Key facts
Duration
2 years full-time or part-time equivalent
Locations
Course overview
Want to equip the next generation with the emotional intelligence, social and critical-thinking skills to flourish? Study a Master of Teaching (Early Childhood) and discover how to help young children learn important concepts like empathy and self-confidence through play. Graduate with the unique ability to shape the next generation as a nationally accredited early childhood teacher.
Ranked #3 in Australia and #13 worldwide for education and educational research*, Deakin is also the only university to embed the Berry Street Education Model into all of our initial teaching degrees. You’ll graduate equipped with practical, trauma-informed strategies to support every learner. You’ll know how to manage safe, healthier and more engaging learning environments and build positive relationships to promote academic success – giving you and your employer confidence.
Ready to start a meaningful career, shaping tomorrow’s leaders?
Whether your background is in education or you’re looking to make a meaningful career change, this fast-tracked course will equip you with the knowledge to work across diverse early childhood settings. Our nationally recognised academics will guide you towards teaching expertise in areas such as:
- Developing numeracy and literacy in young learners
- Creating safe and inclusive learning environments
- Social justice, diversity and equity
- Trauma responsive practice
- Arts and STEM creativity in a child’s life
- Play-based learning across all areas of the curriculum
At Deakin, we’re focused on developing educational leaders for the future. That’s why we offer our Master of Teaching (Early Childhood) students the chance to develop in-depth knowledge through unique specialisation training pathways.
You may choose to specialise in early childhood inquiry stream, trauma responsive practice or Research pathways, the latter of which may be used as a pathway to further study in a PhD.
In addition, you will put your academic knowledge into practice with 60-days of professional experience placements. This practical experience ensures you graduate with the skills and expertise that are highly valued by employers. 96% of Deakin early childhood education graduates have gone on to secure roles in the early childhood education profession, which continues to generate new jobs at a steady rate. In addition, the Victorian Government offers a range of financial incentives to support students interested in studying the Master of Teaching (Early Childhood) at Deakin. More information can be found at education.vic.gov.au
* U.S. News & World Report Best Global Universities Subject Rankings 2025-2026
Current Deakin students
To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook
- Award granted
- Master of Teaching (Early Childhood)
- Year
2026 course information
- Deakin code
- E761
- CRICOS code?Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students
- 114296J Burwood (Melbourne)
- Level
- Higher Degree Coursework (Masters and Doctorates)
- Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition
The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 9
Generous government scholarships
You may be eligible for up to $18,000 in Victorian Government support to study early childhood teaching at Deakin. Enrol first, then apply for the funding.
Course structure
To complete the Master of Teaching (Early Childhood), you must pass 16 credit points. This includes:
- DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit-point compulsory unit) in your first study period
- ETI010 Trauma Informed Practice (0-credit-point compulsory unit) in their first year of study
- 12 credit points of core units
- 4 credit points in one of the following specialisations:
- Early Childhood Inquiry
- Research
- Trauma Responsive Practice.
Most units are equal to one credit point. As a full-time student you will study four credit points per trimester and usually undertake two trimesters per year.
All students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements.
Compulsory 0-credit point units
To be completed in the first trimester of study:
To be completed in the first year of study:
Units
Students complete the remaining four credit points from one of following specialisations:
Intakes by location
The availability of a course varies across locations and intakes. This means that a course offered in Trimester 1 may not be offered in the same location for Trimester 2 or 3. Check each intake for up-to-date information on when and where you can commence your studies.
- Start date: March
- Available at:
- Burwood (Melbourne)
- Online
Become an Early Childhood Teacher. This course is approved by ACECQA as an early childhood teaching qualification in Australia and graduates are eligible to register with the VIT.
*This course is accredited with the Australian Children's Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) and recognised as an early childhood teaching qualification in Australia. Graduates are eligible to register with the Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT) as an early childhood teacher. Other states and territories may also require early childhood teachers to hold teacher registration or accreditation. Prospective students are strongly advised to check with teacher registration and accreditation authorities as to the requirement and eligibility to register and work as early childhood teachers in other states, territories or internationally with a Master of Teaching (Early Childhood) birth to five qualification.
Course duration
You may be able to study available units in the optional third trimester to fast-track your degree, however your course duration may be extended if there are delays in meeting course requirements, such as completing a placement.
Mandatory student checks
Students will be required to hold a valid Working with Children (WWC) Check prior to undertaking professional placements as part of this course. Learn more about Working with Children Checks.
Interstate applicants must check the requirements and meet all conditions for undertaking professional experience in schools for their state or territory before undertaking professional experience placements as part of this course.
Inherent requirements
It is expected that all students will be able to abide by, and ensure their behaviour is in accordance with the Deakin University initial teacher education inherent requirements.
