Register Interest
Grow your love of learning into a career teaching our youngest tamariki with the Graduate Diploma of Teaching (ECE)
You will gain knowledge, skills and weekly field-based experience to become a qualified early childhood teacher in this intensive, fast-track programme for graduates.
Study online and work in an early learning centre from anywhere in New Zealand, supported by skilled and responsive lecturers, pouako and teachers.
You will bring your inquiry skills, focus and commitment to develop as a culturally responsive and reflective teacher with a strong understanding of bicultural teaching and learning. Through the Graduate Diploma of Teaching (Early Childhood Education) you will explore, apply and build your skills in professional teaching practice and leadership, te reo me ōna tikanga Māori, children’s learning and development and the early childhood curriculum.
The Graduate Diploma of Teaching (ECE) is for people with a degree who want a career in early childhood teaching, including overseas-qualified teachers seeking a New Zealand qualification.
ECE Graduate Diploma Programme delivery
Te ara tuku
This is an intensive 150-credit Level 7 programme of study requiring considerable commitment and focus.
If you would like to study for the Graduate Diploma of Teaching Early Childhood Education (ECE) over more than 1 year, you can request to study part-time. You will need to complete this Level 7 ECE qualification within an agreed timeframe.
Study requirements are:
• attendance at two 3-day block courses, which will be held in Auckland and Wellington depending on numbers
• approximately 7.5 hours of online engagement per week
• approximately 14.5 hours of independent study per week
• you will be required to perform 13 hours of practice (comprising of 2 days per week, 6.5 hours per day) in a licensed early childhood education service supervised by a registered teacher.
In addition to your supervised practice you will need to complete two 5-week teaching practicums in different ECE settings.
There will also be a one day noho marae experience each year.