO |
| EST510 Research Based Practice and Leadership | CO | ECE512 Assessment for Learning and Curricula | CO | ||
| Year 3 | |||||
| EMA565 Mathematics Curriculum and Pedagogy | CO | ELA526 English Literacy and Literature (3-6) | CO | ||
| ELA525 English Literacy and Literature (F-2) | CO | EST520 Teacher Professional Identities | CO | ||
| Year 4 | |||||
| EPE502 Early Childhood Professional Experience 2 | CO | EPE635 Professional Experience: Assessment for Graduate Teachers | CO | ||
| ESC520 Science Curriculum and Pedagogies | CO | ||||
_____________________________________
STUDENTS COMMENCING IN SEMESTER 2
The Recommended Study Plans provided below are suitable for students enrolling in a full-time or part-time study load. Students entering this course with advanced standing, or wishing to vary their study plan due to work, personal, financial or other reasons should use the table as a guide to create an individual study plan.
When designing an individual study plan:
- maintain the basic order in which units are to be attempted; and
- check the prerequisite and assumed knowledge for each unit as some units assume you have completed foundation unit/s in the unit area at a lower level.
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit |
Full-Time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | Summer Semester | |||
| Year 1 | |||||
| ECE501 Human Development and Play Pedagogies | CO | EPE501 Early Childhood Professional Experience 1 | CO | ||
| ECL516 Early Years Literacy and English | CO | LAN020 Literacy and Numeracy (LANTITE) (0CP) | CO | ||
| ECL523 Mathematics with Young Children | CO | ||||
| ECE503 Curriculum Studies and Programming | CO | ||||
| Year 2 | |||||
| EST500 Equity, Inclusion, Diversity and Advocacy | CO | EST505 Indigenous Perspectives and Inclusive Practice | CO | ||
| ELA525 English Literacy and Literature (F-2) | CO | ELA526 English Literacy and Literature (3-6) | CO | ||
| EST510 Research Based Practice and Leadership | CO | EST520 Teacher Professional Identities | CO | ||
| ECE512 Assessment for Learning and Curricula | CO | EPE502 Early Childhood Professional Experience 2 | CO | ||
| Year 3 | |||||
| EPE635 Professional Experience: Assessment for Graduate Teachers | CO | ||||
| EMA565 Mathematics Curriculum and Pedagogy | CO | ||||
| ESC520 Science Curriculum and Pedagogies | CO | ||||
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit |
Part-Time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | Summer Semester | |||
| Year 1 | |||||
| ECE501 Human Development and Play Pedagogies | CO | LAN020 Literacy and Numeracy (LANTITE) (0CP) | CO | ||
| ECL516 Early Years Literacy and English | CO | ||||
| Year 2 | |||||
| EST500 Equity, Inclusion, Diversity and Advocacy | CO | ECL523 Mathematics with Young Children | CO | EPE501 Early Childhood Professional Experience 1 | CO |
| ELA525 English Literacy and Literature (F-2) | CO | ECE503 Curriculum Studies and Programming | CO | ||
| Year 3 | |||||
| EST510 Research Based Practice and Leadership | CO | EST505 Indigenous Perspectives and Inclusive Practice | CO | ||
| ECE512 Assessment for Learning and Curricula | CO | EPE502 Early Childhood Professional Experience 2 | CO | ||
| Year 4 | |||||
| EMA565 Mathematics Curriculum and Pedagogy | CO | EPE635 Professional Experience: Assessment for Graduate Teachers | CO | ||
| ESC520 Science Curriculum and Pedagogies | CO | ELA526 English Literacy and Literature (3-6) | CO | ||
| EST520 Teacher Professional Identities | CO | ||||
_____________________________________
STUDENTS COMMENCING IN SUMMER SEMESTER
The Recommended Study Plans provided below are suitable for students enrolling in a full-time or part-time study load. Students entering this course with advanced standing, or wishing to vary their study plan due to work, personal, financial or other reasons should use the table as a guide to create an individual study plan.
