Preschool students

Master of Education (Early Childhood)

Master (Coursework)

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Programme Type

Full-time, Part-time

NIE Graduate Programmes

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The Master of Education programme is primarily designed for educators working in Singapore schools and the Ministry of Education. University graduates with a background in education and wishing to advance your knowledge and skills in education are also welcome to apply.

The programme offers the degree in 16 areas of specialisation. The different specialisations allow you to choose the area that best fits your interest as well as your career path, whether that path is towards the Master Teacher track, Specialist track or a general desire to update your knowledge and skills.

The Master of Education (Early Childhood) makes an in-depth study of theories and practices in early childhood education.

Curious to know what our faculty and students think about our programmes? Click here to find out!

The focus is on knowledge and understanding of issues in the art of teaching children in their early years, appreciating their social contexts, early childhood curriculum and pedagogy, and meaning-making through linking related education theories and practices. Issues are addressed across varied paradigms and perspectives in contemporary ideas of teaching and learning. It extends the knowledge and expertise of early childhood professionals, enabling them to develop innovative teaching programmes for young children.

  • A good Bachelor’s degree from a recognised university, or a relevant NTU FlexiMasters with good grades;

  • A teaching qualification such as the NIE's Postgraduate Diploma in Education from the National Institute of Education, Singapore and at least ONE year of teaching experience
    or
    Diploma in Early Childhood Care and Education approved by the Early Childhood Development Agency, Singapore and at least THREE years of teaching experience in pre-schools and/or other children-related teaching institutions / organizations. 

See detailed requirements for competency in English Language here.

There are generally two intakes for this programme in a year (January and August). You are advised to visit the website and look out for NIE’s announcements in May/June and November/December to confirm if the programme will be open for application at any particular intake.

Applicants who are currently working with sponsors, donors or financial institutions to fund their studies, are encouraged to submit their applications early to NIE so as not to miss out on our application period.

Applications are to be made online. Click here to sign up for an ISAAC (Integrated Student and Academic Administration System) account to apply with us. For those with an existing account, login to apply.

More information on required documents for application can be found here.

The coursework for this specialisation comprises 1 core course, 3 required specialisation courses, 2 specialisation elective courses plus either:

  • a dissertation or
  • two additional courses (one open elective course and MED 902 Integrative Project)

MED 902 Integrative Project is open only for applicants pursuing the degree totally by coursework.

Important note for matriculated students: 

Please refer to the ISAAC system for the programme structure relevant to your intake during Course Registration or consult Dr Rebecca Chan, your programme leader if you need clarifications.

Note: Programme structure is subject to changes

The degree of Master of Education is generally offered on a part-time basis although full-time studies are also available for some specialisations. The candidature periods are as follows:

Full-time

Minimum

1 year

Maximum

2 years

Part-time

Minimum

2 years

Maximum

4 years

Download the course descriptions for the programme

The following is the detailed list of courses students have to complete:

Core Course

  • MED 900 Educational Inquiry


Required Specialisation Courses

  • MEC 901 Child Development (0-8 years)
  • MEC 902 Issues and Trends in Early Childhood Education
  • MEC 903 Research Investigations in Early Childhood Education


Specialisation Elective Courses

  • MEC 904 Assessment in Early Childhood Education
  • MEC 905 Curriculum Design for Infants and Toddlers
  • MEC 906 Curriculum Design and Development in Early Childhood Education
  • MEC 907 Diversity in Early Childhood Education
  • MEC 908 Early Intervention
  • MEC 909 Professionalism in Early Childhood Education
  • MEC 910 Pedagogy in Early Childhood Education

Open Elective Courses

Other than the core and specialisation courses, you may select open elective courses offered across all NIE Master's Degree programmes. The offer of electives is reviewed regularly to reflect developments in education and the respective fields. You are advised to take note of the prerequisites (if any) before registering.

Optional Specialisation Courses are offered subject to demand and availability of faculty expertise.  Hence, not all specialisation courses are available for selection to every intake.

For tuition fees, please click here.

In line with SkillsFuture Singapore's (SSG) initiative, some of the courses in this programme can be taken as standalone modular graduate courses and may be stacked to qualify for a Graduate Certificate, an NTU FlexiMasters Certificate and, where appropriate, even an NTU Master’s degree. For more information, please click here.

For more information about scholarships, please click here. 

For programme-related matters, please consult the programme leader, Dr Rebecca Chan for more information.

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