Where you can study
International students
International students are not New Zealand citizens or residents.
Specialise in Early Years for your Master of Education at Massey
The Master of Education (Early Years) is of particular value for early childhood educators and early years teachers. It will also be valuable for:
- facilitators of early childhood professional development
- tertiary teachers in early childhood education/early years qualifications
- other professionals involved in the education of young children from birth to eight.
This qualification builds upon prior knowledge and experience in early years educational settings. It also supports you to develop your understandings and teaching practices through engagement with research, theory and other professionals.
Why study with us?
Join us to take your learning to the next level and achieve your goals in education.
You will:
- challenge and build your knowledge
- enjoy extensive networking opportunities with other early years educators
- focus on children from birth to eight, including the transition to school
- have the opportunity to conduct, participate in and access current and relevant research in a supportive environment
- choose from specialist and specific topics designed for your context
- benefit from Massey University’s extensive experience in online, blended and distance qualifications
- collaborate with our outstanding staff to advance your interests and engage in active research
- contribute to the New Zealand knowledge base in early years education.
Your qualification options
The Master of Education does not qualify you to be a teacher in New Zealand. If you want to be a teacher, you will also need to take a postgraduate teaching qualification.
Further study
If you want to be a teacher, you will also need to take a postgraduate teaching qualification.
A Master of Education in Early Years is a good fit if you:
- want to engage with other teachers and professionals
- are passionate about early years teaching and children’s learning
- want to access current and relevant research and thinking in early years.
Planning information
The Master of Education is a parts-based qualification. That means you must complete the first part, before moving to the second.
If you are planning your Part One courses for the Research pathway, you will need to pass only one 15 credit research methods course, not two, as indicated in the entry requirements for the thesis (267881 Thesis Part 1 or 267880 Thesis). The entry requirements for the thesis are being updated.
Course work (professional inquiry) pathway
To progress to Part Two you will need a minimum B grade average in the first 120 credits of courses.
Research (thesis) pathway
To progress to Part Two you will need a minimum B+ grade average in the first 90 credits of courses.
Advanced entry
If you have completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Education you may may apply for credit towards Part One of the qualification.
Official regulations
To understand what you need to study and must complete to graduate read the official rules and regulations for this qualification.
You should read these together with all other relevant Statutes and Regulations of the University including the General Regulations for Postgraduate Degrees, Postgraduate Diplomas, and Postgraduate Certificates.
Returning students
For returning students, there may be changes to the majors and minors available and the courses you need to take. Go to the section called ‘Transitional Provisions’ in the Regulations to find out more.
In some cases the qualification or specialisation you enrolled in may no longer be taking new enrolments, so may not appear on these web pages. To find information on the regulations for these qualifications go to the Massey University Calendar.
Please contact us through the Get advice button on this page if you have any questions.
Courses you can enrol in
Course planning key
- Prerequisites
- Courses that need to be completed before moving onto a course at the next level. For example, a lot of 200-level courses have 100-level prerequisite courses.
- Corequisites
- Courses that must be completed at the same time as another course are known as corequisite courses.
- Restrictions
- Some courses are restricted against each other because their content is similar. This means you can only choose one of the offered courses to study and credit to your qualification.
Core courses for the Master of Education
As well as the specialisation courses listed below, this qualification has core courses that you will need to complete.
Master of Education core courses
Early Years courses
At least 60 credits from
Course code: 265736 Informed Practice in Early Years Education 30 credits
This course offers a critical study of the notions of quality in learning settings from infancy through to early school years. Content focuses on how to engage with and interpret different forms of evidence, including research, to inform practice. Opportunity is provided for exploration of key issues and implications for pedagogical leadership.
View full course detailsCourse code: 265737 Young Children, Families, Whānau and Communities 30 credits
This course offers a critical study of theory, research and policy relating to young children, families, whānau and communities. Content includes exploration of key theoretical perspectives, longitudinal research, and national and international policy that influences the lives of children, families, and whānau. Implications for young children, their families and whānau in the context of education and community will be explored.
View full course detailsCourse code: 265738 Fostering Children’s Learning Through Play-based Pedagogy 30 credits
This course introduces students to teaching practices in education settings from infancy through to early school years. Content includes the significance of intentional teaching and play in early childhood education and school settings as well as play-based, social-emotional, place-based and inquiry-based pedagogies. Opportunity is provided to critically examine pedagogy focused on te tiriti based partnerships, localised curriculum and culturally responsive practice in Aotearoa New Zealand.
