Master of Teaching (Birth to 5)

Become an early childhood teacher in just 2 years. Study online, with placements in your hometown.

Entry requirements

Key information

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Bachelor degree or a Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care, and have 5+ years' of full-time professional work experience

See entry requirements Download brochure

Direct Entry

Yes

Duration

2 years full-time (or part-time equivalent)

Start Dates

March

July (part-time only)

Annual Fees

2025 : $23,292 (CSP)

2025 : (FFP)

Delivery mode

Online plus placement/intensive

Practical experience

Not available

Study abroad

Not available

English language requirements

English language requirements by country

Why study the Master of Teaching at Flinders?

Prepare for a rewarding career in early childhood education with a flexible, fully accredited degree. The Master of Teaching (Birth to 5) combines research-informed learning with 80 days of practical placement, equipping you to create transformative experiences for children in their formative years.

Gain full teacher registration

Graduate with a nationally accredited qualification that makes you eligible for teacher registration and ready to teach in early childhood settings across Australia.

Transform early learning

Develop the skills to create inclusive, play-based learning environments that foster confidence, curiosity, and wellbeing in children aged birth to five.

Real-world experience

Undertake 80 days of supervised professional placement, applying your knowledge in real-world early childhood settings.

Flexible study pathways

Balance your studies with work and life commitments through online learning and local placements designed to fit around you.

Scholarships are a great way to ease the financial challenges of university study

Flinders has scholarships for high achievers, those in need of financial aid, indigenous, rural, and STEM students.

Find out if you're eligible.

What you will study

Complete 16 topics and gain hands-on experience with 80 days of work placements to develop skills that will impact young children's lives. Learn to inspire and nurture young minds, creating inclusive environments that celebrate differences. Engage in exciting projects, design play-based learning experiences, and explore the significance of Indigenous knowledge.

Course handbook

Year 1

A typical first year may include:

Expressive Arts
Curriculum and Pedagogy
Early Childhood Philosophies
Play and Pedagogies
Developing Numeracy and Literacy
Language Development
Professional Experience

Year 2

A typical first year may include:

Science in the Early Years
Reading and Writing
Numeracy and Literacy
Professional Experience
Playing on Country
Health and Wellbeing in the Early Years

Your career

Graduates will follow their passion and teach children from birth to 5 years in a range of early childhood settings, including kindergartens and preschools.

Potential occupations

You could be a

Expected salary
$88,000^*

Expected salary
$108,000^*

Expected salary
$100,000^*

Expected salary
$95,000^*

Expected salary
$68,000^*

Potential occupations

You could be a

Expected salary
$88,000^*

Expected salary
$108,000^*

Expected salary
$100,000^*

Expected salary
$95,000^*

Expected salary
$68,000^*

Potential employers

Long-day childcare centres
Preschools
Kindergartens
Early learning centres
Government
Not-for-profits

Professional accreditations

This academic qualification will enable you to apply for registration with the Teachers Registration Board of South Australia, and for registration in most other states in Australia.

You are advised to check registration requirements, as they are subject to change.

Graduates meet The Australian Children’s Education & Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) employment criteria.

Practical experience

This course includes extensive hands-on work experience with real world projects and 80 days of professional placements in the first and second years that meet industry standards, aligning with Australia’s early childhood education framework.

Flinders will do its best to organise placements in your hometown. Plus, if you already work in an early childhood setting, you can complete up to half of your placements there.

Connect with industry

You’ll complete a minimum of 80 days of professional placement in early childhood settings, gaining hands-on experience that brings your studies to life. Guided by experienced educators, you’ll develop skills in planning, relationship-building, and creative teaching practices while working closely with children and families.

These placements are more than just a learning requirement - they're a chance to connect with the sector, build professional networks, and open doors to future employment, so you graduate confident and career-ready.

Flinders University is a future you can count on

Financial support - eligible students an receive significant financial assistance, such as government subsidies and scholarships, reducing the cost of the degree.

Get work-ready with professional experience placements in a variety of early childhood settings, where you learn practical skills, put theory into practice, and develop important relationships with fellow students, parents and staff.

Your skills will be in high demand, with job growth of 11.7% projected for Early Childhood Teachers over the next ten years**.

Flinders University is ranked No. 1 in South Australia in Education & Training for learner engagement, learning resources, overall educational experience, student support and teaching quality***.

No. 1 in Australia for postgraduate employment*.

Flexible online study - study anywhere, anytime and start, stop and restart your studies when life allows.

^{*QILT 2021 Graduate Outcomes Survey-longitudinal **Source: Jobs and Skills Australia 2023 employment projections to May 2033

***The Good Universities Guide 2024 (undergraduate), public SA-founded universities only)}

Get inspired

Discover more about Teaching at Flinders.

Vittoria Barbara
Master of Teaching graduate

The lecturers and tutors were such great mentors. They had lived experience - they'd worked in the field, so they had so much experience to pass on.

Meet your academics

Our incredible teaching and professional staff are experts in their fields and well-connected to industry.

Rachael Hedger

Course Coordinator

See full profile

Rachael Hedger is Course Coordinator and a senior lecturer in Early Childhood Education at Flinders University. With extensive experience as a Preschool Room Leader and primary school teacher in both Australia and the UK, Rachael brings a wealth of practical knowledge to her role, ensuring you'll receive a comprehensive and engaging education.

