MA Degree
in
Early Childhood Education

In both Hong Kong and mainland China, early childhood education has been targeted by the government as a major area of expansion. Educators working in kindergartens, child care centres and related sponsoring bodies are charged with leading school-based improvements, and are increasingly held accountable in this regard. Kindergartens and child care centres must develop and drive their own quality programmes in line with global trends and local needs. This programme is designed to provide motivated early childhood educators with both the theoretical and applied knowledge as well as skills needed to lead successful improvements of early childhood education and to nurture children to attain a balanced development.

The objectives of this programme are to help students:

1. develop an in-depth understanding of the literature of whole child development and how it applies to early childhood education in Hong Kong and elsewhere;
2. understand the types of leadership necessary for principals, mid-level leaders, teachers and other educators to lead pre-schools successfully towards improved student development and learning outcomes;
3. develop knowledge-sharing and professional learning networks;
4. critically review the issues involved in the reform of as well as policies and practices related to early childhood education; and
5. become proactive in facilitating school-based curriculum and teaching reforms and institutional improvement.

Who Should Apply?

Applicants for the full-time programme should be graduates of an early childhood education, psychology, education or other related programme.

Applicants for the part-time programme should be serving pre-school principals, supervisors, teachers, school development consultants or government officials, although applicants who have no relevant professional experience but have taken specialised courses in equivalent programmes offered by recognised institutions may also apply. In addition, applicants should preferably hold a Postgraduate Diploma in Education / Certificate in Kindergarten Education or its equivalent.