New Zealand Diploma in Early Childhood Education

Course details

New Zealand Diploma in Early Childhood Education
Domestic tuition	$5,985 per year
International tuition	$21,500
NZQF Level	5

About the course

Learn the skills to work in an early childcare centre with UCOL's New Zealand Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care.

Learn the skills to work in a range of early childhood contexts, working professionally and collaboratively to provide education and care of infants, toddlers, and young children with UCOL's New Zealand Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care.

The Diploma has been developed in partnership with Iwi to ensure inclusion of local culturally competent practices that include history, stories and knowledge that can be shared confidently with tamariki in and early childhood setting.

This locally driven curriculum will ensure the whakapapa of the area is entwined in the early childhood teaching practices and meets the growing need for educators to be able to incorporate Te Reo and Tikanga in the day to day delivery of Te Whariki. This diploma has been designed to ensure that there is a balanced delivery of practical and theory based learning.

The New Zealand Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care is offered as a blended delivery programme with one day a week on campus.

Entry requirements

Domestic Entry Requirements

NCEA Level 3

OR the New Zealand/National Certificates in Early Childhood Education and Care (Level 3 or Level 4),

OR equivalent academic achievement,

OR on a case-by-case basis at the discretion of the Executive Dean.

Students must authorise UCOL to obtain a background check from the New Zealand Police Licensing and Vetting Agency. If a conviction and/or a matter of concern is identified, the decision for accepting the applicant’s enrolment onto the programme is at the discretion of the Head of School.

UCOL will undertake a safety check of all students to ensure UCOL meets the legislative requirements of the Vulnerable Children Act, 2014. UCOL will do this on behalf of early childhood education institutions and providers of private childcare placements hosting UCOL students. The safety check involves confirming the student’s work history, verifying their suitability to work with children with a trusted referee, and the completion of New Zealand Police vetting.

International Entry Requirements

In addition to the Domestic Entry Requirements, the following applies to international student applicants.

English language proficiency
International student applicants whose first language is not English must have an IELTS Academic score of 5.5 with no band score lower than 5 (or equivalent including TOEFL). IELTS scores used must be taken from a single IELTS Test Report Form (i.e. combining scores from more than one test is not permissible). UCOL is a TOEFL iBT testing centre.

Under 20 years of age
For international applicants under 20 years of age who do not hold NCEA, International Academic Qualifications Entry Criteria apply.

About the provider

UCOL in its many forms has been part of the community for more than a century. We are a proud example of a successful Institute of Technology and Polytechnic. We have a rich heritage and much to contribute to the future of vocational learning.

When you study with UCOL you’re much more than a number. We take the time to get to know you, to understand who you are. By sharing your strengths and what you want to achieve, we can truly help you get to where you want to be.

At UCOL, we’re here to support you all the way. Studying can be a challenge, we get that.

Study takes commitment, which, together with a learning style that suits you and the support you need, is a very powerful combination. At UCOL we encourage resilience and build self-confidence while you learn - providing our students with even greater opportunities.

As a student studying on or off campus, you can expect to learn skills and gain knowledge that sets you on your way. Gaining a qualification is a wonderful achievement that is earned, not given. We encourage you to stay in touch and make life-long learning a part of your journey. Ultimately, we want you to find your own place, whatever that may mean for you.

Our networks with local employers go beyond one-way exchanges, we value meaningful connections that are mutually beneficial. These relationships keep our education grounded, our programmes relevant, and job opportunities real. Our approach is truly collaborative.

UCOL graduates are well-rounded and possess the skills and values employers are looking for. They are valued members of their local community. With campuses in Palmerston North, Whanganui, Wairarapa and Horowhenua, and various delivery locations, we’re well known throughout the central and lower North Island.

Being close to our communities is a vital part of who we are. We strive to deepen connections and help our communities to grow and prosper. We aspire to build positive, meaningful relationships that benefit our students and graduates. That is why we exist.