Curtin University
2 years full-time or part-time equivalent
Master the art of teaching young children from birth to 8 years with this postgraduate qualification. Develop advanced pedagogical skills, leadership capabilities, and expertise in early childhood education and care management through online study combined with practical school placements.
Applicants must hold a Bachelor Degree or equivalent from a recognised tertiary institution with at least one year of full-time study in areas relating to early years learning, development and care. Higher level English proficiency is required, demonstrated through successful completion of at least one year full-time university study in English-speaking countries (Australia, New Zealand, UK, Canada, USA, Ireland, Singapore, South Africa) or approved English language proficiency tests (IELTS Academic, PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, OET, Cambridge C1 Advanced) taken within two years of application. Students must be residing in Australia for the duration of their degree.
The degree comprises 16 core subjects combining coursework and professional experience block placements. Coursework subjects cover advanced pedagogical theory, cultural responsiveness, leadership and critical thinking, discipline knowledge, assessment and reporting, literacy and numeracy competencies, social justice principles, and professional communication with educational stakeholders. Professional experience subjects include four compulsory placements: an initial 1-day weekly visits for 5 weeks plus 10 consecutive days in an Early Learning Centre, followed by 15 consecutive days in a school setting, then 20 consecutive days in a different school context, and finally 25 consecutive days in a third school. Students must complete the Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education (LANTITE) prior to course completion.
Curtin University is a globally recognised institution ranked in the top one per cent of universities worldwide (QS World University Ranking 2026: 12th in Australia; Times Higher Education 2026: 18th in Australia). Through Open Universities Australia, Curtin delivers the same degree as on-campus students with an interactive and collaborative online learning experience. The Master of Teaching is fully accredited by the Teacher Registration Board of WA and recognised by the Australian Children's Education & Care Quality Authority as an approved early childhood teacher qualification, enabling graduates to register as practising teachers across Australia.
Graduates have the skills, knowledge and experience required to teach in K-2 primary schools and early childhood education settings. Career pathways include Early Childhood (Pre-primary School) Teachers earning $75K-$93K with 41.3% employment growth, Child Care Centre Managers earning $75K-$93K with 12.7% employment growth, education administrators, and policy development officers. The degree positions graduates for leadership roles in their teaching careers.