View full course detailsEntry requirements
Admission to Massey
All students must meet university entrance requirements to be admitted to the University.
Specific requirements
To enter the Master of Education (Early Years) you will have been awarded or qualified for:
- the Bachelor of Education with a grade average in the highest level courses of at least a B, or equivalent, or
- any other bachelor’s degree with a grade average in the highest level courses of at least a B, or equivalent, and hold a professional qualification in teaching, or
- any other bachelor’s degree with a grade average in the highest level courses of at least a B, or equivalent, and have professional experience relevant to the intended postgraduate subject, or
- a Postgraduate Diploma in Education, or equivalent, with a grade average across all courses of at least B (coursework pathway) or at least a B+ (research pathway).
If you do not have a Bachelor of Education or equivalent, you will need to supply a copy of your curriculum vitae (CV). Your CV should show some leadership/management experience in an educational environment (e.g. Special Education Needs Coordinator (SENCO), Syndicate Leader, Nursing Programme Leader at a Polytechnic, Training Manager in a Hospital, Private Training Organisation (PTO) Team Leader, Head of Human Resources in an educational environment, etc).
If you have a Postgraduate Diploma in Education from Massey University as outlined above, you may apply for credit towards Part One of the qualification.
You will need to provide copies of all official academic transcripts for studies taken at all universities other than Massey University.
Research and coursework pathway
When you apply, you will choose either a research pathway or a coursework pathway
If you intend to do the research pathway (thesis) you will need to provide a short summary of your research interests (200 words or less) with your application.
English language requirements
To study this qualification you must meet Massey University's English language standards.
English language skills
If you need help with your English language skills before you start university, see our English for Academic Purposes (EAP) courses.
Fees and scholarships
Fees, student loans and free fees scheme
Your tuition fees may be different depending on the courses you choose. Your exact fees will show once you have chosen your courses.
There will also be some compulsory non-tuition fees and for some courses, there may also be charges for things such as study resources, software, trips and contact workshops.
- Get an estimate of the tuition fees for your qualification
- View a list of non-tuition fees that may be payable
Already know which courses you're going to choose?
You can view fees for the courses that make up your qualification on the course details pages.
Student loans (StudyLink) and Fees Free scheme
You may be eligible for a student loan to help towards paying your fees.
The New Zealand Government offers fees-free tertiary study for eligible domestic students. Find out more about the scheme and your eligibility on the Fees Free website. To use the site's eligibility checking tool, you will need your National Student Number.
Current and returning Massey students can find their National Student Number in the student portal.
- Student loans (StudyLink)
- Fees Free
- Student portal
Scholarship and award opportunities
Search our scholarships and awardsFees disclaimer
This information is for estimation purposes only. Actual fees payable will be finalised on confirmation of enrolment. Unless otherwise stated, all fees shown are quoted in New Zealand dollars and include Goods and Services Tax, if any. Before relying on any information on these pages you should also read the University's Disclaimer Notice.
Careers and job opportunities
The Master of Education (Early Years) can lead to numerous opportunities, professionally and in voluntary positions in the community. You may be enhancing your career or broadening your knowledge. Your skills and teaching knowledge will always be highly valued by yourself and others, as well as being applicable to your day-to-day work.
Where will Master of Education (Early Years) take you?
Use your skills to directly benefit your early years students. Master of Education (Early Years) graduates work in many educational areas such as:
- early childhood settings – leadership and management
- resource teacher – learning and behaviour
- ministry roles
- facilitation roles
- professional development and in-service teacher education
- social work
- educational psychology
- early intervention specialists
- initial teacher education
- deputy principals
- curriculum or syndicate leaders in junior primary schools
- initial teacher education provider.
Related study options
Early Years – Postgraduate Diploma in Education
Develop your knowledge and skills to become a leader in early years education.
Primary – Graduate Diploma of Learning and Teaching
Massey’s Graduate Diploma of Learning and Teaching (Primary) reflects the dynamic, complex, and responsive nature of learning and teaching. You’ll gain specific knowledge in primary and intermediate school teaching.
Te Aho Tātairangi: Bachelor of Teaching and Learning Kura Kaupapa Māori – BTchgLrnKKM
Prepare to teach and lead in the Kura Kaupapa Māori system. Te Aho Tātairangi is New Zealand’s first university Māori, Te Aho Matua initial teacher education qualification.
Useful planning information
Key information for students
Compare qualifications and academic information across different New Zealand institutions. Learn more on careers.govt.nz