MASTER IN EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION

Programme Overview

The Master in Early Childhood Education is designed to prepare students to become skilled, ethical, and professional educators in the field of early childhood education. This programme blends in-depth theoretical knowledge with hands-on practical experience, equipping students with the critical thinking, problem-solving, and leadership skills needed to thrive in today’s evolving educational landscape.

Our curriculum is industry-relevant and focuses on current practices in early childhood education, ensuring that graduates are not only knowledgeable but also adaptable to the changing needs of the sector. Students will develop a strong foundation in both the science and art of teaching young children, while also cultivating the professionalism and ethical standards essential for leadership roles in education.

Graduates of the programme are prepared for diverse career paths, including teaching, training, management, and consultancy in early childhood education. With a holistic and integrated understanding of the field, they can pursue roles as childcare providers, educators, trainers, researchers, consultants, policymakers, and entrepreneurs, contributing meaningfully to both the profession and society at large.

Duration of Study

Full Time: 1 year 4 months (minimum)

Programme Courses

Core Courses

Foundations of Education

Psychology of Learning and Instruction

Young Children in Multicultural Environment

Theories and Programme in Early Childhood Education

Curriculum Development in Early Childhood Education

Assessment in Early Childhood Education

Policies and Practice in Early Childhood Education Programs

Research Methodology

Elective Courses

Strategic Human Resource Management or Innovation and Creativity

Managerial Leadership or Entrepreneurship

Trend and Issues in Early Childhood Education or Entrepreneurship

Research Project

Project Paper

Career Opportunities

The Master in Early Childhood Education is designed to prepare students to become skilled, ethical, and professional educators in the field of early childhood education. This programme blends in-depth theoretical knowledge with hands-on practical experience, equipping students with the critical thinking, problem-solving, and leadership skills needed to thrive in today’s evolving educational landscape.

Our curriculum is industry-relevant and focuses on current practices in early childhood education, ensuring that graduates are not only knowledgeable but also adaptable to the changing needs of the sector. Students will develop a strong foundation in both the science and art of teaching young children, while also cultivating the professionalism and ethical standards essential for leadership roles in education.

Career Opportunities:

Preschool/Kindergarten Teacher – Guiding and nurturing young learners in early education settings.

Early Childhood Educator – Designing and delivering age-appropriate learning experiences.

Head Teacher – Leading classrooms and mentoring teaching teams.

Centre Administrator – Managing the operations of early childhood centres.

Early Childhood Education Director – Overseeing educational programs and setting strategic direction.

Curriculum Developer – Creating engaging and effective early childhood learning materials.

Course Coordinator – Planning and managing educational programs and teacher training.

Consultant in Early Childhood Education – Advising pre-schools on best practices and program improvements.

Entrepreneur/Pre-school Owner – Starting and managing your own early childhood education centre.

Entry Requirements

Academic Requirements (International & Local):

• A Bachelor’s Degree in ECE with a minimum CGPA of 2.75 or its equivalent; OR 

• A Bachelor’s Degree in a relevant field with a minimum CGPA of 2.75 or its equivalent, as accepted by the HEP Senate AND a Diploma in ECE/3 years working experience in early childhood fields; OR 

• A Bachelor’s Degree with a minimum CGPA of 2.50 and not meeting a CGPA of 2.75 or its equivalent, as accepted by the HEP Senate, AND a Diploma in ECE/3 years working experience in early childhood fields can be accepted subject to rigorous internal assessment; OR 

• A Bachelor’s Degree not meeting a CGPA of 2.50 or its equivalent, as accepted by the HEP Senate, AND a Diploma in ECE/7 years working experience in early childhood fields can be accepted subject to rigorous internal assessment; OR 

OTHERS 

• APEL admission requirement for Master Programme: Minimum 30 years of age with STPM/Diploma/A-Level or any equivalent with relevant work experience. 

INTERNATIONAL 

• A minimum score of Band 6.0 in the International English Language Testing System (IELTS)*; OR 

• A minimum score of 60 for an Internet-Based Total (iBFT) for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)*; OR 

• A minimum score of 8.5 for TOEFL Essentials (online); OR • A minimum score of Mid B2 (169) in Linguaskill Test; OR 

• A minimum score of 59 in the Pearson Test of English (PTE); OR 

• A minimum score of Mid B2 (169) in Cambridge English Qualifications and Tests; OR 

• A minimum score of Band 4 on the Malaysian University English Test (MUET); OR 

• Successful attainment of Mid B2 (169) in CEFR-aligned exams by Cambridge English Qualification conducted by the Centre for Continuing Education (CCE). 

Note: The conditional offer letter will be issued to an international student who has not met the English Proficiency Requirement.

English Language Requirement:

• IELTS minimum band 6

• TOEFL/IELTS scores are valid for two (2) years from the date of award.

• A conditional offer may be issued to international students who have not yet met the English requirement; the student must achieve the required English proficiency within 12 months of enrolment. 

STUDENT PASS / VISA REQUIREMENTS (INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS)

All international students who plan to study full-time in Malaysia are required to obtain a Student Pass (Student Visa) before starting their studies.

• You must receive an official Offer Letter from the university before applying for a student pass

• The university will submit your Student Pass application through Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS) on your behalf

• A Visa Approval Letter (VAL / eVAL) is required before travelling to Malaysia

• Studying on a tourist or social visit visa is not permitted

• Your passport must be valid for at least 18 months from your intended intake date

• Visa processing time depends on EMGS and Malaysian Immigration approval

• After arriving in Malaysia, all students must complete a medical check-up at an EMGS-registered clinic

• Your Student Pass will be issued only after medical clearance and document verification

• Continuing students must renew their Student Pass before it expires

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR STUDENT PASS APPLICATION

The following documents are commonly required for all international students:

• Valid passport (clear scanned copy of all pages, including blank pages)

• Passport-size photograph with a white background

• Official Offer Letter from the university

• Academic certificates and transcripts related to your programme

• English language proficiency certificate (IELTS / TOEFL or equivalent), if required

• Proof of acceptance or tuition fee payment (if requested by the university)

• Student Pass / Visa processing fee as determined by EMGS

• Completed EMGS Health Declaration Form (if applicable)

Please note: All documents not originally in English must be submitted together with certified English translations.

ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTS (IF APPLICABLE)

Some students may be asked to provide extra documents depending on their situation:

• Release Letter and Visa Cancellation Letter (for students transferring from another institution in Malaysia)

• School Leaving Certificate (for foundation or diploma applicants)

• Sponsorship or Scholarship Letter (if your studies are funded)

• Proof of financial support to cover tuition fees and living expenses

• Statutory Declaration (if there are name differences across documents)

• Resume or Character Reference Letter (commonly required for applicants above 23 years old)

• Police Clearance Certificate (if requested by EMGS or embassy authorities)

• Copy of previous Malaysian visa or Resident Pass (if applicable)

AFTER ARRIVING IN MALAYSIA

Once you arrive in Malaysia, you will need to:

• Complete a medical examination at an EMGS-approved clinic

• Submit your passport for Student Pass endorsement

• Receive a temporary Special Pass (if applicable) while your Student Pass is being processed

• Collect your Student Pass and complete university registration

IMPORTANT REMINDERS

• Student Pass requirements are set by Malaysian Immigration and EMGS and may vary by nationality
• The university’s International Office will guide you through each step of the process
• Students are strongly advised to prepare documents at least 2–3 months before intake
• Requirements may change, so always follow the latest instructions provided by the university