- Duration
- Full-time: 18 months
- Part-time: Varies
- Next start date
- 2026 Semester One – 2 March
- 2026 Semester Two – 20 July
- Available locations
- City
- Points
- 120 or 180
- Programme type
- Postgraduate
- Taught & research options available
Programme overview
Study Early Childhood
We live in a world of rapid change, induced by recent global and local events and the unstoppable rise of digital technology and social media. Traditional, mainstream, one-size-fits-all approaches are no longer sufficient to work with children and their families with increasingly complex social and cultural backgrounds.
Our Master of Education (Early Childhood) programme offers a range of courses that are designed and delivered by internationally recognised researchers and academics with advanced, multidisciplinary, and up-to-date knowledge of early childhood.
Throughout the programme, students are supported in developing innovative and research-informed expertise to engage effectively with children, families and communities. Māori and Pacific concepts, values, and knowledges are integrated into course content, reflecting our unique place in the South Pacific.
This masters programme provides a clear and coherent pathway for students to progress from postgraduate certification to a masters degree. Graduates with these qualifications will be equipped with multidisciplinary knowledge and expertise, critical thinking skills, and the ability to advocate for diverse communities and stakeholders. They will be sought after in different professional sectors and at world-ranked universities looking for promising doctoral candidates.
This qualification is relevant to those working in a wide range of education areas. It provides the opportunity to review, inform and improve your knowledge and professional practice. You will develop knowledge, skills and experience in critiquing and undertaking educational research in your area of interest to enhance your practice. Through an independent inquiry under supervision from high-calibre experts within the faculty, you can contribute valuable knowledge and understanding to the field of education. This masters programme has both research and taught options with a 120-point and a 180-point option available.
Find out more about studying Early Childhood
Study Inclusive Education
One in four people in Aotearoa has a disability. This diversity is now represented in local early childhood settings and schools, and teachers are expected to have the conceptual, culturally responsive and applied knowledge base needed to teach in inclusive environments.
You will develop advanced knowledge and capabilities in inclusive practices to support diverse learners in educational settings. You’ll extend your research skills through an inquiry-based approach. You'll also gain the skills and knowledge needed to take leading roles in effective planning, coordination and management of projects and in professional learning.
Programme structure
120-point research masters
- Requirement: Thesis (120 points)
- Prerequisite: An approved Research Methods courses (at least 30 points)
180-point research masters
Requirement:
- Thesis (90 points)
- An approved Research Methods course (at least 30 points)
- Two 30-point elective courses (60 points total) from Education, Education Curriculum, Education Practice, Education Professional Studies Māori, Education Professional Studies, Education Special, Education Māori, and Social Work Child Family Practice.
- Special Topic: Research Methods in Language Education (EDCURRIC 716)
- Research Methodologies (EDUCSW 700)
- Māori and Indigenous Research (EDUC 787)
Early Childhood specialisation:
Taught Masters
- 60 points: EDUC 713, 767
- 90 points from EDPROF 709, EDPROFST 716, 717, 751, 765
- 30 points from EDUC 742, EDUCSW 700 or other 700 level courses approved by the Programme Director
Research Masters
- 60 points from EDUC 713, 767, EDPROF 709, EDPROFST 716, 717, 751, 765
- 30 points: EDUCSW 700
- 90 points: EDUC 792 or 794 Thesis or EDUCM 794 or 795 Thesis
You'll also need to meet other requirements, including time limits and total points limits. See Postgraduate enrolment.
2025 entry requirements
My highest qualification is from:
Programme requirements
Minimum programme requirements
Minimum requirements listed here are the likely grades required and do not guarantee entry. We assess each application individually and applicants may require a higher grade to be offered a place.
-
Study optionResearch 120 pointsGrade requiredGPA Grade Point Average 5.0
Postgraduate Diploma in Education or Bachelor of Education (Teaching) (Honours)
-
Study optionResearch 180 pointsGrade requiredGPA Grade Point Average 5.0
An undergraduate degree in education
Further programme requirements
Select your study option:
You must have completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Education or a Bachelor of Education (Teaching) (Honours) with a GPA of 5.0.
You must also have completed at least 30 points in one of the approved research methods courses: EDCURRIC 716, EDUC 735, 787, EDPRAC 751, EDPROFST 700, 754, 757.
Note: If you already hold a Master of Arts in Education (or a substantially similar qualification), you may not be eligible for this programme.
You must have completed either:
- a Bachelor of Education (Teaching) or an equivalent qualification recognised for teacher registration
or
- a Bachelor of Arts with a major in Education or an equivalent qualification in education.