When designing an individual study plan:
- maintain the basic order in which units are to be attempted; and
- check the prerequisite and assumed knowledge for each unit as some units assume you have completed foundation unit/s in the unit area at a lower level.
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit |
Full-Time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | Summer Semester | |||
| Year 1 | |||||
| EST500 Equity, Inclusion, Diversity and Advocacy | CO | ||||
| EST505 Indigenous Perspectives and Inclusive Practice | CO | ||||
| LAN020 Literacy and Numeracy (LANTITE) (0CP) | CO | ||||
| Year 2 | |||||
| ECE501 Human Development and Play Pedagogies | CO | ECL523 Mathematics with Young Children | CO | EPE501 Early Childhood Professional Experience 1 | CO |
| ECE503 Curriculum Studies and Programming | CO | EST520 Teacher Professional Identities | CO | ||
| ELA525 English Literacy and Literature (F-2) | CO | ELA526 English Literacy and Literature (3-6) | CO | ||
| ECE512 Assessment for Learning and Curricula | CO | ECL516 Early Years Literacy and English | CO | ||
| Year 3 | |||||
| EPE502 Early Childhood Professional Experience 2 | CO | EPE635 Professional Experience: Assessment for Graduate Teachers | CO | ||
| ESC520 Science Curriculum and Pedagogies | CO | ||||
| EST510 Research Based Practice and Leadership | CO | ||||
| EMA565 Mathematics Curriculum and Pedagogy | CO | ||||
Entry requirements
Admission criteria
Successful completion of a recognised bachelor degree or equivalent international qualification with at least one-year equivalent full-time study in an area relevant to primary curriculum, such as art, music, technologies, English, health and physical education, mathematics, science or humanities and social sciences (e.g. history and geography).
International entry pathway
Applicants who have completed the CDU International Masters Qualifying Program (ZMQP01), the Accelerated International Masters Qualifying Program (ZAMQP1) or the ZMPP01 International Masters Preparation Program are eligible for entry.
Essential requirements
Working with Children Check
A Working with Children Check is required before you can undertake your practical placements. If your Working with Children Check is not cleared, you will not be able to undertake practice teaching placements and therefore, will not meet the requirements of the course.
National Police Clearance
In some jurisdictions preservice teachers may be required to have a National Police Clearance prior to commencing placement.
Inherent Requirements
Teacher education has Inherent Requirements that are essential components for achieving the core learning outcomes of the course. Students with physical or mental health conditions may not be able to have reasonable adjustments made to this course to enable them to meet these requirements. See the Inherent Requirements for teacher education at Teacher education | Charles Darwin University (cdu.edu.au)
English language requirements
DOMESTIC STUDENTS
To be eligible for admission to this course, applicants must meet the standard English language proficiency requirements for Higher Education courses at Charles Darwin University (CDU) and provide evidence as part of their application.
You can meet the minimum English language requirement by providing evidence of one of following:
| Previous study in English |
|
| AHPRA Registration | Current registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). |
| English Test^ | Completion of an approved English Test within two years of commencement, with the minimum scores shown below. |
| Primary language pathway | Completion of six years of primary and/or secondary schooling in a recognised English-speaking country*, including at least two years between years 7-12. |
Additional information about accepted tests and the evidence requirements is available on the English language proficiency requirements page.
^English tests - approved tests and minimum scores
| Undergraduate and postgraduate pathway program requirement | Postgraduate requirement (HDR and coursework) | |
| CDU ELICOS - English for Academic Purposes | Successful completion of EAP003 | Successful completion of EAP004 |
| International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic test | Overall minimum: 6.0 No band below: 6.0 | Overall minimum: 6.5 No band below 6.0 |
| Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic | Overall minimum: 50 No score below: 50 | Overall minimum: 58 No score below: 50 |
| Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) | Overall minimum: 60 Minimum writing score: 21 | Overall minimum: 79 Minimum writing score: 21 |
| Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) | Overall minimum: 169 No skill below: 169 | Overall minimum: 176 No skill below: 169 |
Information about test validity, accepted combined test results, IELTS One Skill Retake and evidence requirements is available on the English language proficiency requirements page.
