Master of Early Childhood Education
- R2/0112/7/0001 (MQA/FA4916) 12/29
- 6 Semesters / 2 Years 0 Months
- EPF Withdrawal Available
Programme Director
Overview
The MECHE programme has been designed to prepare working adults for higher level academic study in early childhood and to conduct research in the area of early childhood education. The research project conducted by students will enable them to learn basic research skills in early childhood education and prepare them for doctoral level study. Students wishing to progress into the academic world are exposed to academic journal writing where they are encouraged to publish their own research paper.
Students taking the programme will be provided with specific information on child care and preschool that includes innovative teaching pedagogies, quality early childhood environment, children with special needs and child development theories to enhance the practice of early childhood education. The prospects for graduates of MECHE are promising as they can embark on careers as early childhood teacher, subject matter expert, consultant, programme designer, author of children’s book, early childhood tutor, trainers and lecturer.
On top of that, students are also taught to design their own early childhood programme or curriculum and learn how to run their own early childhood centre based on the curriculum they have designed. They are also taught on how to expand their business using the franchise system so that their early childhood education centres can be replicated in other locations.
This is a two (2) years or six (6) semester Master’s Degree by coursework and research programme. Candidates will be exposed to 11 core courses which included courses in theory, curriculum, counseling, special needs, academic writing and research methodology. Candidates can register for a maximum of three (3) courses per semester. At the end of the programme candidates are required to conduct a research project and produce a master project report within the word range of 12,000 to 15,000 words.
All classes are conducted online after working hours or on weekends. A face-to-face Google Meet class or etutorial will be conducted 10 times per semester per course online. Candidates will be provided with references, learning materials and elessons in MyINSPIRE system. Candidates are encouraged to be actively involved in online discussion forums for each course through the MyINSPIRE.
Assessment for every 11 core courses is based on 60% coursework and 40% final examination.
| Coursework with Master´s Project | |
| Subject Name | Credit Hours |
| Child Development Theories | 3 |
| Quality of Educational Environment for Young Children | 3 |
| Academic Writing | 3 |
| Early Childhood Curriculum Planning and Assessment | 3 |
| Managing Learning and Development in Early Childhood Organisation | 3 |
Pedagogical Approaches in Early Childhood Settings |
3 |
| Counselling and Guiding in Early Childhood Education | 3 |
| Early Intervention: Theory and Practice | 3 |
| Issues and Trends in Early Childhood | 3 |
| Home School and Community Partnership in Early Childhood Education and Care | 3 |
| Educational Research Methods in Early Childhood | 4 |
| Master’s Project | 6 |
| Total | 40 |
Malaysian Learner Fees
| Year 1 | RM4,725 (Sem 1) | RM4,725 (Sem 2) | RM3,150 (Sem 3) |
| Year 2 | RM3,150 (Sem 4) | RM2,100 (Sem 5) | RM3,150 (Sem 6) |
| TOTAL | RM21,000 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
Discount for the Physically Challenged Learners (OKU) and Senior Citizens
* Fees applicable to Malaysians and Permanent Residents only.
* The University reserves the right to revise the fees without prior notice.
The University offers 50%Â discount for:
1. Senior citizens aged 60 and above on registration date; and
2. Physically challenged learners – a valid Orang Kelainan Upaya (OKU) is required.
The discounts are not valid for second time registration and repeating of subjects.
Learners who receive this discount are not entitled to other discounts and promotions.
Note
Processing fee:Â RM50
Re-registration fee of RM220 per semester is chargeable for extension of the Research Thesis/DissertationÂ
| Financial options: | Payment Mode: |
| EPF (Account 2); or | JomPAY |
| Education or Personal Loan from commercial banks; or | Internet Banking |
| HRDF (subject to employer’s eligibility); or | Debit/Credit Card. |
International Learner Fees
| Year 1 | RM5,670 (Sem 1) | RM5,670 (Sem 2) | RM3,780 (Sem 3) |
| Year 2 | RM3,780 (Sem 4) | RM2,520 (Sem 5) | RM3,780 (Sem 6) |
| TOTAL | RM25,200 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
Notes:
1 – Fees applicable to International applicants
2 – The fee above excludes registration fee, processing fee and resource fee. Fee imposed first semester only-non refundable . (Diploma RM2,700; Bachelor RM3,200, Master RM3,700, PhD/Doctorate RM4,200).
3 – Financial method: Telegraphic Transfer , PayPal (Invoice will be prepared in MYR and will be added 6% to cover PayPal transaction fees.)
