Early Childhood Education

The Master of Education in Early Childhood Education is a two-year, part time, taught programme delivered on campus and online (blended).



The programme aims to develop graduates who will:

-Extend their knowledge, skill and expertise to enhance early educational experiences for children in the range of early childhood education and related contexts (birth to 6 years), through critical reflection and interrogation of one’s own values and practice

-Adopt a critical stance in examining current discourses and critically interrogate ubiquitous concepts, grand narratives, emerging trends and perceived certainties that have come to dominate the early childhood field, both nationally and internationally

-Engage in cross-sectoral dialogue, cooperation and collaboration across early childhood education and related professional contexts to build professional networks

-Conduct ethical research in a specialised area in early childhood education that will contribute to professional practice and advance academic knowledge and evidence-informed approaches to the improvement of early childhood education

-Explore opportunities for educational leadership, mentoring, academic advocacy, career progression and professional development within early childhood education.



This part-time programme gives you the skills and knowledge to develop your career, and a deep understanding of children’s learning and development in ECE.



Throughout the programme, you’ll learn how to critically examine your own practice and review current ECE debates. You’ll also explore how to help give children a voice and encourage their participation, as well as discover how to mentor and lead colleagues. Additionally, there will be a strong focus on understanding and undertaking quantitative and qualitative research.



Master your craft with renowned experts

National and international experts deliver the course modules online and on campus. You’ll also learn through engaging learning formats like video, interactive presentations, reflective questioning and group discussion.



Once you graduate, you’ll be equipped to enhance ECE practice or policy development. You’ll also be highly sought after for roles in early childhood agencies or committees, government organisations or departments, and educational management or consultancy.

The minimum entry requirement is a Level 8 award with a minimum of a H2.2.



In general, applicants will have degrees in education, early childhood education or studies, education and training, or other related and cognate fields, and two years’ experience in setting(s) supporting children from birth to six years, which may be post or prior to their Level 8 award.



Due to the specialist nature of this programme, additional criteria may be used to assess suitability to undertake this programme. For further information, please contact the Programme Chair using the contact details above



Recognition of prior learning/transfer/exemption procedures apply.



Students on the programme will need to have access to an early childhood setting or an Infant classroom.

2 years part-time

This programme will commence in September

Graduates of the Master of Education in Early Childhood Education will be in position to lead research, policy and practice in early childhood education.