Postgraduate Courses
  • Students are to follow the requirements of the Handbook for the year they commenced the course.

    However, the subject links below do not contain the subject information for the current year. You can view current subject information through the new Course Handbook.

The Early Years

The course information on this page is for new students commencing their degree in Autumn 2016 only. The Early Years specialisation is currently under review and will not be available for new enrolments in Spring 2016.

Students should follow the rules and requirements for the year that they commenced their course. The online course information for years prior to 2016 are available from the Archives link in the menu.

Students should also review current subject availabilities via the Subject Descriptions link in the menu.

The Early Years specialisation enables relevant professionals to meet workforce requirements in line with Australian Government directions in early childhood and care reform. It is a program for qualified Early Childhood teachers who wish to increase their skills levels to become managers of early childhood centres, or teachers seeking to expand their career opportunities in child and family services.

Course Learning Outcomes

Students graduating from the Master of Education (The Early Years) will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate an advanced understanding of the theories and practices of Early Years education within social, community and educational setting.
  2. Analyse critically, reflect on and synthesise complex information, problems, concepts and theories in Early Years education.
  3. Undertake higher order conceptual and practical research in Early Years education theories and practices.
  4. Interpret pedagogical knowledge and transmit professional Early Years education skills to specialist and non-specialist audiences.
  5. Communicate effectively and collaboratively with stakeholders through variety of modes in the educational landscape.
  6. Use advanced knowledge of Early Years education theory and practice and critical thinking skills to solve complex problems relevant to the education and care of young children and their families.
  7. Display ethical, responsible and professional behaviour and conduct in engagement with diverse populations and stakeholders at local, national and global levels. 

Course Structure

The MEd (The Early Years) requires:

  1. The successful completion of 72 credit points of study comprising:
    1. 10 core subjects (60cp). It is recommended that EDGZ921 is completed in the first session and EDGY906 is completed in the last session of the degree; and
    2. 2 electives (12cp) selected from any Master of Education specialisation.
  2. No more than 4 subjects (24cp) will be at 800 level. 
Subject Code Subject Name Credit Points Session(s)
Students must complete the following 10 core subjects (60cp):
EDGZ921 Introduction To Research & Inquiry 6 Autumn, Spring, Summer
EDGZ801 Psychology for Educators 6 Autumn
EDGZ802 Introduction to Assessment Principles and Practice 6 Not offered in 2016
EDGZ803 Current Issues in Education: Curriculum, Pedagogy and Policy 6 Not offered in 2016
EDGY901 Pedagogy, Practice and Play in Early Years 6 Not offered in 2016
EDGY902 Early Years Curriculum Studies 6 Autumn
EDGY903 Socio-cultural Perspectives in the Early Years 6 Spring
EDGY904 Management and Leadership for Early Childhood Professionals 6 Spring
EDGY905 Healthy Lifestyles for Pre-School Children: Physical Activity 6 Autumn
EDGY906 Minor Project in the Early Years 6 Spring
Plus 2 elective subjects chosen from any Master of Education specialisation (12cp)

Please note: Elective subjects may be cancelled if minimum enrolment numbers are not met.

Credit Arrangements

Credit and articulation arrangements are available from the Course Finder. Refer to UOW's credit arrangements for information on how to apply for credit.

Other Information

Further information is available at:
UOW Course Finder
Email: ssc@uow.edu.au

Last reviewed: 28 August, 2018