4 – The fees are for subject fees only and are not applicable for research, registration, repeating of subjects and other fees.
5 – 60% payment of the semester fees must be made before the semester starts, 40% payment before the examination week.
* The University reserves the right to revise the fees without prior notice.
**LATEST UPDATE: 31 October 2021
Program Educational Objectives (PEO)
This programme aims to produce graduates that are:
PEO 1: To produce early childhood educators who have advanced knowledge and technically competent with good digital and numeracy skills in providing early childhood care and education services.
PEO 2: To produce early childhood educators who have caring personality, capable of inspiring positive attitude and entrepreneurial mind set in providing early childhood care and educational services.
PEO 3: To produce early childhood educators who can lead engagements with families, communities and regulators through effective communication and interpersonal skills in ensuring the well-being of children.
PEO 4: To produce early childhood educators who uphold and defend professional, ethical and sustainable practices in carrying out their duties in providing early childhood care and education at all settings.
Programme Learning Outcomes (PLO)
Upon completion of the programme, graduates will be able to:
| PLO | MQF LO | |
| PLO 1: | Compare relevant and related body of knowledge in early childhood education. | 1. Knowledge and Understanding 2. Cognitive Skills |
| PLO 2: | Analyse issues on core knowledge, current trends and research findings in early childhood settings to generate innovative solutions to problems. | 1. Knowledge and Understanding 2. Cognitive Skills |
| PLO 3: | Apply numeracy skills in analysing current issues and trends in early childhood education. | 3. Practical Skills 7. Numeracy Skills |
| PLO 4: | Demonstrate the use of a broad range of digital technology in managing information on early childhood education. | 3. Practical Skills 6. Digital Skills |
| PLO 5: | Demonstrate caring personality and inspire positive attitude when addressing or investigating issues/trends in early childhood education. | 4. Interpersonal Skills 9. Personal Skills |
| PLO 6: | Demonstrate entrepreneurial mind-set in the administration and management of early childhood education. | 10. Entrepreneurial Skills |
| PLO 7: | Design family and community involvement programmes in enhancing the well-being of children in their formative years. | 2. Cognitive Skills |
| PLO 8: | Demonstrate effective communication, interpersonal and leadership skills in advocating quality early childhood education. | 4. Interpersonal Skills 5. Communication Skills 8. Leadership, Autonomy and Responsibility |
| PLO 9: | Advocate professionalism and ethics in providing early childhood care and education services. | 11. Ethics and Professionalism |
FAQs
Question 1:
What is MECHE?
Answer:
It is a Master of Early Childhood Programme and fully accredited by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA).
Question 2:
Who are those eligible to register for MECHE?
Answer:
MECHE programme is designed to prepare working adults for high level academic study in early childhood and to conduct research in the area of early childhood education.
Question 3:
What is MECHE entry requirement?
Answer:
Normal Entry
- Bachelor degree (MQF Level 6) with a minimum CGPA of 2.50 or its equivalent as accepted by Senate; or
- Bachelor degree (MQF Level 6) or its equivalent with CGPA below 2.50 is acceptable subject to a minimum of 5 years working experience in related field.
APEL Entry
- Malaysian
- Candidate must be 30 years old and above in the year of application being made
- Possess Diploma/A-Levels/STPM qualification or equivalent
- Have previous working experience/learning relevant to the field applied
- Pass APEL Assessment for Master Degree (conducted by OUM)
Additional Criteria for Application Consideration
(For entry requirements ii, iii, and iv)
OUM considers a range of early childhood education-related experiences to meet the entry requirements for the Master of Early Childhood Education (MECHE) programme. Relevant experiences involving children aged 0 to 8 years include:
- Formal or informal training given to early childhood educators or caregivers.
- Teaching or educational involvement in institutions such as tuition centres, childcare facilities, or transit centres that serve children aged 0 to 8.
- Direct care experience with children aged 0 to 8 years, whether in a professional setting, at home (providing paid early childhood care), or in related environments.
- Employment in organisations offering care or educational services for young children.
- Development of educational materials, such as books or digital resources specifically designed for early childhood education and development.
- Participation in programmes or activities focused on early childhood development, education, or welfare.
- Relevant work experience in early childhood fields, including roles beyond teaching that engage with young children’s needs.
These experiences collectively provide a foundational understanding of children’s needs and development, essential for meeting the MECHE programme entry requirements at OUM.
Question 4:
How long is the MECHE study duration?
Answer:
Minimum 6 semester
Maximum 12 semester
- Students must fulfill the candidature of at least 6 semesters before they can graduate.
