Master of Teaching (Birth to 5) | Flinders Online

Master of

Teaching (Birth to 5)

Master of

Teaching (Birth to 5)

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

Apply now

Enquire now

Fast Facts

Entry requirements

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

See entry requirements

Duration

2 years

Delivery mode

Online

Availability

Full-time, part-time

Start dates

March, July (part-time entry only in July)

Annual indicative fees (2025)

$23,312 (FFP)
$4,624 (CSP)

Available for midyear entry?

Yes

Duration

2 years

Delivery mode

Online

Availability

Full-time, part-time

Start dates

March, July (part-time entry only in July)

Annual indicative fees (2025)

$23,312 (FFP)
$4,624 (CSP)

Available for midyear entry?

Yes

Overview

Overview Course details Career opportunities Your academics Entry requirements Enquire now

Apply now

Study Flinders’ NEW Master of Teaching (Birth to 5)

Considering a career change?

Study Flinders’ NEW Master of Teaching (Birth to 5)

Considering a career change?

Become an early childhood teacher in just 2 years with Flinders’ Master of Teaching (Birth to 5). Study online while you work and complete placements in your hometown.

On graduation, you’ll be eligible to apply for teacher registration and work in long-day care centres, kindergartens, and preschools. Approved by ACECQA, this qualification will help you stand out to employers.

SA residents can receive up to $24,000 in financial support from the State Government.

Do you hold a Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care? You could get entry to this course. See Entry Requirements below for details.

What you will study

You’ll complete 16 topics and gain hands-on experience with 80 days of work placements to develop skills that will impact young children's lives.

You'll learn to inspire and nurture young minds, creating inclusive environments that celebrate differences. You'll engage in exciting projects, design play-based learning experiences, and explore the significance of Indigenous knowledge.

What you will study

You’ll complete 16 topics and gain hands-on experience with 80 days of work placements to develop skills that will impact young children's lives.

You'll learn to inspire and nurture young minds, creating inclusive environments that celebrate differences. You'll engage in exciting projects, design play-based learning experiences, and explore the significance of Indigenous knowledge.

Year 1

A typical first year may include:

Making Meaning in the Expressive Arts
Contemporary Early Childhood Curriculum and Pedagogy
Early Childhood Philosophies, Pedagogies and Partnerships
Researching Play and Pedagogies
Pedagogies of Belonging
The Developing Numerate and Literate Infant
Literacy and Language Development in the Early Years
Professional Experience 1 (Early Childhood)

Year 2

A typical second year may include:

Thinking and Working Scientifically in the Early Years
Reading and Writing Through Play
The Numerate Child
Professional Experience: Final Assessment (Early Childhood)
Playing on Country
Teacher as Leader and Researcher
Numeracy and Multimodal Literacies in a Technology-rich World
Social Understandings of Health and Wellbeing in the Early Years

Year 1

A typical first year may include:

Making Meaning in the Expressive Arts
Contemporary Early Childhood Curriculum and Pedagogy
Early Childhood Philosophies, Pedagogies and Partnerships
Researching Play and Pedagogies
Pedagogies of Belonging
The Developing Numerate and Literate Infant
Literacy and Language Development in the Early Years
Professional Experience 1 (Early Childhood)

Year 2

A typical second year may include:

Thinking and Working Scientifically in the Early Years
Reading and Writing Through Play
The Numerate Child
Professional Experience: Final Assessment (Early Childhood)
Playing on Country
Teacher as Leader and Researcher
Numeracy and Multimodal Literacies in a Technology-rich World
Social Understandings of Health and Wellbeing in the Early Years

Apply now

Course handbook

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.  

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

Teacher in Long-day Care or Early Learning Centre

$88,000*

Kindergarten or Preschool Teacher

$88,000*

Curriculum and Policy Adviser

$108,000*

Director, Assistant Director or Manager at an Early Learning Centre

$100,000*

Childcare Centre Manager

$95,000*

Childcare Educator

$68,000*

*Typical salaries are drawn from a variety of sources, including Seek, Glassdoor and Indeed, and may vary. Please do your own research.

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.

ACECQA

Australian Children's Education & Care Quality Authority

Potential occupations

Teacher in Long-day Care or Early Learning Centre

$88,000*

Kindergarten or Preschool Teacher

$88,000*

Curriculum and Policy Adviser

$108,000*

Director, Assistant Director or Manager at an Early Learning Centre

$100,000*

Childcare Centre Manager

$95,000*

Childcare Educator

$68,000*

*Typical salaries are drawn from a variety of sources, including Seek, Glassdoor and Indeed, and may vary. Please do your own research.

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.

ACECQA

Australian Children's Education & Care Quality Authority

ACECQA

Australian Children's Education & Care Quality Authority

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.

Practical requirement

Child-Related Employment Screening

All Flinders University pre-service teachers must obtain a Working with Children Check (WWCC) from the Department for Human Service (DHS) Screening Unit and a Responding to Risks of Harm, Abuse and Neglect: Education and Care (RRHAN-EC) from a registered provider before undertaking their professional experience placements.

This is a requirement of the Department for Education (DfE), in agreement with the Catholic Education and Independent Schools Boards. Pre-service teachers who are not cleared will therefore not be able to complete the requirements of the course.

Instructions about applications are provided on the professional experience website.

Flinders University is a future
you can count on

Flinders University is a future you can count on

No. 1 in Australia for postgraduate employment*.

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

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***.

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.

No. 1 in Australia for postgraduate employment*.

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

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***.

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.

*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)

Meet your academics

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

Meet your academics

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

Rachael Hedger

Course Coordinator

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.

See full profile

Rachael Hedger

Course Coordinator

Show less

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.

See full profile

Dr Timna Garnett

Senior Lecturer in Early Childhood Education

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.

See full profile

Dr Timna Garnett

Senior Lecturer in Early Childhood Education

Show less

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.

See full profile

Linda Gray

Early Childhood Lecturer

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.

See full profile

Linda Gray

Early Childhood Lecturer

Show less

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.

See full profile

Rachael Hedger

Course Coordinator

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.

See full profile

Dr Timna Garnett

Senior Lecturer in Early Childhood Education

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.

See full profile

Linda Gray

Early Childhood Lecturer

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.

See full profile

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.

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.

Master of Teaching (Birth to 5)

16 topics
24-month duration

Graduate Certificate in Early Childhood Education (Birth to 5)

4 topics
6-month duration

Master of Teaching (Birth to 5)

16 topics (12 if entering via the Graduate Certificate 4-topic pathway)
24-month duration (18 months if entering via the Graduate Certificate 6-month pathway)

Graduate Certificate in Early Childhood Education (Birth to 5)

4 topics
6-month duration

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).

Have a question?

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

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?

Select your preferred course.

Check the entry requirements and your eligibility.

Check the key application and enrolment dates.

Apply and submit your application 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