Programme details

Graduate Diploma in Teaching and Learning (Early Childhood)

The Graduate Diploma in Teaching and Learning (Early Childhood) offered by UC, designated as GradDipTchLn(EC), prepares individuals to educate infants, toddlers, and young children during this crucial stage of development.

Course description

Engaging in early childhood education is a demanding yet fulfilling profession that enables one to influence the lives of children positively. Through the implementation of guided play, educators can support children in developing vital skills for their overall intellectual, emotional, and physical well-being.

This Diploma adheres to the standards established by Matatū Aotearoa | Teaching Council of New Zealand for graduating teachers, which may allow you to obtain provisional registration with the Council as a teacher in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Occupational Registration

Certain occupations require registration by law in New Zealand. This programme leads to registration with New Zealand Teaching Council.

Immigration benefits

This course may qualify for the following visa rights:
In-study work rights
Partner visitor rights
Partner work rights
Post-study work rights

This course qualifies for 3 points if applying for residency under the Skilled Migrant Category.

Career Prospects

This program equips individuals with essential transferable skills, including management, communication, coordination, responsibility, and organization.

Numerous graduates have progressed to owning and operating their own early childhood businesses, as well as pursuing various positions within early childhood care and governmental organizations.

Entry requirements

Individuals seeking to enroll in the Graduate Diploma of Teaching (Early Childhood) must possess a relevant bachelor’s degree or a higher qualification, or they must be eligible for admission based on other qualifications of comparable standing.

Admission is not guaranteed and will be determined by evaluating academic performance, engagement and interest in working with children and youth, community participation, communication abilities, and various other personal attributes.

If English is your additional language, you are also required to meet UC’s English language requirements. University recognises the following English Language tests and courses:

International English Language Testing System Academic (IELTS Academic) – including online and One Skill Retake
Test of English as a Foreign Language Internet-Based Test (TOEFL iBT) – including Home Edition and Paper Edition #
CCEL English for Academic Purposes Level 2 (EAP Level 2) – including online
Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE)
Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE)
Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE) – including online
New Zealand Certificate in English Language (NZCEL)
FluentIQ (*FluentIQ should be used where IELTS Indicator or TOEFL cannot be used)
LanguageCert
Trinity College London Integrated Skills in English (ISE)
Duolingo English Test (DET)