Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Early Childhood Education)

Summary

Begin a rewarding career influencing children's vital early years by adding this one-year programme to your existing degree.

Programme overview

Enter a profession where the demand for teachers is high in New Zealand and overseas. Gain an internationally-recognised degree from the only New Zealand University to rank in the top 50 in the world for Education as a subject.

Our programme will equip you with the knowledge and skills to support young children in their learning and development from birth to the age of five. You will gain hands-on experience working in a range of early childhood settings where building responsive and inclusive relationships is key.

You will undertake three practicum placements adding up to a total of 17 weeks in a range of early childhood centres, supported by experienced teachers and university supervisors. You can read practicum FAQs here.

The diploma is shaped by a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, relational pedagogies, and Te Tiriti o Waitangi. Content includes learning about Te Ao Maori and basic te reo Maori. You will learn alongside a diverse range of students and be taught basic proficiency in te reo Maori.

The programme will prepare you to become an effective early childhood teacher and support you as you prepare for your transition into the teaching profession. By the end of the programme, you will be familiar with the New Zealand early childhood curriculum Te Whariki and a range of appropriate pedagogy for teaching within the context of Aotearoa New Zealand. You will be eligible to apply for provisional certification as a practising early childhood teacher with the Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand.

Programme structure

This is a 150 point initial teacher education programme that combines theory and practice. The programme can either be completed in one intensive year that is the equivalent to 1.25 years of full-time study or part-time over 2 years.

You'll also need to meet other requirements, including time limits and total points limits. See Postgraduate enrolment.

Where could this programme take you?

While many graduates go on to teach in early childhood settings in New Zealand or overseas, the programme will also provide you with transferable skills that can be applied to a range of careers. By already holding a bachelors degree you will be eligible to start on a higher step of the salary scale in services covered by the New Zealand Educational Institute (NZEI) teaching collective agreement for early childhood teachers.

Jobs related to this programme

Curriculum developer

ECE teacher

Education consultant

Hospital play specialist

Learning designer

Policy adviser for the Ministry of Education

Researcher

Further study options

Master of Education

Postgraduate Diploma in Education

Postgraduate Diploma in Educational Leadership

Postgraduate Certificate in Education

Postgraduate Certificate in Social and Community Leadership