Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Early Childhood Education) GradDipTchg(ECE)
Teaching
A course by
University of Auckland
Become a qualified early childhood teacher in just one year with this Graduate Diploma for those already holding a Bachelor's degree. Learn through online study and hands-on practicum placements, preparing to work with children from birth to age five.
Online study
Flexible online learning from anywhere
Online, Online
It will take a total of 1 year
Core skills this course teaches
Develop knowledge and skills to support children's learning and development
Learn to facilitate and guide young children’s holistic growth from birth to age five using evidence-based teaching strategies.
Apply inclusive, responsive teaching practices
Understand and implement pedagogies that honour diversity, equity, and Te Tiriti o Waitangi in New Zealand ECE contexts.
Gain practical experience in early childhood centres
Complete 17 weeks of supervised placements in multiple ECE environments, building professional practice for real-world teaching.
What You're Signing Up For
The Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Early Childhood Education) is a one-year intensive (or part-time over two years) postgraduate programme for students who already hold a degree. It prepares students for a rewarding ECE teaching career through online learning and 17 weeks of professional practicum placements in early childhood centres. The curriculum emphasizes diversity, equity, inclusion, Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and proficiency in te reo Māori. Graduates will be eligible to apply for provisional certification with the Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand and can pursue roles in teaching and related fields.
Course Content
- EDPROFST 605 The Early Years Teacher
- EDPROFST 607 The Relational Worlds of Children
- EDCURRIC 601 Creative Arts - Early Years
- EDCURRIC 623 Investigation and Exploration
- EDPRAC 613 Professional Practice 1: Early Childhood Education
- EDPRAC 614 Professional Practice 2: Early Childhood Education
- EDCURRIC 624 Curriculum and Pedagogy
- EDCURRIC 600 Literacies, Languages and Cultures
- EDUC 603 Education after Society
- EDPROFM 600 Te Ao Māori
- EDUCM 199 Te Reo Māori
- EDUCSW 199 English Language Competency
- Three practicum placements (17 weeks total) in diverse ECE settings
What you need to know first
A bachelor's degree or equivalent
English language competency (see EDUCSW 199/English Language Competency in curriculum)
Applicants should be domestic students (for 2026 intake)
What sort of industry will this job lead to
Education
Early Childhood Education
Future employment opportunities might be
Early childhood teacher
Hospital play specialist
Policy adviser for the Ministry of Education
Learning designer
Researcher
Education consultant
Curriculum developer