Master of
Education (Early Childhood)

In this subject students will explore and critically engage with the multifaceted landscape of contemporary early childhood educational contexts. This subject offers a comprehensive examination of the evolving roles, responsibilities, and ethical considerations within the early childhood profession.

Students will gain valuable insights for enhancing their practice through critical reflection and evaluation, fostering inclusion, promoting social justice, and contributing to the wellbeing of young children. Students will investigate various contemporary perspectives and practices that define the professional journey of early childhood teachers and educators. Through a combination of readings, discussions, practical exercises and practitioner inquiry projects students will gain advanced and specialised knowledge and skills in analysing and critiquing contemporary perspectives; navigating ethical frameworks; applying professional standards; advocating for children’s rights; integrating Australian First Nations perspectives; and engaging in practitioner inquiry in early childhood education practices.

Subject Code: EPRO581
Credit Points: 6

In this subject students will explore the dynamic and transformative role of play and creativity in early childhood education. Students will critically examine and synthesise worldviews, theories, philosophies, and perspectives on play and playful pedagogies within the context of early years education.

Students will investigate the multifaceted dimensions of play as a fundamental teaching and learning medium for facilitating young children’s wellbeing, health, development and curriculum provision. This is achieved through exploring the principles of play and learning; embracing playful pedagogies; engaging intentionally in play; interpreting diverse perspectives on play; designing playful curricula; and promoting playful inquiry-based learning for young children. Students will gain expertise and advanced insight in the application of playful pedagogies as a foundation of all teaching and learning approaches; and comprehending that playful pedagogies are more than a teaching technique, they become a deep and transformative educational approach in early childhood curriculum provision.

Subject Code: EPED582
Credit Points: 6

In today’s rapidly evolving educational landscape, early childhood professionals need to equip themselves with a deep understanding of how young children think, learn, and create. In this subject, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of the critical role that thinking skills, creativity, and curriculum provision play in the early years context.

As early childhood professionals, students will explore various perspectives and approaches to foster young children’s cognitive development, creativity, and overall learning experiences. Throughout this subject students will examine and synthesise the key areas of thinking skills and creativity; developmental foundations of thinking and creativity; worldviews, theories, and perspectives related to neuroscience, cognitive development, intelligence, learning, executive function, theory of mind, self-regulation, metacognition, and neurodivergence; pedagogic practices, curriculum design and integrated learning opportunities to design and create playful inquiry-based curricula for young children. This subject also challenges students to think critically, engage in reflective practice, and develop a pedagogical toolkit that empowers them to be transformative early childhood professionals.

Subject Code: EPED583
Credit Points: 6

In this subject students will gain insight into the multifaceted world of inclusive education and its vital role in enriching the experiences of all children in early childhood settings. As early childhood professionals, it is imperative to create environments where all children, regardless of their abilities, backgrounds, or circumstances, have the opportunity to thrive and reach their full potential.

Inclusive education not only benefits children with diverse needs but also fosters a sense of belonging and respect for differences among all children. This subject is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of key theories, perspectives, practices, and frameworks that inform inclusive education in the context of early childhood education. Students will examine the significance of family, child, multi-and-trans-disciplinary professionals and community perspectives in designing and constructing inclusive educational settings. Furthermore, students will explore the role of educational leadership and scholarship in applying and sustaining an inclusive culture, approaches, perspectives, and teaching practices in early childhood contexts where every child’s unique abilities and backgrounds are celebrated and supported.

Subject Code: EPRO584
Credit Points: 6

In today’s contemporary early childhood contexts, it is paramount to recognise the impact of trauma and stress on children’s brains, development, and capacity for learning. The ability to support the wellbeing and resilience of young children is a critical skillset for any early childhood professional. This subject will provide students with the in-depth knowledge and advanced skills to comprehend and address the intricate relationship between wellbeing and trauma in the lives of young children.

Students will examine the types, causes and categories of trauma and stress experienced by young children; the impact of trauma and adversity on young children’s brains and learning; the importance of building relationships for safety and wellbeing; and trauma responsive practices in action through the provision of conducive learning environments. This subject aims to provide early childhood professionals with the advanced knowledge and specialised skills required to create a nurturing, safe, and supportive environment for young children affected by trauma. By doing so, students will contribute to the healthy development, successful learning experiences, and positive wellbeing of all children in early childhood educational contexts.

Subject Code: EPRO585
Credit Points: 6

In today’s rapidly changing world, it is essential to equip early childhood professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to foster a deep connection between young children and the natural environment. This subject provides an in-depth exploration of the multifaceted relationship between young children, sustainability, kinship, and nature in early childhood settings to facilitate activism, agency, and holistic learning experiences. It is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of sustainability, kinship, and nature in early childhood education.

