Master of Teaching (Early Childhood)

The Master of Teaching (Early Childhood) at Ikon Institute of Australia is a two-year postgraduate degree for people who want to teach children from birth to eight years old. It covers child development, early literacy and numeracy, play-based learning, curriculum planning and assessment, and working with families and communities. You will also study how to support children with additional needs and how to build inclusive learning environments. The degree includes supervised professional experience in early childhood settings, so you spend time in centres and kindergartens working alongside qualified teachers.

How the course is structured

Like most Australian master's degrees, this course is delivered over two years of full-time study, usually across semesters or trimesters. You complete units of study, each worth a set number of credit points, and you need to pass all required units to graduate. The course typically includes a capstone or research component in the final year, where you investigate an issue in early childhood education. Professional placement is a core part of the degree because teaching is a practical profession. You will complete a set number of supervised placement days in early childhood services, which gives you real classroom experience before you graduate.

What you will learn

You will learn how to plan and teach using the Early Years Learning Framework and the Australian Curriculum. You will study how children learn to read, write and work with numbers, and how to observe and assess their progress. You will also learn about child protection, working with families from different backgrounds, and the legal and ethical responsibilities of teachers. By the end, you should be able to manage a classroom, design learning experiences, and work as part of a teaching team.

Who this course suits

This degree suits people who already have a bachelor's degree in another field and want to become early childhood teachers. It also suits early childhood educators who hold a diploma or degree and want to gain a teaching qualification. If you enjoy working with young children and want a career that combines care and education, this course is a good fit. You should check the official CRICOS register and the Ikon Institute of Australia website for exact entry requirements, English language details and course structure. International students should note that the Student visa allows you to work up to 48 hours per fortnight while your course is in session, and the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) post-study work stream may be available after you graduate, depending on your circumstances.

• Early childhood teacher in long day care centres, kindergartens and preschools
• Kindergarten teacher in community and government-funded services
• Early childhood educator or room leader in childcare centres
• Family day care coordinator or educational leader
• Early intervention specialist working with children with additional needs
• Curriculum advisor or educational consultant for early childhood services
• Early childhood policy officer in government or non-government organisations

Graduates typically work in the education and care sector across Australia. Early childhood teachers are in demand in cities and regional areas. Some graduates go on to work in primary schools, particularly in the early years. Others move into leadership roles in childcare organisations or start their own family day care businesses. The qualification may also support registration with the relevant state or territory teacher regulatory authority, depending on where you intend to work. Always confirm registration requirements with the specific authority.