New Zealand Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care (Level 5)
Course details
| NZQF Level | 5 |
|---|
About the course
Overview
This programme is your gateway to becoming a confident, skilled educator of infants, toddlers, and young children in a range of early childhood contexts. You’ll build a strong foundation in child development, curriculum design, and culturally responsive teaching practices.
This programme 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 an early childhood setting. This will also 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 Māori in the day-to-day delivery of Te Whāriki.
Offered as a blended delivery programme with one day a week on campus and over 400 hours of placement experience in an early childhood setting organised by UCOL.
Entry requirements
Domestic Entry Requirements
NCEA Level 3
OR
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.
Non-Academic Requirements
Learners 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 into the programme is at the discretion of the Academic Portfolio Manager.
UCOL will undertake a safety check of students to ensure UCOL meets the legislative requirements of the Vulnerable Children's Act, 2014. UCOL will do this on behalf of early childhood education institutions and providers of private childcare placements hosting UCOL learners. 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 learner applicants.
English language proficiency
International learner 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).
Under 20 years of age
In addition to this, international applicants under 20 years of age must have NCEA equivalency.
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.