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Overview

Programme Overview

Study Early Childhood

We live in a world of rapid change, induced by recent global and local events and the unstoppable rise of digital technology and social media. Traditional, mainstream, one-size-fits-all approaches are no longer sufficient to work with children and their families with increasingly complex social and cultural backgrounds.

Our Master of Education (Early Childhood) programme offers a range of courses that are designed and delivered by internationally recognised researchers and academics with advanced, multidisciplinary, and up-to-date knowledge of early childhood.

Throughout the programme, students are supported in developing innovative and research-informed expertise to engage effectively with children, families and communities. Māori and Pacific concepts, values, and knowledges are integrated into course content, reflecting our unique place in the South Pacific.

This masters programme provides a clear and coherent pathway for students to progress from postgraduate certification to a masters degree. Graduates with these qualifications will be equipped with multidisciplinary knowledge and expertise, critical thinking skills, and the ability to advocate for diverse communities and stakeholders. They will be sought after in different professional sectors and at world-ranked universities looking for promising doctoral candidates.

This qualification is relevant to those working in a wide range of education areas. It provides the opportunity to review, inform and improve your knowledge and professional practice. You will develop knowledge, skills and experience in critiquing and undertaking educational research in your area of interest to enhance your practice. Through an independent inquiry under supervision from high-calibre experts within the faculty, you can contribute valuable knowledge and understanding to the field of education. This masters programme has both research and taught options with a 120-point and a 180-point option available.

Study Inclusive Education

One in four people in Aotearoa has a disability. This diversity is now represented in local early childhood settings and schools, and teachers are expected to have the conceptual, culturally responsive and applied knowledge base needed to teach in inclusive environments.

You will develop advanced knowledge and capabilities in inclusive practices to support diverse learners in educational settings. You’ll extend your research skills through an inquiry-based approach. You'll also gain the skills and knowledge needed to take leading roles in effective planning, coordination and management of projects and in professional learning.

Find out more about studying Early Childhood

Programme Careers

Potential Careers

Through coursework and research, you will have the opportunity to contribute valuable knowledge and understanding to your own work, your workplace and the field of education. This qualification can also provide the foundations for doctoral study.

Jobs related to this programme

  • Communities of Learning (CoLs) leader
  • Education sector leader
  • Human resources practitioner
  • Researcher (education)
  • School centre manager or specialist
  • Trainer in organisations

Student career planning services

Once you become a student at the University, you can get help with planning and developing your career from Career Development and Employability Services.

Key Information for Students

Key Information for Students

Compare qualifications and academic information across different New Zealand institutions.

Entry Requirements, Fees and Dates

Programme Entry Requirements

Other qualifications

If your highest qualification was gained from another tertiary institution, view our entry requirements.


University of Auckland minimum programme requirements

Minimum requirements listed here are the likely grades required and do not guarantee entry. We assess each application individually and applicants may require a higher grade to be offered a place. 

Research (120 point) - 5.0 Grade Point Average 

Postgraduate Diploma in Education or Bachelor of Education (Teaching) (Honours)

Research (180 point) - 5.0 Grade Point Average

An undergraduate degree in education

Calculate your Grade Point Average (GPA)

Further Programme Entry Requirements

Note: If you already hold a Master of Arts in Education (or a substantially similar qualification), you may not be admitted to this programme.

Postgraduate Requirements

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

Find a Supervisor

Depending on the type of programme you are pursuing, you may have the opportunity to complete a unique research project. To find out more about the research carried out at the University of Auckland and to identify potential supervisors, check out our researcher profiles.

Other Pathways to Study

Research 120 points

You must have completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Education or a Bachelor of Education (Teaching) (Honours) from this University with a GPA of 5.0.

Research 180 points

You must have completed either:

  • a relevant Bachelors degree from this University with a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher, or have equivalent prior study
  • a Bachelors degree from this University with a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher, or have equivalent prior study and passed 60 points towards the Postgraduate Certificate in Education from this University with a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher (provided that the postgraduate certificate has not been awarded)
  • a relevant professional qualification in education, with at least two years of relevant professional experience and passed 60 points towards the Postgraduate Certificate in Education from this University with a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher (provided that the postgraduate certificate has not been awarded)
  • a relevant bachelors degree from this University with a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher in 60 points above Stage II.


If you do not meet the above entry requirements, but have other relevant experience and think you would be successful in postgraduate study, please contact us to discuss alternative pathways into our programmes. 

Fees and scholarships

Fees

Fees Disclaimer

Fees are set in advance of each calendar year and will be updated on this website. Fees are inclusive of 15% GST, but do not include the Student Services Fee, course books, travel and health insurance, or living costs. Fees will be confirmed upon completion of enrolment into courses. For more information, please see Fees and Money Matters.

*Please note: amounts shown are indicative and estimates only.

Scholarships

Scholarships and awards

Find out about the scholarships you may be eligible for.

Loans and Allowances

Student loans and allowances

Are you a New Zealand citizen or resident? You could be eligible for a student loan or allowance.

Cost of Living

Cost of living

Get an idea of how much accommodation and general living in Auckland will cost.

