Study Early Childhood Education with us
Explore current research and its implications for the early childhood profession in relation to, for instance, ethics, children's rights, social justice, equity and diversity and futures education, and how these issues play out and impact on children and families.
- Courses in Early Childhood Education
- Themes explored in Early Childhood Education
- Staff in Early Childhood Education
- Research in Early Childhood Education
- Who is the course suitable for?
- Career outcomes
- Key benefits of the course
Courses in Early Childhood Education
You can specialise in Early Childhood Education by choosing one of the following courses:
Course |
Part Time |
Full Time |
1 year |
6 months |
|
| Postgraduate Certificate in Educational Studies (Special Education, Inclusion and Early Intervention) | 2 years | 1 year |
| Postgraduate
Diploma in Educational Studies No intake in 2010 |
2 years |
1 year |
Master of Education by research (major thesis) No intake in 2010 |
2 years |
1 year |
Master of Education by research (major thesis) No intake in 2010 |
3 years |
18 months |
Master of Education by combination of coursework & research No intake in 2010 |
2 years |
1 year |
Master of Education by combination of coursework & research New structure from 2010 |
3 years |
18 months |
| Master of Education by coursework | 2 years | 1 year |
| Master of Education by coursework No intake in 2010 | 3 years | 18 months |
| Master of Teaching (Early Childhood) | 2 year | 1 year |
6 years |
3 years |
|
6 years |
3 years |
|
6 years |
3 years |
(NB. The differing lengths of the Masters programs are based on the
previous qualifications/work experience of the applicant)
Themes explored in Early Childhood Education
We are dedicated to assisting students to enhance and develop their understanding of issues in the education and development of children in the first five years of life. Together, students and staff explore critical issues in the field, including:
- Child development;
- Social and political aspects of early childhood;
- Ethics;
- Current perspectives on early childhood curriculum.
Staff in the Early Childhood Education area
Historically, the School's strong foundation in early childhood teaching and research has given it a lead role in bringing higher status and more recognition to early childhood practitioners. Staff from our Early Learning, Development and Inclusion unit are experts in their fields, recognised for influencing the shape of early childhood policy and education.
Professor Bridie Raban, Dr Sharne Rolfe, Dr Kay Margetts, Jan Deans and Andrea Nolan have international reputations in the areas of early childhood literacy, attachment, early childhood care, transition and progress in primary schooling.
Professor Glenda MacNaughton heads the leading Centre for Equity and Innovation in Early Childhood. Glenda and her team, including Jane Page, Margaret Coady, Karina Davis and Kylie Smith, are internationally renowned for their innovative work in the areas of children and citizenship, early childhood pedagogies for social change, identities, equity and early education, and evaluation and innovation in early childhood services.
Research in the field of Early Childhood education
Highlights of our research strengths include Professor Bridie Raban's involvement with the Victorian Department of Human Services' Best Start project. Professor Raban is also co-directing the Department of Education Science and Training's project designed to develop early learning resources in Literacy and Numeracy for children from birth to five years of age.
Professor Glenda MacNaughton's directs two Australian Research Council projects that explore young children's constructions of racial and cultural diversity and staff/parent relationships.
Together, staff and students are investigating a variety of topic areas such as language and literacy development, early years education, assessment, equity issues in early childhood, staff-parent relationships, children's voices in policy and curriculum, social and emotional development and attachment, and transition from pre-school to school.
Research in CEIEC:
www.education.unimelb.edu.au/ceiec/research/
Who is this course suitable for?
Courses in Early Childhood Education have been designed for early childhood professionals at all levels.
Career Outcomes
Our programs will assist you to take the next step in your career, allowing you to take on a leadership role in services for children and families in local, state or commonwealth government. It could also assist you move into leadership in community-based services for children or teach child care studies in Technical and Further Education Courses.
Key benefits of the course
- Expand professional knowledge and expertise and gain new insights
- Collaborative and multi-disciplinary approaches to research and teaching
- Student-centred reflective learning and curriculum
- Involvement with national and international research projects
- Courses are highly relevant to grassroots education practices
- Establish broader professional network