Through examining various aspects of this dynamic field, students will gain the expert knowledge and skills necessary to create immersive nature play experiences that empower young children as active agents of change. Through a combination of readings, discussions, practical exercises, and case studies, students will be well-equipped to foster a generation of children who are environmentally conscious and active advocates connected with the natural world.

Subject Code: EPED586
Credit Points: 6

In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, young children are growing up in a world where digital technologies are an integral part of their daily lives. As professionals in the field of early childhood education, they have a responsibility to guide and empower children to become informed, responsible, and active digital citizens. In this subject students will investigate global perspectives and theories on citizenship, digital citizenship, and their relevance in early childhood contexts.

Students will examine Australian guidelines for emerging foundational digital citizenship practices in early childhood education. This subject explores contemporary digital frameworks that guide pedagogical practices in early childhood, emphasising the connections between rights, children’s agency, digital citizenship frameworks, and curriculum development. This subject will provide students with the advanced knowledge and skills necessary to effectively navigate the complex terrain of digital provision, protection, and participation in early childhood education. Students will investigate strategies for resourcing the learning environment to support digital pedagogy and facilitate the agentic child’s role as both a consumer and creator of digital knowledge across the curriculum. They will also investigate the importance building partnerships with stakeholders to establish digital citizenship and agency within early childhood contexts.

Subject Code: EPED587
Credit Points: 6

In this subject, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of the principles, paradigms, and In this subject, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of the principles, paradigms, and practices of educational practitioner inquiry and research, with a particular focus on how it informs and improves teaching, learning, personal and professional growth within the context of early childhood education.

Students will enhance their ability to reflect on and extend their professional practices through valuable experience with the practitioner inquiry and research process. Throughout this research subject, students will engage in a blend of theoretical learning, hands-on research activities, group discussions, and reflective exercises to engage in practitioner inquiry research with an emphasis on critical thinking, research competence, ethical awareness, and communication skills. The subject will prepare students to embark on their own practitioner inquiry journey and contribute to the advancement of knowledge and practice in early childhood education.

Subject Code: EPIR588
Credit Points: 6

In today’s rapidly evolving educational landscape, operational management plays a pivotal role in ensuring the delivery of high-quality services to all stakeholders involved in early childhood education. In this subject, students will engage in a comprehensive examination of the knowledge and skills required to effectively manage and administer early childhood educational settings. This subject provides students with a deep understanding of various aspects of operational management within early childhood educational contexts, empowering them to make informed decisions, drive positive change, and ensure the highest standards of quality in early childhood educational contexts.

Subject Code: ELDR589
Credit Points: 6

In this subject, students will explore the dynamic interplay between empathy development, place-based education and community connections in the context of early childhood education. Grounded in the principles of Place-Based Early Childhood Education, this subject provides students with a comprehensive understanding of how these three elements synergise to create a rich and meaningful educational experience for young children. Students will examine the theory and practice of early childhood education, emphasising the critical role that empathy, place-based pedagogy, and community engagement play in shaping young learners’ educational journeys. Through a blend of theoretical exploration, empirical research, case studies and hands-on experience, students will gain the tools and insights necessary to foster empathy, create place-based learning environments, and establish strong community connections within early childhood education settings.

Subject Code: EPED590
Credit Points: 6 

Leadership in early childhood education goes beyond mere management; it encompasses the ability to inspire, guide, and facilitate the growth and development of young learners, educators, and the broader community. In this subject, students will explore the critical role of leadership in early childhood education and its significance in ensuring quality service provision for all stakeholders; various aspects of leadership, contemporary models and styles; and the emotional intelligences required for effective leadership in the early childhood education field. Throughout this subject, students will be encouraged to reflect on their own leadership capabilities, both in theory and in practice, and to develop strategies for enhancing their leadership skills in early childhood educational contexts.

Subject Code: ELDR591
Credit Points: 6

This subject is the culmination of the student’s journey in practitioner research, building upon the foundational concepts and skills introduced in Research A: Introduction to Practitioner Research. Students will undertake a substantial research project in their professional field. The Practitioner Research Project places a strong emphasis on practical application, scholarly rigor, and the integration of research paradigms, methods, and theories relevant to the early childhood field. Throughout this subject, students will be guided by experienced faculty, supported by a community of peers and undertake a project that may contribute to the advancement of both the early childhood profession and the wider academic community.

Subject Code: EPIR592
Credit Points: 6
Pre-Requisites: EPIR588 Research A: Introduction to Practitioner Research