- 2 years (or part-time equivalent)
- External
- Feb, May, Sep
- View dates
- AUD 4,624
- (Indicative annual fee)
Overview
- Transform your existing degree into a rewarding teaching career. UniSQ’s Master of Learning and Teaching (Early Years) enables those with a bachelor degree in a discipline other than education to become a registered teacher in as little as 18 months.
- Specialise in the development and care of children from birth to eight years, gaining a comprehensive understanding of early childhood education that supports strong, safe and socially inclusive environments for lifelong learning.
- Explore the characteristics of babies and young children and understand how they develop and learn.
- Put theory into practice and build significant industry connections through 75 days of supervised professional experience placements in pre-school and primary school contexts.
Practical approach
The best part of my studies at UniSQ has been the practical approach to learning. The University supplies first-hand experiences, allowing me to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world situations.
Brian
Career outcomes
As a graduate you can work in early learning centres and kindergartens, early education and care services, and to be eligible to apply for registration to teach in primary school contexts with in-depth understandings and skills of foundation to Year 3, with a specialisation in English Literacy.
Professional accreditation
This degree is an approved early childhood teacher qualification with the Australian Children's Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) and accredited by the Queensland College of Teachers (QCT). It also meets the expectations and requirements of the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL).
What you'll study
To graduate from the Master of Learning and Teaching (Early Years), you must successfully complete 16 units of study.
Degree structure
A postgraduate university degree typically comprises of advanced coursework and research opportunities, allowing you to deepen your expertise in a specific field while building upon foundational knowledge.
Refer to the UniSQ Handbook for detailed recommended enrolment patterns and course availability.
Degree requirements
During the degree, you will complete four full-time supervised professional experience placements blocks, including 10 days with children aged birth to two years old, 20 days in a kindergarten, and 45 days in a primary school setting, totalling 75 days. You are required to attend the majority of placements in settings within Australia.
You must be able to meet the physical and other professional requirements of professional experience placements within this degree.
To support you throughout your professional experience, there are many opportunities to receive financial support and scholarships. Learn more about the available support.
All students must provide evidence of an attempt at the Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education (LANTITE) by the end of their first year, which is measured by 8 courses/units of study. For First Nations language speakers, recognition of First Nations language proficiency by a relevant cultural authority is an acceptable alternative standard.
Students are made aware of this requirement through block announcements on designated first year StudyDesks, Orientation programs and student notifications when Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER) test windows become available.
Other study options
At UniSQ, we support busy, modern learners wanting to start or progress in their careers. Whatever your goals, we offer flexible study options such as opportunities to upskill without committing to a full degree.
Discover UniSQ’s industry-driven short courses.
If you’re interested in further study, after completion of this degree you can go on to study the Doctor of Philosophy (if you meet all the entry requirements).
Entry requirements
There are many ways to be considered for entry into a UniSQ degree based on your education, work experience and relevant personal attributes. You need to satisfy the following requirements to be considered for entry into this postgraduate degree.
- Completion of an Australian university 3-year bachelor degree, or equivalent, in a discipline other than education with a minimum GPA of 4.0 out of 7.0.
- For primary teaching, applicants must demonstrate, through eight units of their undergraduate degree or other equivalent studies, adequate knowledge of one or more learning areas related to the Australian primary school curriculum. The learning areas are English, Mathematics, Science, Humanities and Social Sciences, the Arts, Health and Physical Education, Languages and Technology. This requirement for discipline studies can be met through further study that is completed from different courses at bachelor degree level or higher.
While not an entry requirement, if an applicant has achieved a 'satisfactory' result for one or more components of the Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education (LANTITE) at another institution, the 'satisfactory' result can be carried across with this admission application.
You'll need to meet the applicable English language requirements and this degree requires:
- IELTS (Academic) - Minimum overall score of 7.5, with a minimum 7.0 in writing and reading, and a mimimum of 8.0 in speaking and listening.
Alternative English language proficiency tests may also be accepted.
