Our earliest memories of education, whether the warmth of a teacher’s smile, the buzz of a classroom, or the fun of learning, often leave an imprint. Yet these experiences go far beyond nostalgic snapshots.

The first few years of a child’s life are instrumental in establishing long-term emotional, mental and physical development. That is why a career in early childhood education (ECE) is not only essential but profoundly transformative and leads to diverse career paths.

Studies in education can open many doors: it is an interdisciplinary subject comprising psychology, technology, leadership and management, policy studies, rehabilitation and wellbeing. EdUHK is home to one of the region’s largest and most respected ECE departments. With a distinguished team of researchers and educators, the University leads the way in child development, curriculum and pedagogy, family studies, special needs education, arts and creativity, and other foundational areas. With a comprehensive suite of programmes spanning undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral levels, as well as professional development training, we equip future educators, psychologists, and researchers with the tools to shape young lives, and the future of education.

Undergraduate programmes: a mix of psychology and pedagogy

EdUHK’s full-time Bachelor of Social Sciences (Honours) in Psychology and Bachelor of Education (Honours) (Early Childhood Education) offers a unique, dynamic and integrated curriculum, which leads to a variety of career prospects. In early childhood education and psychology, for example, the programme opens up opportunities for building a strong foundation in learning and teaching, while advancing studies in professional psychology fields.

The programme is focused on integrating subject knowledge, professional expertise and practical competencies. Students benefit from partnerships with early childhood education institutions and psychology-related organisations, gaining valuable field experience and sectoral internships that bridge theory and practice.

For those seeking flexible study options, EdUHK also offers part-time Bachelor of Education (Honours) programmes in:

• Early Childhood Education
• Early Childhood Education in Leadership and Special Needs
• Early Childhood Education in Leadership and Non-Chinese Speaking Children

Postgraduate programmes: combining expertise with practice

Any professionals from other fields who aspire to be kindergarten teachers can enrol in the Postgraduate Diploma in Education (Early Childhood Education) programme, available on a full-time or part-time basis. The programme includes block practice or supervised teaching placements to practise the knowledge learned and evaluate teaching effectiveness in placement schools. Students will analyse their conception of teaching and reflect on strategies and approaches via a field experience e-portfolio. They will also have the opportunity to visit child care centres or crèches and kindergartens. Graduates of this programme will be eligible for registration as Qualified Kindergarten Teachers recognised by the Education Bureau, or Child Care Workers and Child Care Supervisors recognised by the Social Welfare Department.

To deepen knowledge and enhance expertise, the Master of Education programme includes a specialist route in ECE. Full-time and part-time study options are available, and the structure comprises i) two core courses – Contemporary Educational Reform and Development in the Global Context, and Introduction to Research Methods – along with ii) three electives from 10 specialist ECE courses, and iii) three other specialist courses or a research project.

EdUHK also offers a Master of Arts in Child and Family Education, which places emphasis on family and parenting practices, understanding family dynamics in children’s outcomes, and the use of education and intervention programmes to strengthen parenting practices. The programme offers both research and practice study tracks, according to students’ interests and goals. The latter provides opportunities to gain workplace experience and insight into child and family services in real-life organisational contexts.

Master of Arts in Inclusive Early Childhood Education, newly introduced by ECE department, is the first programme in the department to offer class to the public with Chinese as the medium of instruction (mainly Putonghua). The programme aims to develop integrated professionals with the ability to create inclusive education environment for children aged zero to eight, in response to the development trend of global early childhood integrated education.

Research

For those wishing to carry out research in ECE, our PhD and MPhil programmes offer supervision and teaching by internationally renowned researchers in different specialised areas. Students are affiliated to the Centre for Child and Family Science, one of the University’s interdisciplinary research centres.

Professional Development Programmes: enhancing educators’ ability

EdUHK offers a variety of professional development programmes for in-service ECE teachers, ranging from principalship, leadership, diverse needs of young children, family and school practices, and Chinese culture. These programmes offer teachers opportunities to further enhance their knowledge, skills, and professionalism.

EdUHK’s ECE department comprises academics with internationally acclaimed reputations for their expertise in 10 research areas, including child development, family and community, arts and creativity, and special needs education.

Whether nurturing young minds in the classroom, shaping policy, driving innovation, leading and managing, or conducting ground-breaking research, EdUHK empowers ECE students to develop diverse talents and thereby make a lasting impact on society.