Master of Early Childhood Education

Open University Malaysia > Programmes > Postgraduate Programmes > Master of Early Childhood Education
Categories:

(R/143/7/0097 (MQA/FA 4916) 12/24)

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.

Dr Mahani
Abdul Malik
Programme Director

Tel (Office) :
603 78013908

Email :
mahani_abdulmalik@
oum.edu.my

Fees

Malaysian Learner Fees
Year 1 Year 2
Sem 1 RM4,725 RM3,150
Sem 2 RM4,725 RM2,100
Sem 3 RM3,150 RM3,150
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% 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: RM50
Re-registration fee of RM220 per semester is chargeable for extension of Masters Projects.

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 Year 2
Sem 1 RM5,670 RM3,780
Sem 2 RM5,670 RM2,520
Sem 3 RM3,780 RM3,780
Total RM 25,200

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: 30 August 2022

Entry Requirements

Normal Entry

  1. Bachelor degree (MQF Level 6) with a minimum CGPA of 2.50 or its equivalent as accepted by Senate; or
  2. 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.

OR

APEL. A Entry

PEO & PLO

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

Program Structure

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

FAQs

GENERAL QUESTIONS

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)

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

Fees

RM21,000.00
myOUM
MOOC