Programme Code: MECEDN
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Overview

The revised Master of Early Childhood Education programme is designed to meet the needs of experienced educators who aspire to become effective leaders, trainers, mentors, coaches, professional developers, curriculum designers, and facilitators of English language acquisition within individual early childhood development centres and operator headquarters. The programme also aims to support current leaders, professional developers, trainers, and curriculum designers by strengthening their curriculum leadership and pedagogical expertise.

Therefore, the programme integrates three related yet distinct areas of knowledge: 1) adult learning theories/TESOL theories and pedagogical knowledge, 2) current insights into child development, curriculum design, and pedagogical practices, and 3) leadership theories and practices.

The programme was recently revised and a new Master of Early Childhood Education Programme (MECED) will be introduced in 2026. The new programme will continue to have two tracks, namely,

  1. Teacher Trainer Track
  2. Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) Track

The Teacher Trainer track combines expertise in adult learning, leadership, and early childhood education, while the TESOL track combines knowledge and skills in TESOL pedagogy, leadership, and early childhood education. It prepares graduates to assume leadership roles, trainer roles, and curriculum specialist positions, including mentor educators, centre leaders, senior centre leaders, pedagogists, and curriculum specialists.

 

Unique Features of the Programme

  • Recent research findings in child development and quality within ECEC.
  • Adult learning or TESOL theories and strategies relevant to early childhood education and care (ECEC) teacher training and development.
  • Courses are delivered by both academics and practitioners, offering a mix of local and global perspectives.
  • Classes are scheduled to suit working adults, with short face-to-face seminars and abundant self-guided learning materials.
  • Assignments focus on real-world problems and contexts.
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Career Prospects

With a combination of two related sets of knowledge and practice in adult learning and early childhood education, graduates of the SUSS's Master of Early Childhood Education programme should be poised to take on critical roles in designing early childhood training and professional development opportunities for teachers in the sector as well as other professionals in related fields.

Programme Structure

To graduate with the Master of Early Childhood Education, students must complete a total of 60 credit units (CU) and achieve a minimum cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 3.0.

The MECED has two tracks:

Teacher Trainer Track

The knowledge, skills, and dispositions of teachers are vital for providing quality services. This programme is designed for experienced educators aiming to become effective leaders who promote capacity building within organisations, as well as trainers, mentors, coaches, and professional developers who also play essential roles in maintaining standards in childcare centres, kindergartens, or early childhood organisational headquarters. The track aims to deepen experienced educators' understanding of curriculum leadership, pedagogy, and adult learning. It includes three curriculum courses forming the stackable Graduate Certificate in Early Childhood Curriculum, known as GCECCurr. These courses give students comprehensive knowledge of the Early Childhood curriculum. The remaining five courses in the early childhood component prepare students to become effective leaders, mentors, and coaches. The adult learning component offers opportunities to explore modern approaches for engaging adult learners, including blended learning strategies. Students will also be awarded the Graduate Certificate in Innovative Approaches to Adult Learning (GCIAL) upon graduation.

Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) Track

Language acquisition is a crucial task for children during early childhood. Neuroscience research from the past twenty years has shown that the first few years of life are the most sensitive period for acquiring language. This track aims to empower early childhood educators to support children’s language development effectively, helping them build a strong foundation for learning. Like students in the Teacher Trainer Track, participants in this track will complete the curriculum and leadership courses. They will receive the Graduate Certificate in Early Childhood Curriculum (GCECCurr) upon graduation. Additionally, students choosing the TESOL track will need to complete three courses, including at least two core TESOL courses, and will be awarded the Graduate Certificate in Applied Linguistics (TESOL), also known as GCTSL, upon graduation.

Curriculum

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Admission Requirements

Refer to general admission criteria for graduate programmes.

In addition, applicants will need to meet these minimum requirements:

  • A Bachelor's degree in Education or related fields (must be conducted in English) including Early Childhood, English Studies, Linguistics, and/or strong professional record
  • There will be language requirements for applicants whose Bachelor's degree is not in English Studies, Linguistics, Education or a related field, they are:
    • A excellent score in the English Proficiency Assessment to be conducted by Singapore University of Social Sciences (or)
    • IELTS (Academic) > 6.5, with no sub-score below 6 (or)
    • TOEFL PBT > 580, with (preferably) a TWE of 5 (or)
    • TOEFL iBT > 85, with a minimum of 22 in writing
    • PTE Academic score of 58, or
    • C1 Advanced score of 180
    • IELTS/TOEFL score must be obtained within the last 2 years at point of application
    • GCE "O" Level certificate with at least 5 passes and B4 for English Language
  • Teacher training at minimum Diploma level (either early childhood or primary/secondary school)
  • Relevant work experience (CV required)

In the event of limited vacancy, priority will be given to eligible applicants who apply early. You are encouraged to submit your application early to avoid disappointment.

This programme is currently unable to take in international students, i.e., you must be a Singapore citizen, permanent resident or a resident in Singapore (e.g., Employment Pass holder) in order to apply for admission.

Tuition Fees

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Financial Assistance

The University offers course fee concession for selected graduate programmes. Please click here for more details.

The ECDA Scholarship is offered to outstanding and deserving in-service early childhood educators who wish to pursue the MECED programme. Please click here for more details.

Thumbnail - Graduate Diploma in Applied Linguistics (TESOL)

Area of Interest: Languages

Programme Type: Graduate Studies

Thumbnail - Bachelor of Early Childhood Education (Part-Time)

Area of Interest: Adult and Work-based Learning

Programme Type: Part-time Undergraduate

Thumbnail - Bachelor of Early Childhood Education

Area of Interest: Adult and Work-based Learning

Programme Type: Full-time Undergraduate