Immunisations
Immunisation and/or vaccination requirements will be communicated by the Professional Experience Office in line with the Department of Education and Training's directions at the time of placement.
For further information contact the School of Education, Professional Experience Office.
Participation requirements
Professional Experience Placements are a compulsory component of the course and a requirement for registration as a graduate teacher. Placement can occur at any time, including during standard holiday breaks. Learn about key dates at Deakin.
This course includes 60-days of supervised professional experience.
Reasonable adjustments to participation and other course requirements may be made for students with a disability. More information available at Disability support services.
Entry requirements
Selection is based on a holistic consideration of your academic merit, work experience, likelihood of success, availability of places, participation requirements, regulatory requirements, and individual circumstances. You will need to meet the minimum academic and English language proficiency requirements or higher to be considered for selection, but this does not guarantee admission.
A combination of qualifications and experience may be deemed equivalent to minimum academic requirements.
To be considered for admission to this degree you will need to meet at least one of the following criteria:
- completion of a bachelor degree or higher in a different discipline
- completion of a bachelor degree in primary or secondary teaching
To meet the English language proficiency requirements of this course, you will need to demonstrate at least one of the following:
- completion of a bachelor degree or higher in a recognised English-speaking country (clause 27)
- IELTS (Academic): minimum overall band of 7.0 (with no individual band less than 7.0) speaking and listening 7.5
- PTE Academic: minimum score of 65 (with no communication band less than 65) speaking and listening 73
- completion of DUELI English for Teaching program, with a WAM of 60
Learn more about Deakin courses and how we compare to other universities when it comes to the quality of our teaching and learning.
Not sure if you can get into Deakin postgraduate study? Postgraduate study doesn’t have to be a balancing act; we provide flexible course entry and exit options based on your desired career outcomes and the time you are able to commit to your study.
Admissions information
Applicant indicator profile report of all applicants applying to Deakin University Teaching courses in Trimester 1, 2026.
Recognition of prior learning
The University aims to provide students with as much credit as possible for approved prior study which exceeds the normal entrance requirements for the course and is within the constraints of the course regulations. Students are required to complete a minimum of one-third of the course at Deakin University, or four credit points, whichever is the greater.
Recognition of prior learning in the Master of Teaching (Early Childhood) is restricted by the professional accreditation structures of the course. Students are encouraged to apply for credit for comparable curriculum discipline units completed at postgraduate level.
Recognition is not available for any work experience whether paid or unpaid, qualified or unqualified teacher or teacher aide against the academic professional experience units.
Students who have completed the Berry Street Education Model 4-day course in the 2024 or 2025 may apply for RPL. Students will need to submit an RPL application for assessment and provide certificates of completion as their supporting documentation.
You can also refer to the recognition of prior learning (RPL) system which outlines the credit that may be granted towards a Deakin University degree and how to apply for credit.
Fees and scholarships
Fee information
Estimated tuition fee - (CSP) ?Enrolling in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) means the Australian Government pays part of your course fees directly to Deakin, and you pay a 'student contribution'.
$4,739 for 1 yr full-time - Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
Learn more about fees.
The available fee places for this course are detailed above. Tuition fees are determined by your enrolment:
- If you are offered a full fee paying place, your tuition fees are calculated based on your course.
- If you are offered a Commonwealth supported place, your tuition fees are calculated depending on the units you choose.
The 'Estimated tuition fee' is provided as a guide only and represents the typical tuition fees for students completing this course within the same year they started. The cost will vary depending on the units you choose, your study load, the length of your course and any approved Recognition of prior learning you have.
One year full-time study load is typically represented by eight credit points of study. Each unit you enrol in has a credit point value. The 'Estimated tuition fee' is calculated by adding together eight credit points of a typical combination of units for your course. You can find the credit point value of each unit under the Unit Description by searching for the unit in the handbook.
Learn more about fees and available payment options.
Higher Education Loan Program
Take the next step towards your ultimate degree with a Higher Education Loan Program (HELP) loan to help pay your tuition fees.
You may be eligible for a HELP loan - including FEE-HELP or HECS-HELP - depending on your course, type of fee place, and your citizenship or residency status. Check your eligibility and learn more about Government HELP loans.
Scholarship options
A Deakin scholarship can open the door to new opportunities. Whether you have something unique to offer or simply need a bit of extra support to reach your goals, we’re here to help. Scholarships can assist with course fees, living costs and study materials – so you can focus on achieving your best.
Victorian Government scholarship
You may be eligible to receive up to $18,000 as part of the support provided by the Victorian Government to become an early childhood teacher. You need to enrol in this Deakin course before applying for the scholarship.
