Introduction

Early childhood teaching is a challenging and satisfying career where you can make a difference in children’s lives. Through guided play, you can help children gain the skills they need for healthy intellectual, emotional, and physical development.

The Diploma meets Matatū Aotearoa | Teaching Council of New Zealand graduating teachers standards requirements, and you may be eligible for provisional registration with the Council as a teacher in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Entry requirements

Students wishing to enrol in the GradDipTchLn(EC) must have a relevant bachelor's degree or higher (or be entitled to enrol for the Diploma with other qualifications of an equivalent standard).

Selection for entry is not automatic and is based on academic ability, involvement and interest in working with children and young people, community involvement, communication skills, and other personal qualities.

The selection process includes a police check and may include an interview.

If English is your additional language, you are also required to meet the requirements set out by Matatū Aotearoa | Teaching Council of New Zealand.

For the full entry requirements, see the Regulations for the Graduate Diploma in Teaching and Learning (Early Childhood) or use the admission requirements checker.

How to apply

Applications are open throughout the year and close 1 December for domestic students or 31 October for international students.

For more details on entry requirements and the teacher education application process, see the Guide to Applying.

See Admission and enrolment for all information on enrolling at UC.