Key Dates

Application Advice

Please note: we will consider late applications if places are still available. International students should start the application process as early as possible to allow sufficient time to apply for a visa.

Key Dates

SemesterApplication Closing DateSemester Start DateSemester End Date
2026 Semester One08 December 202502 March 202629 June 2026
2026 Semester Two08 June 202620 July 202616 November 2026

Other Important Dates

See important dates for the academic year, including orientation, enrolment, study breaks, exams, and graduation.

Regulations

Preamble

The regulations for this degree are to be read in conjunction with all other relevant statutes and regulations including the Academic Statutes and Regulations.

Admission

1 In order to be admitted to this degree, an applicant intending to complete 120 points must have completed the requirements for the Postgraduate Diploma in Education or the Bachelor of Education (Teaching) (Honours) from this University with a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher, or equivalent prior study.

2 In order to be admitted to this degree, an applicant intending to complete 180 points must have:

a completed the requirements for the Bachelor of Education (Teaching) from this University with a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher, or an equivalent qualification recognised for teacher registration

or

b completed the requirements for a relevant Bachelors degree from this University with a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher, or have equivalent prior study

or

c (i) completed the requirements for a Bachelors degree from this University with a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher, or have equivalent prior study

and

(ii) passed 60 points towards the Postgraduate Certificate in Education from this University with a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher, provided that the postgraduate certificate has not been awarded

or

d (i) completed the requirements for a relevant professional qualification in education, with at least two years of relevant professional experience

and

(ii) passed 60 points towards the Postgraduate Certificate in Education from this University with a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher, provided that the postgraduate certificate has not been awarded

or

e completed the requirements for a relevant bachelors degree from this University with a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher in 60 points above Stage II.

3 Equivalence and relevance in Regulation 1 and 2 will be determined by the University. Equivalence pertains to the standard as well as nature and level of study.

4 a In exceptional circumstances the requirements in Regulation 1 may be waived by the relevant Associate Dean Academic or nominee if they determine that an applicant has a bachelors degree and relevant practical, professional or scholarly experience of an appropriate kind that is equivalent to one year of postgraduate study.

b In exceptional circumstances the requirements in Regulation 2 may be waived by the relevant Associate Dean Academic or nominee if they determine that an applicant has at least three years of relevant practical, professional or scholarly experience that provides an equivalent level of preparation.

5 No applicant with the Master of Arts in Education from this University may be admitted to this degree unless permitted by the Associate Dean Academic or its nominee.

Duration and Total Points Value

6 A student admitted to this degree under Regulation 1 or 4a must:

a pass courses with a total value of 120 points

and

b complete within the time limit specified in the General Regulations – Masters Degrees

and

c not exceed 160 points for the total enrolment for this degree.

7 A student admitted to this degree under Regulation 2 or 4b must:

a pass courses with a total value of 180 points

and

b complete within the time limit specified in the General Regulations – Masters Degrees

and

c not exceed 220 points for the total enrolment for this degree.

Structure and Content

8 A student enrolled for this degree must complete the requirements as listed in the Master of Education Schedule.

9 A student who must complete 180 points for this degree must achieve a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher in the first 60 points of taught courses in this degree. If the Grade Point Average is not achieved, enrolment for the Master of Education cannot be continued.

10 A student must complete the University of Auckland Academic Integrity course as specified in the Enrolment and Programme Regulations, Academic Integrity, of the University Calendar.

Research Component

11 a The thesis is to be carried out under the guidance of a supervisor appointed by the relevant Academic Head.

b The thesis topic must be approved by the relevant Programme Director or nominee or Postgraduate Committee prior to enrolment.

c The thesis is to be completed and submitted in accordance with the General Regulations – Masters Degrees.

Credit, Cross-credit and Reassignment

12 A student who must complete 180 points for this degree and who does not achieve the required Grade Point Average in the first 60 points of taught courses may apply to reassign courses passed for the Master of Education to the Postgraduate Diploma in Education or Postgraduate Certificate in Education.

Transfer from Postgraduate Certificate or Postgraduate Diploma

13 A student who has passed courses towards a Postgraduate Certificate in Education may reassign those courses to this degree provided that the Postgraduate Certificate in Education has not been awarded.

Distinction

14 This degree may be awarded with either Honours, Distinction or Merit in accordance with the General Regulations – Masters Degrees.

Variations

15 In exceptional circumstances, the Programme Director may approve a variation to a student’s programme of study in accordance with the Enrolment and Programme Regulations.

Regulation Commencement or Amendment

16 These regulations and/or schedule have been amended with effect from 1 January 2025.

Schedule

Programme Schedules

Complete 120 to 180 points comprising:

  • Either:
  • 1 item from 120 points Requirements, or
  • 1 item from 180 points Requirements, and
  • 1 item from Academic Integrity Course

120 points Requirements

Complete exactly 1 of the following:

Academic Integrity Course

Complete exactly 1 of the following:

Graduate Profile and Programme Capabilities

Graduate Profile

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Programme Capabilities

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Programme Capabilities to Graduate Profile Map

Programme Learning OutcomesPeople and PlaceSustainabilityKnowledge and PracticeCritical ThinkingSolution-SeekingCommunicationCollaborationEthics and Professionalism