The Early Years

• Graduate Certificate in Early Years Education
• Master of Education (The Early Years)
• Higher Degree Research courses

 Graduate Certificate in Early Years Education

The Graduate Certificate in Early Years Education is an exciting  program which specialises in working with children 0-5 years. It is a specialist postgraduate early childhood education program of the highest quality studied part time over one academic year, ensuring that graduates are well equipped for the increasingly expanding and rewarding role of early childhood educator. This Graduate Certificate is part of a strategy by the University and the Faculty of Education to prioritise education in the Early Years. The Certificate supports the capacity of relevant professionals to meet workforce requirements in line with Australian Government directions in early childhood education and care reform.

Entry Requirements:

Minimum 3 year degree in Early Childhood Education (eg. Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood/Learning))
or
Equivalent study of no less than 3 years at an approved higher education facility (e.g. College of Advanced Education etc.) in Early Childhood Education

Course Structure:

The Graduate Certificate in Early Years Education consists of 24 credit points of study, completed over a minimum of one year of part-time study, as per the four subjects listed below:

Subjects:

 In 2012 the following subject will also be included as part of the Early Years program:

 Master of Education (The Early Years)

The Master of Education is a higher degree for teachers and educators wishing to pursue advanced studies in their area of interest. Many subjects require the application of research and theoretical insights into actual practice, and it is desirable that students have some full-time workplace/teaching experience

Entry Requirements

To qualify for admission into the Master of Education, a student must have qualified for a Bachelor degree of the University, or an equivalent qualification from an approved institution, with a major study in Early Years Education (0-8 years). 

Course Structure:

The MEd program will normally comprise 48 credit points of study, chosen as follows.

Students might need to discuss their proposed course of study with the relevant Program Coordinator.

 In 2012 the following subject will also be included in the Early Years program:

EDGY901 Pedagogy, Practice and Play in Early Years

The subject will explore play as a central pedagogical approach in fostering young children’s development and learning. It will present a range of classical and modern theories of play and treat the topics such as child spontaneous play; types and genres of play; indoor and outdoor play; play in a range of diverse contexts; providing for enriched play environments and play-oriented curriculum; the adaptability of play to different developmental stages; play-based educational programs. Current literature will be reviewed to enhance student awareness of national and international views on play in early Childhood.

EDGY902 Early Years Curriculum Studies

This subject develops critical and evaluative awareness of many influences which impact upon curriculum within a range of early childhood settings. A range of traditional, alternative and contemporary curriculum models will be analysed for their effectiveness in inclusive early childhood education. Current literature will be reviewed to enhance student awareness of national and international curriculum models and appropriateness to the Australian early childhood context.

EDGY903 Socio-cultural Perspectives in the Early Years

This subject will provide a theoretical background and practical strategies for creating an optimal social and personal environment for young children’s learning and development. Students will be studying modern socio-cultural approaches to early childhood education stemming from the theories of Dewey, Vygotsky, Bruner and Bronfenbrenner, with a focus on practical implications for the development of young children. The topics treated will include: the role of communication and language in early years; the quality of adult-child interaction; the role of family involvement and the household funds of knowledge; contextually situated practice of early childhood education; socio-cultural approach to observation and dynamic assessment; play and the development of imagination

EDGY904 Management, Supervision and Leadership for Early Childhood Professionals

This subject will examine the complex responsibilities of early childhood professionals in managing, delivering and advocating for quality programs and services for young children and their families. Recognition will be given to the current context of early childhood and the need for specific skills and knowledge required by leaders in meeting organizational and broader societal aims and objectives. Change management, human resources management, powerful communication, intrapersonal/self awareness, vision-building and sharing, motivation, supervision of staff, knowledge-building and mentoring, lobbying & advocacy are key components. Safety, nutrition and the physical, social and emotional health of infants and young children plus Indigenous perspectives on health and wellbeing of young children and families will be integrated into the subject. The subject will include a focus on developing an understanding of the management, leadership and advocacy role of early childhood professionals in promoting physical, social and emotional well-being of children and staff.

EDGY905 Healthy Lifestyles for Pre-School Children:Physical Activity

Regular physical activity is critical for health and wellbeing of young children. However, preschool children currently do not participate in enough physical activity. This subject will look at the importance of physical activity during the preschool years and the role of early childcare centres in promoting physical activity. It will also look at the developmental milestones for 0-5 year olds in relation to physical activity. Finally the subject will evaluate current physical activity programs for young children and how these can be potentially modified for different groups of young children including indigenous children and those from lower socio-economic groups.

EDGR922

The inclusion of literature is an integral aspect of classroom literacy practice. Students engage with a wide variety of texts in the form of books (fiction and non-fiction), new literacies and community-based texts. This subject provides opportunities to:Encounter a range of authors and illustrators of literature for children and young people;Examine theories of literary criticism in connection with literature for children and young people; Explore the range of existing and emerging genres and the historical development of these; Reflect upon the role of literature in supporting learners’ literacy development.


 

 Higher Degree Research Courses

Master of Education - Research

The Master of Education - Research allows students to undertake research methodology subjects (24cp) and research (48cp) in their chosen field. This degree provides specialised training for those preparing careers in academic, government and industry, and provides professionals with the means to increase their knowledge and upgrade their qualifications/.

Doctor of Education

The Doctor of Education is a program designed to prepare professional leaders in Education. This program is a doctoral level program completed by a combination of coursework (48cp) and thesis (96cp), offered in the same study areas as the Master of Education. 

Doctor of Philosophy

The Doctor of Philosophy is completed by in-depth research (144cp) in a topic supervised by academic staff from the Faculty. It is designed for those who wish to become researchers or academics in the field.

Doctor of Philosophy (Integrated)

The Doctor of Philosophy (Integrated) is a four-year research degree which integrates a traditional three-year PhD thesis with one-year of coursework, comprising generic research training and discipline-specific content into a single degree. 

For duration, delivery, starts dates and course information please see the course handbook for details. 

For entry requirements and application guides please see our prospective students research page. 

For Further information please contact the Faculty of Education

Contact:
Early Childhood Program Director
Judy Daunt
Email: jdaunt@uow.edu.au
Ph: (02) 4221 3250

Graduate Officer 
Luisa Dacunto
Email: luisad@uow.edu.au
Ph: (02) 4221 4387