Keen for a career change or pivot? If you’d like to start a career in the education field – in particular, teaching young learners from zero to eight years – check out what’s on offer at the Yew Chung College of Early Childhood Education (YCCECE), including their postgraduate diploma and master’s degree.
This specialised non-profit higher education institution was founded in Hong Kong in 2018. It’s part of the broader Yew Chung Yew Wah Network, which has a heritage of over 90 years and includes Yew Chung International School (YCIS), which many Expat Living readers will be familiar with. YCCECE is the first and only tertiary institution in Asia focused entirely on Early Childhood Education (ECE) and child development.
Two new postgraduate degree options in early childhood education
In 2024, the College attained accreditation for its postgraduate programmes, which paved the way for the introduction of two new degrees last year. We take a look below at some of the highlights and features of these programmes.
#1 Master of Education
About the degree
This is a one-year full-time or two-year part-time master’s degree with a comprehensive and customisable curriculum. There’s a choice of an English or Chinese (Mandarin) stream. The programme is inclusive and welcomes students with diverse backgrounds.
What it involves
The programme builds on the renowned Yew Chung Approach to Early Childhood Education, offering interdisciplinary electives in global education, developmental science and educational technology. You can expect a balance of academic rigour with considerable flexibility, allowing you to design a personalised learning journey tailored to your own professional aspirations.
Outcomes
The Master of Education programme equips participants with cutting-edge skills, global perspectives and valuable professional networks. Graduates from the programme are empowered to lead positive transformation in classrooms, educational institutions and the wider community, in an era of rapid technological and societal change.
Who it’s for
Experienced educators seeking further professional growth at the management level; professionals transitioning into the education sector; recent graduates aspiring to leadership roles.
Graduates of the Master of Education programme can pursue careers in school administration, adult and vocational training, teacher education, classroom teaching, policy development, curriculum development, educational assessment and evaluation, educational research and other relevant fields.
#2 Postgraduate Diploma in Education (Early Childhood Education)
About the degree
This is a one-year full-time postgraduate diploma taught in English.
What it involves
The Postgraduate Diploma in Education is closely aligned with the latest developments in Hong Kong education, and it integrates theoretical foundations with real-world application through eight weeks of teaching practicums, 16 weeks of professional integrated learning, plus electronic learning portfolios and educational visits.
Outcomes
The diploma aims to produce knowledgeable, skilled ECE practitioners and to nurture passionate, visionary, innovative and dedicated early childhood professionals who can advocate for the wellbeing of young children and their families and bring about improvements in the field.
Graduates can holistically analyse children’s development across different contexts and promote optimal learning outcomes; devise and implement the best strategies to address motivation and behaviour; flexibly apply assessment methods; incorporate digital tools to promote all-round development; and establish respectful collaborative relationships with families and the community.
Importantly, graduates of YCCECE are exclusively able to join the Yew Chung Yew Wah Teachers of Tomorrow Scheme (TOT). Under this scheme, final year students can apply to work at YCIS in Hong Kong or at one of its sister schools or kindergartens in Chinese Mainland. Employment is typically for a year, and applicants need to have shown excellence in academics and practicums.
In short, the Postgraduate Diploma in Education helps students to fully support children’s physical, mental and learning needs in a digitalised and diverse environment.
Who it’s for
Graduates receive four professional qualifications: Registered Kindergarten Teacher (RQKT), Registered Child Care Worker (CCW), Registered Child Care Centre Supervisor (CCS), and Accredited Special Child Care Worker (SCCW). It’s the only programme of its kind in Hong Kong that awards these four professional licenses.
Those seeking to pursue further study and extend and upgrade their area of specialisation can enrol in the Master of Education (above) or a doctoral degree programme in ECE and related disciplines.
With three years’ teaching experience in kindergarten, graduates are also qualified to enrol in the Certification Course for Kindergarten Principals approved by the Education Bureau (EDB).
4 other things to know
#1 YCCECE is the first private higher education institution in Hong Kong to achieve QF Level 6 Institutional Accreditation for operating the Master of Education and Postgraduate Diploma in Education (Early Childhood Education) Programmes.
#2 The College features the Pamela Peck Discovery Space (PPDS), a living lab that offers practice and research opportunities.
#3 Find out more about the Master of Education here and the Postgraduate Diploma in Education (Early Childhood Education) here.
#4 Applications are now open for the September term, with a deadline of 31 July.
Yew Chung College of Early Childhood Education is at 2 Tin Wan Hill Road, Tin Wan, Aberdeen.
yccece.edu.hk