You will require a GPA of 5.0.
Note: If you already hold a Master of Arts in Education (or a substantially similar qualification), you may not be admitted to this programme.
Other pathways to study
If you do not meet the above entry requirements, but have other relevant experience and think you would be successful in postgraduate study, please contact us to discuss alternative pathways into our programmes.
If you do not have the required prior study, you can still gain entry by passing 60 points towards the Postgraduate Certificate in Education with a GPA of 5.0 or higher.
Programme requirements
Minimum programme requirements
Minimum requirements listed here are the likely grades required and do not guarantee entry. We assess each application individually and applicants may require a higher grade to be offered a place.
-
Study optionResearch 120 pointsGrade requiredGPE Grade Point Equivalent 5.0
One year of postgraduate study
-
Study optionResearch 180 pointsGrade requiredGPE Grade Point Equivalent 5.0
An undergraduate degree in education.
-
QualificationIELTS Academic International English Language Testing SystemScore required6.5
No bands less than 6.0
Further programme requirements
Select your study option:
You must have completed one year of postgraduate study in education, following an undergraduate degree, from a recognised university (or similar institution) with a GPE of 5.0.
You must also have completed an advanced-level course in approved research methods.
You must have completed an undergraduate degree in education at a recognised university (or similar institution) with a GPE of 5.0, or an equivalent qualification recognised for teacher registration.
Note: If you already hold a masters degree in the same (or substantially similar field of study), you may not be admitted to this programme.
Other pathways to study
If you do not meet the GPE requirement you can still gain entry if you are able to successfully demonstrate your ability to undertake advanced study and research for this degree.
If you do not have the required prior study, you can still gain entry by passing 60 points towards the Postgraduate Certificate in Education with a GPA of 5.0 or higher.
How much does a Master of Education cost per year?
2025 fees
- Domestic students
- NZ$8,860.80 – $9,033.62*
- International students
- NZ$41,594*
Fees are set in advance of each calendar year and will be updated on this website. Fees are inclusive of 15% GST, but do not include the Student Services Fee, course books, travel and health insurance, or living costs. Amounts shown are indicative only. In addition to the tuition fees, there is a Student Services Fee of $9.24 per point, estimated at $1,108.80 for full-time study (120 points). Fees will be confirmed upon completion of enrolment into courses.
*Please note: amounts shown are indicative and estimates only.
Find out about financial support information
Scholarships and awards
Find out about the scholarships you may be eligible for.
Student loans and allowances
Are you a New Zealand citizen or resident? You could be eligible for a student loan or allowance.
Cost of living
Get an idea of how much accommodation and general living in Auckland will cost.
Key dates
Please note: We will consider late applications if places are still available. International students should start the application process as early as possible to allow sufficient time to apply for a visa.
Application closing dates
- Semester One 2025
- 8 December 2024
- Semester Two 2025
- 4 July 2025
Start dates
Here are the start dates for the programme.
| Semester One | Starts – 3 March |
|---|---|
| Ends – 30 June | |
| Semester Two | Starts – 21 July |
| Ends – 17 November |
| Semester One | Starts – 2 March |
|---|---|
| Ends – 29 June | |
| Semester Two | Starts – 20 July |
| Ends – 16 November |
Other important dates
See important dates for the academic year, including orientation, enrolment, study breaks, exams, and graduation.
View our study pathways guides to help you decide whether this programme is right for you.
If you have any questions or need help with any aspects of application
or enrolment, please visit auckland.ac.nz/askus
Student Hubs
Visit your hubs for help and advice on any aspect of your studies and life at University.
The Student Hubs are your physical gateway to Waipapa Taumata Rau | the University of Auckland.
The Student Hubs services are available seven days a week at the City and Grafton campuses with friendly staff available to provide you with advice on any aspect of your studies and life at the University.
Where could this programme take you?
Through coursework and research, you will have the opportunity to contribute valuable knowledge and understanding to your own work, your workplace and the field of education. This qualification can also provide the foundations for doctoral study.
Jobs related to this programme
- Communities of Learning (CoLs) leader
- Education sector leader
- Human resources practitioner
- Researcher (education)
- School centre manager or specialist
- Trainer in organisations
Student career planning service
Once you become a student at the University, you can get help with planning and developing your career from Career Development and Employability Services.
Do you need help?
Can’t find the answer in AskAuckland?
Need to speak to someone?
You can phone us directly.
- Auckland
- 923 5025
- Outside Auckland
- 0800 61 62 63
- International
- +64 9 373 7513