- Students may apply for a one-year extension after the 4th year, subject to approval by the faculty Chair of Faculty of Education and Social Sciences.
Question 5:
When is MECHE intake?
Answer:
January or May or September intake.
Question 6:
How much is MECHE fees?
Answer:
Refer to the OUM portal. The fees will subject to OUM policy.
https://www.oum.edu.my/all-programmes/master-of-early-childhood-education/?portfolioCats=63
Question 7:
How many courses students need to take?
Answer:
Students need to take all 12 courses from a list of required courses.
Refer to OUM portal.
Question 8:
How many MECHE credit hours?
Answer:
40 credit hours
Question 9:
What about MECHE course assessment?
Answer:
Students need to do coursework (60%) and final examination (40%) with the exemption of Master Project course which is 100% by course work.
Question 10:
What is Master Project?
Answer:
Postgraduate research project written up in the form of a mini thesis.
Students need to undertake a project that can be completed within the duration of their course (minimum 2 semester maximum 8 semester)
- Students are required to work on a research project under the guidance of a supervisor appointed by OUM
- The completed research project report of not exceed 15,000 words will be assessed by the supervisor (60%) and a reviewer (40%)
Question 11:
What happen if I fail to submit my Master Project on 8 semesters?
Answer
If you fail to submit your Master’s Project on 8 semesters your grade for Master’s Project is F and on 9th semester you will charge for full payment (6 credits).
Question 12:
How do the courses in MECHE conducted?
Answer:
It is a fully online (online face to face tutorials, e-forum and self-managed learning)
Question 13:
How do I access learning materials and submit my assignments?
Answer
All learning materials and assignment questions can be downloaded from OUM MyINSPIRE system.
Students are required to submit their assignment online through MyINSPIRE system.
Question 14:
How many courses I have to take for one semester?
Answer:
The maximum workload allowed is 3 courses per semester.
Question 15:
Is it compulsory to attend physical classes or online classes?
Answer:
MECHE programme is fully online. We only offer online classes and all online classes are not compulsory.
Question 16:
What are benefits of having MECHE?
Answer:
- Students will be provided with specific information on child care and preschool that includes innovative teaching pedagogies, quality early childhood environment, children with special needs and child development theories to enhance the practice of early childhood education.
- Students have opportunity to learn how to design their own early childhood programme or curriculum and learn how to run their own early childhood centre based on the curriculum they have designed.
Question 17:
What are rewarding careers or opportunities that might have after completing MECHE programme?
Answer:
- Early childhood / Preschool teacher
- Subject matter expert
- Consultant
- Programme designer
- Author of children’s book
- Early childhood tutor
- Early childhood lecturer
- Teachers trainer
Do you have more questions?
Here are some common types of career fields and examples of career opportunities for graduates with a Master of Early Childhood Education, along with examples of career opportunities within each field:
| Career Field | Career Opportunities |
|---|---|
| Preschool Education | 1. Preschool Teacher 2. Preschool Director 3. Curriculum Coordinator 4. Childcare Center Manager 5. Educational Consultant |
| Early Intervention | 1. Early Intervention Specialist 2. Developmental Therapist 3. Parent Educator 4. Inclusive Education Coordinator 5. Special Education Advocate |
| Education Administration | 1. School Principal 2. School Administrator 3. Director of Education 4. Education Policy Analyst 5. School Board Member |
| Child Development | 1. Child Life Specialist 2. Child Development Researcher 3. Child Psychologist 4. Parenting Coach 5. Child and Family Services Coordinator |
| Curriculum Development | 1. Curriculum Developer 2. Instructional Designer 3. Educational Technology Specialist 4. Assessment Coordinator 5. Textbook Author |
| Research and Advocacy | 1. Early Childhood Researcher 2. Policy Analyst 3. Advocacy Coordinator 4. Grant Writer 5. Program Evaluator |
The struggle to balance study and work gave me better insight into productivity and efficiency. I was able to apply the lessons learned to my occupation. My study at OUM was my progress in development. The encouragement and guidance from OUM gave me the platform and confidence to succeed in my studies. Today, my degree has given me generous employment recognition, added edge in promotion, and salary advances.
The struggle to balance study and work gave me better insight into productivity and efficiency. I was able to apply the lessons learned to my occupation. My study at OUM was my progress in development. The encouragement and guidance from OUM gave me the platform and confidence to succeed in my studies. Today, my degree has given me generous employment recognition, added edge in promotion, and salary advances.
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