Diploma in Early Childhood Education

Overview

Prepare for the real work of early childhood education

Working with young children calls for sound judgement, practical skill and a clear understanding of how development shapes learning. Sunway’s Diploma in Early Childhood Education develops this professional foundation through child development, play-based pedagogy, language and literacy, early mathematics and science, creative arts, curriculum planning, observation and assessment, health and safety, inclusive education, and partnership with families and communities.

In the conventional mode, students learn face to face through practical activities, collaborative tasks and guided application. They plan learning experiences, create resources, observe and document children’s development, and connect their studies with practicum in nursery and kindergarten settings. The programme also broadens their view of where early childhood expertise matters, including enrichment, play, recreation and community programmes. Graduates are prepared to begin work in early childhood settings, respond appropriately to varied developmental and learning needs, and progress to degree-level study.

Why This Programme?

  • Core ECE practice. Develop the routines and professional judgement needed to plan, facilitate, observe and assess learning in early childhood settings.
  • Learning through doing. Design activities and environments, create learning resources and apply ideas in practical situations.
  • Inclusion as everyday practice. Learn to recognise developmental variation and adapt activities, environments and communication so more children can participate.
  • Application across child-focused settings. Understand how early childhood principles apply to education, care, enrichment, play, recreation and community programmes.

What Sunway Means by the Children Experience Economy

Children learn and develop in many places, including early education settings, play, enrichment and recreation programmes, family and community services, and inclusive environments. Together, these form what Sunway calls the Children Experience Economy (CEE). The Diploma introduces students to how sound ECE practice can shape safe, age-appropriate activities and environments across this wider field. CEE broadens the contexts in which students can apply their professional knowledge while keeping child development, pedagogy and care at the centre.

Learning Through Practice and Industry Exposure

The programme connects campus learning with the realities of early childhood work. Students practise planning, facilitation, observation, assessment and resource development before applying their learning through Practicum I in a nursery and Practicum II in a kindergarten.

Exposure to professional settings builds understanding of daily routines, teamwork, communication with families, care and safety responsibilities, and the judgement needed to respond to individual children.

Progression Opportunities

This diploma provides a foundation for progression to Sunway’s Bachelor in Early Childhood Education with Special Needs (Honours) or another related bachelor’s degree, subject to admission and credit transfer requirements. With experience and any required licences or further qualifications, graduates may progress into programme coordination, supervision, centre operations or entrepreneurship.

Intakes
February, April, September
Duration
2 Years (full-time)
Career Prospects
  • Preschool / Nursery Educator
  • Early Learning Facilitator
  • Special Needs Assistant / Inclusion Support
  • Curriculum & Learning Experience Designer
  • Children’s Experience Facilitator
  • Children’s Programme / Activity Coordinator
  • Centre Supervisor / Manager
  • Edupreneur – Childcare, Learning or Enrichment Centre
Estimated Total Course Fees
  • RM43,560
    for Malaysian students
International students must pay their fees in RM equivalent. The USD here is just an indicative/estimation and subject to the prevalent exchange rate

Programme Structure

Year 1

Child Development across Diverse Contexts
Early Learning and Environment
Play and Learning
Introduction to Special and Inclusive Education
Health, Safety, and Nutrition
Science and Technology for Young Children
Curriculum Planning and Development 
Inclusive Classroom Design and Pedagogies
Creative Children I: Music and Movement
Creative Children II: Creative Arts and Crafts
Mathematics for Young Children
Partnership with Families and Communities

Year 2

Language and Literacy for Young Children
Observation and Assessment in Early Childhood Education
Spiritual and Moral Education
Pedagogies in Early Childhood Education
Entrepreneurship in Early Childhood Education
Programme Planning and Development
Professionalism in Early Childhood Education
Practicum I: Nursery
Practicum II: Kindergarten

Additional MOHE compulsory General Studies subjects

Local Students
  • Perlembagaan dan Masyarakat Berintegriti
  • Critical thinking and Responsible Decision-Making
  • Contemporary Malaysia: People, Places and Futures
  • Community Service for Planetary Health
International Students
  • Bahasa Melayu Komunikasi 1
  • Critical thinking and Responsible Decision-Making
  • Contemporary Malaysia: People, Places and Futures
  • Community Service for Planetary Health
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Student studying

Entry Requirements

SPM

Minimum of THREE credits in any subject or its equivalent

SKM/SVM

Pass in Early Child Care/Preschool subject

STPM

Minimum of Grade C (GP 2.0) in any subject or its equivalent

Certificate (Level 3)

Minimum of CGPA of 2.00 out of 4.00

Unified Examination Certificate (UEC)

Pass with minimum 3 Grade Bs

APEL.A (Recognition of Prior Learning)

An APEL.A Certificate (APEL T-4) (Recognition of Prior Learning)

English Language Requirements

English Competency Requirement for International students:

  • Minimum of Band 3.0 for Malaysian University English Test or any English competency test equivalent to a Low B1 in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). 

Scholarships and Financial Aid

For more information about the scholarships and financial aid, please visit the SEG Scholarships website.

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