During your study
While not needed to apply, you'll need to meet these requirements throughout your studies.
In order to attend a professional experience placement in Queensland, you must hold a valid Blue Card or Exemption Card.
Entry pathways
There is more than one way to get into university, and if you're not sure about your entry options get in touch to discuss.
Fees and scholarships
- This estimated 2025 annual fee is based on the current average rate for your first year of study (8 units per year) and does not include cost of materials such as textbooks, additional costs or the Student Services and Amenities fee.
- This is an indicative guide only and your fees will vary depending on the courses you select, with the actual rates calculated at enrolment.
- We review our fees annually and they may increase each year.
- Further details are available on the Fees website.
Additional costs
You may be required to pay the Student Services and Amenities Fee as part of your degree cost.
Placement courses may incur some additional costs, including uniform and equipment, transport to and from venues and, in some instances, living expenses, particularly for placements in rural and remote settings.
You may be eligible to receive the Commonwealth Prac Payment (CPP) designed to help cover some of the costs associated with mandatory placements.
Payment options
You may not have to pay your course (subject) fees upfront. HECS-HELP is a government loan scheme that allows you to defer payment until your income reaches a certain threshold. Find out if you are eligible for HECS-HELP.
You may also be eligible to receive financial support from Services Australia.
UniSQ Scholarships
We offer scholarships for academic excellence, community leadership, and financial need - you can apply for more than one!
Find out moreHow to apply
Complete your online application directly to UniSQ.
ApplyYou can select to start your study in Trimester 1, 2 or 3.
| Study period | Application closing date | Orientation | Start date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trimester 1, 2025 | Monday 10 February | Monday 3 February | Monday 10 February |
| Trimester 2, 2025 | Monday 26 May | Monday 19 May | Monday 26 May |
| Trimester 3, 2025 | Monday 8 September | Monday 1 September | Monday 8 September |
| Trimester 1, 2026 | Monday 16 February | Monday 9 February | Monday 16 February |
More information on application key dates is available.
Preparing to apply
You've made the decision to study at UniSQ - congratulations! Take the next steps:
The entry requirements for your degree will provide you with details regarding the documentation to provide. These may include:
- interviews and selection criteria
- CV/resume or LinkedIn profile
- referee reports.
After you’ve submitted your application, you will be emailed a reference number. You will be notified via email the outcome of your application within 10 business days.
Follow the link in your email from UniSQ or log in to the application portal to accept your offer.
Find out more
Connect with us - start a conversation, whenever suits you.
Available 5 days a week
Chat now
Freecall
1800 269 500
Email us at study@unisq.edu.au
Frequently asked questions
The duration of a Master of Early Childhood Teaching (or equivalent) will vary depending on the education provider you choose.
At UniSQ, our Education and Teaching Master of Learning and Teaching (Early Years) will take you approximately two years to complete. Some students choose to study part-time, which increases the time it takes to finish the required courses.
Graduates of a Master of Teaching Early Childhood can enjoy employment opportunities in early learning centers, kindergartens, early education and care services.
You may also be eligible to apply for registration to teach in a primary school context with in-depth understanding and skills of foundation to Year 3, with a specialisation in English literacy.
You will have many opportunities to put theory into practice when studying a Master of Teaching Early Childhood
At UniSQ, you will gain practical, hands-on experience during your professional experience placement, including 10 days with children aged birth to two years old, 20 days in a kindergarten setting, and 45 days in a primary school setting, totalling 75 days.
For further information on education placements, including financial support and Positive Exemption Cards, please view the degree structure details on this page.
A Master of Early Childhood online is an ideal way to combine your education and career goals with your life and work commitments.
At UniSQ, you can study our Master of Learning and Teaching Early Childhood (also known as a Master of Teaching Early Childhood) externally, allowing you to learn some of your subject theory online and complete practical experience in person when required. We’ve been delivering distance education for over 40 years, so you can be sure that you are learning your degree from the experts in online education.
Discover more about the different ways you can study at UniSQ.