*Recognised English-speaking countries:
| Standard List | Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, Barbados, British Virgin Islands, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa, United Kingdom, United States of America. |
| Extended List | Bermuda, Botswana, Cayman Islands, Fiji, Kenya, Malawi, Malta, Mauritius, Seychelles, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Tanzania, Trinidad and Tobago, Vanuatu, Zimbabwe. |
All previous studies must have been delivered in English (medium of instruction was English). Applicants who have studied at an institution from a coutnry on the extended list must provide confirmation that their study was completed within the last five years.
For further details on the English requirements for CDU courses, please refer to the CDU English Language Proficiency Policy.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
To gain entry into Charles Darwin University, all Higher Education applicants must satisfy the University's English Language Proficiency Requirements for their chosen course of study.
The minimum English language requirement for this course is met by either:
- two years higher education (tertiary) study in English in either Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Republic of Ireland, South Africa, United Kingdom or United States of America.
- undertaking one of the following English language tests and obtaining the minimum requirements listed below.
| IELTS Academic Module | A minimum overall score of 7.0 with no band less than 7.0. |
| Cambridge Advanced English (CAE) | A minimum overall score of 185, with no skill below 185. |
| Common European Framework Certificate of English Proficiency | Test not accepted for this course. |
| Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic module | A minimum overall score of 65 with no score lower than 65. |
| TOEFL Internet-based Test (iBT) | A minimum overall score of 94 with no score less than 23 in speaking, 24 in listening, 24 in reading, and 27 in writing. |
* All tests are valid for two years from the date of the test to the date of commencement at CDU, unless otherwise specified.
* Where applicable, international applicants must also satisfy the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) English language requirements for student visa applications.
Do you have a question regarding English requirements at CDU? Please email: international@cdu.edu.au.
The people-first approach to flexibility and supportive learning environment at CDU meant I could find a balance with study, work and family life.
Nikki
CDU student
My lecturers and the academic staff at CDU have been very supportive in helping me develop strategies to become a competent teacher in Australia.
Sunny
CDU student
The people-first approach to flexibility and supportive learning environment at CDU meant I could find a balance with study, work and family life.
Nikki
CDU student
My lecturers and the academic staff at CDU have been very supportive in helping me develop strategies to become a competent teacher in Australia.
Sunny
CDU student
Course details
Accreditation
This course is accredited by the University in accordance with the Higher Education Standards.
Inherent Requirements
There are inherent requirements for this course. Students must read and understand the requirements for this course.
Australian qualification framework
This course is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 9.
Additional information
Contact details
For further information about the course, enrolment procedures, closing dates and other administrative issues please contact Student Central on:
You make CDU
Together we are a positive force for change in our communities and the world.
Learn about teaching at CDU
Sunny is from China studying a Master of Teaching at CDU. Hear more about her experience of studying, living, working and playing in Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia.
You make CDU
Together we are a positive force for change in our communities and the world.
Learn about teaching at CDU
Sunny is from China studying a Master of Teaching at CDU. Hear more about her experience of studying, living, working and playing in Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia.
How to apply
There are many ways to apply to CDU. The method you use depends on your course type, where you live and whether you are a new or returning student to CDU.
Remember to apply early for your best chance at securing an offer to study with us.
SATAC
SATAC is the application channel for residents of NT, ACT, SA, WA, QLD, VIC, NSW or TAS.
International applications
Applications must be submitted online through our application portal, Studylink. You'll need a valid email address to create your online account. Once you have started your application, you will be able to save it and resume it later. There is no application fee when you apply online.
You may be able to lodge a direct application; however, there may be restrictions on your geographic location. If you cannot submit a direct application via the application portal, please apply through one of our registered agents.
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