Dr Timna Garnett

Senior Lecturer in Early Childhood Education

See full profile

Timna is a passionate senior lecturer in Early Childhood Education at Flinders University, specialising in science and technology. Her extensive experience and research in STEM learning, conservation education, and digital technologies will provide you with innovative and practical teaching strategies. Timna's expertise ensures you are well-prepared to inspire and educate young minds effectively.

Linda Gray

Early Childhood Lecturer

See full profile

Linda is an early childhood lecturer who teaches early childhood curriculum with a focus on mathematics and community partnerships. As Academic Professional Experience Coordinator, she ensures third and final year students are well-prepared for their teaching careers. Linda is dedicated to fostering student success and support.

Entry requirements

To enter this course, applicants must have at least one of the following:

A recognised bachelor degree or equivalent qualification
Completed the Flinders University Graduate Certificate in Early Childhood Education (Birth to 5)

All applicants also need to complete a free non-academic attributes assessment as part of the application process, based on the Australian Children's Education and Care Quality Authority requirements.

Do you hold a Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care?

You may be eligible to enter this course.

If you hold a Diploma in Early Childhood Education & Care plus 5 or more years' experience in early childhood education with leadership responsibility (undertaken within the last seven years), you can progress from Diploma to teacher-qualified in just 2 years by studying the Graduate Certificate in Early Childhood Education (Birth to 5) for six months, then through a further 1.5 years of the Master of Teaching (Birth to 5).

Two qualifications in two years

If you have a Diploma in Early Childhood Education & Care, you can join our Graduate Certificate in Early Childhood Education (Birth to 5). After completing the Graduate Certificate, you can directly enter the Master of Teaching (Birth to 5). This will reduce your Master's duration from 2 years to 18 months.

6-month

Complete 4 topics to earn
Graduate Certificate in Early Childhood Education (Birth to 5)

24-month

Complete 16 topics to earn
Master of Teaching (Birth to 5)

Have a question?

Find the answers to some of our most frequently asked questions.

What career opportunities are available with a Master of Teaching (Birth to 5)?

Graduates can pursue various roles in early childhood settings, including long-day childcare centres, kindergartens, and preschools. Potential positions include early childhood teacher, team leader, director, and curriculum advisor.

What practical experience will I gain during the course?

The course offers extensive practical experience working with infants, toddlers, and preschool-aged children. Placements are integrated throughout the degree, allowing students to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings.

Is financial support available for this degree?

Yes, eligible students can access financial assistance such as government subsidies and scholarships, which help reduce the overall cost of the degree.

What are the study options for this program?

The Master of Teaching (Birth to 5) offers flexible study modes, including online, part-time, and full-time options, enabling students to balance their studies with other commitments.

How does this degree prepare me for professional accreditation?

Completing this degree qualifies graduates for registration with relevant teaching regulatory authorities, allowing them to work across various states and territories. The program is designed to meet the standards required for professional accreditation.

How to apply in 4 easy steps

Step 1

Choose your course

Select your preferred course.

Step 2

Requirements

Check the entry requirements and your eligibility.

Step 3

Key dates

Confirm the key application and enrolment dates.

Step 4

Submit application

Apply and submit your application via Direct Entry.

Apply now via Direct Entry

Who is eligible to apply?

Flinders Online courses are available for Australian or New Zealand citizens, Australian permanent residents, holders of Australian permanent humanitarian visas and Pacific Engagement visa holders.

International students in Australia who hold a student visa are not eligible to apply.

For further information regarding course eligibility, refer to the individual entry requirements for each course.

When do I apply?

You are encouraged to apply as soon as possible and by no later than teaching commencement dates. If places fill, applications for your preferred start date may close without notice and you will be considered for the next available intake.

Semester 1: teaching commences 3 March 2025 – Applications close 28 February 2025
Semester 2: teaching commences 28 July 2025 – Applications close 25 July 2025

Some courses have non-standard semester commencement dates as follows:

February Study Period: teaching commences 24 February 2025 – Applications close 21 February 2025
June Study Period: teaching commences 30 June 2025 – Applications close 27 June 2025
September Study Period: teaching commences 29 September 2025 – Applications close 26 September 2025

Please refer to the individual Flinders Online course for more information.

Other critical and key dates

How do I apply?

Applications are submitted directly with Flinders.

You can apply for up to three courses in order of preference in your application. More information is available in the Application Guide.

Flinders Online Application guide

I've applied - what happens next?

Normally, we will inform you of the outcome of your application within 3-5 working days after submission.

If further information is required, we will contact you via email with details on what is needed and how to provide it.

Are HELP Loans available?

Yes, government-supported HECS-HELP and FEE-HELP loan area available to help eligible students pay for their higher education tuition fees.

HECS-HELP is for students enrolled in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) to cover their student contribution amount.
FEE-HELP is for eligible domestic fee-paying students to cover their full tuition fees.

Both loans are indexed to reflect changes in the cost of living but are otherwise interest free. HELP Loans must be repaid through the tax system once your income reaches a certain threshold, with payments increasing as your earnings rise.