Master of Education (Early Childhood)
We live in a world of rapid change induced by recent global and local events and the unstoppable rise of digital technology and social media. The challenges facing children and their families today are diverse and complex.
That's why our programme is designed to empower students with advanced, multidisciplinary, and up-to-date knowledge of early childhood, fostering the development of innovative and research-informed expertise.
Say goodbye to traditional, mainstream, one-size-fits-all approaches that are no longer sufficient. Our cutting-edge programme has been meticulously crafted and is delivered by internationally recognised researchers and academics.
Whether you're a teacher, tutor, researcher, social worker, policymaker, or a play and curriculum expert, our Master of Education (Early Childhood) programme is tailored to suit your aspirations. The demand for professionals with transdisciplinary practices and specialised early childhood knowledge is on the rise, and our programme prepares you to meet these expectations head-on.
Embark on a flexible journey with our programme – we offer flexible entry options and a clear pathway from postgraduate certification to a master's degree. Armed with a multidisciplinary arsenal of knowledge, critical thinking skills, and the ability to advocate for diverse communities, our graduates become sought-after assets in various professional sectors.
Be a trailblazer in your field and position yourself for success. Don't just adapt to change; lead the change and help influence the broader landscape of children's lives.
Meet the team
Professor Marek Tesar
Professor Marek Tesar is Head of School of Learning Development and Professional Practice, and the Associate Dean International at the Faculty of Education and Social Work, University of Auckland. He is also the director of Centre for Global Childhoods, and the Chair of Early Years, Childhood Studies and Child Development Research and Teaching Hub.
Dr Angel Chan
Dr Angel Chan is a senior lecturer in the School of Learning Development and Professional Practice, Faculty of Education and Social Work. Her teaching and research aim at promoting social justice and cohesion by supporting teachers to develop inclusive pedagogy to work with diverse families.
Dr Deborah Widdowson
Dr Deborah Widdowson lectures in the School of Learning, Development and Professional Practice and has wide experience in conducting research and evaluation projects, working with children, young people and their families across education, developmental psychology, health and welfare, using qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods approaches.
Dr Kiri Gould
Dr Kiri Gould teaches and researches in early childhood education and childhood studies. Her combined teaching and research interests focus on teachers' identities and understandings of professionalism, the policy and socio-political contexts in which teachers work, improving teacher work conditions and wellbeing, and early childhood leadership.
Dr Maria Cooper
Dr Maria Cooper is co-Associate Dean Pacific of the Faculty of Education and Social Work and senior lecturer in the School of Learning, Development and Professional Practice. She teaches and researches in the area of early childhood education (ECE) and draws on both Pacific (Samoan) Indigenous and Western knowledge systems to bridge cultural understandings and explore issues in educational leadership, infant-toddler pedagogy, teacher-family collaboration, and promoting Pacific children's success in ECE.
Next steps
Explore all the elements of studying the Master of Education programme, including entry requirements, key dates and how the programme is structured.
Register your interest in postgraduate study for the Master of Education programme.
Find out all you need to know about planning for and completing postgraduate study at the Faculty of Education and Social Work.
Ready to get started? Apply for the Master of Education (Early Childhood) today.