Employment-based pathway
The Victorian Government Early Childhood Tertiary Partnership courses offer employment-based options for students to complete study online, while working in the sector. Find out about scholarships, mentoring and other financial incentives.
Postgraduate bursary
We love welcoming Deakin alumni back to continue their journey with us. If you're starting a postgraduate award course, you may be eligible for a 10% discount on your enrolment fees, applied per unit. It's our way of supporting your next step.
Flexible course delivery
Deakin’s blend of online and on-campus learning means you can balance work, study and personal development. Achieve work-life balance – study with Deakin's dedicated support and flexible learning options.
Apply now
Apply directly to Deakin
Applications for Trimester 1, 2027 open in July.
In the meantime, why not speak to our student advisers about your course and career options? It’s the best way for future students like you to get expert advice on preparing your application.
Need more information on how to apply?
For more information on the application process and closing dates, see the How to apply webpage. If you're still having problems, please contact us for assistance.
Research information
This is a graduate entry teaching course that introduces research-based practice throughout the core professional studies units (a total of six credit points), which includes demonstrating their application of knowledge and skills through their 70-days of professional practice in education-based contexts e.g. early childhood settings. As part of the series of core professional studies units, students are also required to complete a capstone assessment in the final year (2 credit point unit) to demonstrate their evidence-based professional practice informed by data analysis and scholarship of teaching and learning.
Pathways
Alternate exits
- Graduate Certificate of Educational Studies (E524)
Career outcomes
The education and training industry is one of the largest growing employment industries in Australia, and is projected to grow by 12.4% by May 2034 – that’s 150,100 new jobs.^ Early childhood education teachers in particular are in high demand.
As an early childhood education graduate, you could go on to secure teaching roles within early childhood settings across the private, independent, or public education sectors. You could also find employment in a range of other education-adjacent fields, including in early years service management, policy, consultancy, NGOs, research community and government organisations.
For more information go to DeakinTALENT.
^2024 Jobs and Skills Australia, Employment Projections May 2024 to May 2034.
Professional recognition
This program is approved by the Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) as an early childhood teaching qualification in Australia. Graduates of this course will be eligible to register with the Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT). Graduates who are intending to apply for registration interstate may be required to provide further information. Interstate applicants are advised to check the registration requirements in their state or territory carefully.
Deakin's graduate learning outcomes describe the knowledge and capabilities graduates can demonstrate at the completion of their course. These outcomes mean that regardless of the Deakin course you undertake, you can rest assured your degree will teach you the skills and professional attributes that employers value. They'll set you up to learn and work effectively in the future.
| Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes | Course Learning Outcomes |
|---|---|
| Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities | Research, interpret, critically evaluate, and synthesise advanced knowledge, theory, principles and practices relevant to curriculum, ethical conduct, policy and regulations in early childhood education. Advanced ability to transfer specialised theoretical and practical knowledge into practice. |
| Communication | Critically evaluate and use highly skilled communication strategies (oral, written, digital and nonverbal) to professionally transfer specialised knowledge, complex ideas and advanced theoretical concepts with diverse individuals and groups (such as children, families, parents and caregivers, colleagues and other professionals, community organisations). |
| Digital literacy | Research, critically evaluate and apply a range of technologies to collect, analyse, synthesise, evaluate, generate and transmit information for the purposes of advanced and ethically responsible teaching and learning practices in a rapidly changing global environment. |
| Critical thinking | Apply advanced knowledge to research, critically analyse and reflect on complex and contemporary issues, policies and concepts in educational and societal contexts to generate and transmit independent evidence-informed judgements that are ethical to complex situations relating to teaching and learning in early childhood education. |
| Problem solving | Apply analytical and practical skills to complex professional situations and ideas to make independent judgements related to teaching and learning. Generate and transmit creative, innovative and authentic solutions to real-life and complex problems encountered when working with diverse individuals and groups (such as children, families, parents and caregivers, colleagues and other professionals, community organisations). |
| Self-management | Use initiative and agency to apply advanced evaluative and analytic knowledge and skills to demonstrate responsibility for own learning and professional practice (and in collaboration with others). |
| Teamwork | Actively and collaboratively participate in, and/or lead learning communities, involving learners, families, community members, colleagues and the broader profession to deepen knowledge and practice to optimise teaching for child learning and wellbeing. |
| Global citizenship | Apply culturally responsive, critically reflective and embodied self-knowledge of decolonial praxis in the design, delivery and evaluation of teaching and learning that honours and respects the educational expectations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and diverse learners, families and communities. |
Approved at Faculty Board 2025
*Deakin references data from a range of government, higher education and reputable media sources. For more information, visit our list of sources.
