Master of Learning and Teaching (Early Years)

Study UniSQ’s Master of Learning and Teaching (Early Years) and gain a comprehensive understanding of early education practices and learn how to provide children with a strong start in their learning development. The program objectives align with the requirements of ACECQA and the seven AITSL Professional Standards for Teachers (Graduate Level). On successful completion of the program, graduates will be able to demonstrate that they:

1. know and understand the characteristics of babies and young children and how they develop and learn
2. know and understand the curriculum and learning frameworks that govern diverse early childhood and primary school settings
3. collaborate with others to plan for the effective implementation of age appropriate programs for child engagement, development and learning
4. create and maintain supportive, socially inclusive and safe learning environments within diverse settings
5. observe, interpret, assess, provide feedback and report on child development and learning
6. engage in professional learning to develop and improve practice
7. engage professionally with colleagues, parents/carers, stakeholders and the community.

Study UniSQ’s Master of Learning and Teaching (Early Years) and gain a comprehensive understanding of early education practices and learn how to provide children with a strong start in their learning development. You’ll discover how to create and maintain supportive, socially inclusive and safe learning environments. Become a registered teacher and specialise in the development and care of children from birth to eight years. Build significant industry connections through 75 days of supervised professional experience placements in pre-school and primary school contexts. 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).

Recommended study pattern

Year 1 - Semester 1

EDM5007 Cultivating Supportive Learning Environments

EDM5010 Literacy Learning in the Early Years

EDM5100 HPE and Wellbeing Curriculum and Pedagogical Studies 1

EDM5014 Planning for Learning: Curriculum, Play and Pedagogy

Year 1 - Semester 2

EDM5003 Science Curriculum & Pedagogical Studies

EDM5005 Mathematics Curriculum & Pedagogical Studies 1

EDM5016 Early Years Data and Assessment

EDM5001 Understanding Learners and Learning

Year 2 - Semester 1

EDM8007 Literacies Learning in Diverse Contexts

EDM8018 Leading in Early Childhood

EDM8020 Arts and Technology through Play

EDM8017 Relating and Inquiring in Infant and Toddler Education and Care Contexts

Year 2 - Semester 2

EDM8005 Mathematics Curriculum & Pedagogical Studies 2

EDM8008 Inquiring through the Humanities

EDM8014 English Literacy and Special Educational Needs

EDM8100 Evidence of Learning in Teaching

Award requirements

Completion of 16 units as outlined in the Recommended Study Pattern section.

Exit points

• Upon completion of four postgraduate courses, a student may apply to exit with the Graduate Certificate of Education. This qualification is not approved for teacher registration and does not meet the requirements of the ACECQA Framework.
• Upon completion of eight postgraduate courses, a student may apply to exit with the Graduate Diploma of Education. This qualification is not approved for teacher registration and does not meet the requirements of the ACECQA Framework.

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Indicative total fee $7,970

The amount shown here is indicative for an Australian citizen studying full-time, which is typically 8 subjects per year.

Fees may vary depending on:

• the subjects you choose
• credit from previous work experience
• your eligibility for government funding loans or subsidies such as HECS-HELP or a Commonwealth supported place.

To learn more, go to Fees or contact a student advisor.

As Australia’s #1 university for graduate starting salary (Good Universities Guide, 2022), University of Southern Queensland is the right place to make real progress. Regardless of your education history, your age or your aspirations, at UniSQ you’ll be inspired by quality learning experiences matched with top resources and research. Having delivered distance and online learning for over 40+ years, UniSQ supports you to learn at your own pace—exactly how it suits you.

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QS World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

24

Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

25

Completed a 3-year bachelor degree, or equivalent, in a discipline other than education with a minimum GPA of 4.0 out of 7.0.

Non-academic entry criteria

• Completion of the non-academic entry requirements to demonstrate the applicant’s motivation to teach and suitability for the teaching profession. Details are available from the QTAC initial teacher education webpage.
• 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.
• Students must be available for a prescribed period of time to undertake the majority of the supervised Professional Experience placements in an Australian school setting, or at another approved site as required by the program. State law in Queensland (Australia) requires that all adults working/undertaking professional experience/researching with children under the age of 18, are required to possess a current Positive Exemption Card (Blue Card or Exemption Card). Students in other Australian states or in overseas contexts need to ensure they have complied with the equivalent requirements and have registered the details with the USQ Education Placement Office.

Applicants from a non-English speaking background are required to satisfy the applicable English language requirements and this degree requires a minimum of IELTS 7.5, or equivalent, with a minimum of 8.0 in speaking and listening and 7.0 in all other subtests. 

Candidates eligible for admission into this program may be eligible for up to eight units of credit on the basis of successful completion of relevant, equivalent postgraduate level study completed at a recognised university or institution.

Credit approved in this program will not automatically apply to other specialisations or USQ programs. Claims for credit should be submitted prior to or at the time of enrolment. Each claim will be assessed on individual merit in line with the Credit and Exemptions Procedure.

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. All students must be able to meet professional requirements expected of teachers within this degree, including holding a current Positive Exemption Card (Blue Card or Exemption Card), or equivalent.