Back to Find Courses page

Bachelor of Early Childhood Education

Bachelors Degree

Course snapshot

Domestic snapshot

  • Course abbreviation

    BECE

  • Course code

    3007003

  • Credit points

    288

  • Equivalent units

    24

  • Indicative Fee


Overview

There is a very high demand for qualified early childhood educators in early childhood education centres and preschools. 
This three-year degree (or 2.5 years fast tracked*) is an ACECQA-approved early childhood teacher qualification for early childhood settings with children from birth to five years. [Please check specific requirements in your state or territory for early childhood teachers.]
 
Our cutting-edge course draws on the Faculty of Education’s leading research in early childhood education and development. 
 
Core units cover early childhood principles and practices, child development theory and application, supporting children’s learning and pedagogical approaches for early childhood education. You will also investigate contemporary issues in early childhood education, leadership and management, the arts, and health and wellbeing in the early childhood environment.
 
You’ll complete 85 days of professional teaching experiences in early childhood education settings as well as 10 days in a primary school setting, enabling you to apply your theoretical knowledge in real world educational settings.
 
Full-time enrolment may require study in some years across the six study terms, from January to December.
 
*depending on course and specialisation pathway and term commencement.  
 

Course Learning Outcome

GA1: Intellectual rigour

Demonstrate analytical and critical skills to transform and disrupt thinking in early childhood educational based practice.

Demonstrate an understanding of diverse ways of knowing and learning in early childhood education settings to inform connected and compassionate ways of teaching.

GA2: Creativity

Demonstrate an ability to identify and solve problems with intellectual independence.

Demonstrate an ability to develop innovative and creative responses to local and global challenges in early childhood education settings.

GA3: Ethical practice

Demonstrate a knowledge of social justice and ethical principles in early childhood education settings.

Demonstrate an understanding of and commitment to legislative requirements and codes of conduct relevant to the early childhood education profession.

GA4: Knowledge of a discipline

Demonstrate broad and coherent knowledge and understanding of the early years curriculum framework and National Quality Standards.

Demonstrate an evidence based understanding and knowledge of the pedagogy for effective early childhood educational practice.

GA5: Lifelong learning

Demonstrate the capacity for self-reflective learning and critical thinking with responsibility and accountability in professional practice.

Demonstrate a commitment to personal and professional development through self-directed learning and reflective practice.

GA6: Communication and social skills

Communicate clearly, coherently and independently with exposition of knowledge and ideas in both oral and written forms.

Demonstrate teamwork and leadership skills in early childhood education settings.

GA7: Cultural competence

Apply and integrate an understanding of social, indigenous and cultural diversity, and respect for the identity of all persons.

Demonstrate proactive and inclusive strategies for diverse groups in early childhood education settings

Demonstrate a broad knowledge and understanding of the impacts of culture, cultural identity and linguistic background on the education of the students from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander backgrounds.

This course includes 85 days of professional experience learning in early childhood education settings, as well as 10 days in primary schools (a total of 680 hours). As detailed in the Faculty of Education Professional Experience Requirements, prerequisites regarding national and state-based regulatory requirements must be met prior to commencing professional experience placements. All professional experience learning days must be completed for graduation, with professional behaviour and conduct upheld at all times.

Core content areas cover:

  • Literacy, language and pedagogical approaches 
  • Issues in contemporary education
  • Leadership and management
  • Health and wellbeing in the early childhood environment.
 
Please note: Some units in this course are only delivered online and online students may need to attend on-campus workshops.

Location Teaching period UAC code QTAC code
Gold Coast Term 1 , Term 3 N/A N/A
Online Term 1 , Term 3 N/A N/A

Career Outcomes

The Bachelor of Early Childhood Education is accredited by the Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority.

Assessment of early childhood teachers differs for each state and territory in Australia. Check with your state-based accreditation authorities regarding status as an early childhood teacher.

Requirements

We encourage you to apply for the courses you most want to study. If you are not eligible to enter your chosen course right now, our team will work with you to find the best pathway option.

Before applying, make sure you double check all entry requirements, gather required documentation and review the University’s Rules Relating to Awards, noting any specifics listed below.

Entry requirements

To meet the minimum English language requirement, an applicant must satisfy one of the following criteria:

  1. have completed senior secondary study equivalent of Australian Year 12 or have completed at least one year of full-time study (or equivalent part-time study) at AQF diploma equivalent or higher where:
    1. the country where those studies were undertaken is listed in Rules Relating to Awards – Rule 2, Section 2 – English Language Proficiency Requirements and
    2. the language of instruction was English; or
  2. achieved a minimum test score within two (2) years of the date of application for admission, equal to or above the minimum listed below:
    1. International English Language Test System (IELTS). The applicant must have a minimum overall score of 6.5, including a minimum result of 6.5 in speaking and listening, reading and writing; or
    2. International Second Language Proficiency Rating (ISLPR). The applicant must have a score of at least 4+ in each of the four areas: speaking, listening, reading and writing.
  3. successfully completed SCU's Preparing for Success Program, Transition to Uni Program, or English Language Program. 

Language requirements

English language requirements apply to International applicants and other applicants whose previous study was undertaken in a language other than English. The minimum English language requirements for such applicants for entry to this course are as follows

CategoryScore
Overall Score6.5
Reading6.5
Writing6.5
Listening6.5
Speaking6.5

Course requirements

To be eligible to receive the Bachelor of Early Childhood Education, students must complete the equivalent of 28 units (288 credit points), comprising:

  • 24 core units (288 credit points)
  • 4 Professional Experience units (0 credit points)

Permission to undertake a professional experience placement will at all times be at the discretion of the Executive Dean.

Exit Awards
Students may be eligible to exit with the Associate Degree of Educational Studies after completing the equivalent of 16 units (192 credit points), comprising 16 core units.

Students may be eligible to exit with the Diploma of Interdisciplinary Studies after completing the equivalent of 8 units (96 credit points), comprising 8 core units.

Inherent Requirements
Inherent Requirements apply to this course as defined on the Student Equity and Inclusion website. If you have a disability or health condition which may impact on your ability to meet these requirements please refer to the Student Equity and Inclusion website for further information and contact details.

Course structure

Your course progression is in the recommended order you should complete your course in. It is important that you follow this to ensure you meet the course requirements. For further assistance see How to Enrol in Units using My Enrolment.

Students should use course progression information to select units specific to their course and enrol in these units using My Enrolment.

Unit Code Unit Title Available Credit points Notes

Complete units in the following order to satisfy the Requirements of the Award

First Year

EDUC1003 Education and Philosophy: Playing with Thought
Term1,3,5
12
Location Domestic International
Coffs Harbour
Term1
Term1
Gold Coast
Term1,3,5
Term1,3,5
Lismore
Term1
Term1
Online
Term1,3,5
N/A
ENGL1005 Foundations of English and Literacy: More than Words
Term1,5
12
Location Domestic International
Coffs Harbour
Term1
Term1
Gold Coast
Term1,5
Term1,5
Lismore
Term1
Term1
Online
Term1,5
N/A
MATH1002 Foundations of Mathematics and Numeracy: Numbers that Count
Summer Term
Term2
12
Location Domestic International
Coffs Harbour
Term2
Term2
Gold Coast
Summer Term
Term2
Summer Term
Term2
Lismore
Term2
Term2
Online
Summer Term
Term2
N/A
SCIN1006 Science and Technology: All Things Matter
Term2,4
12
Location Domestic International
Coffs Harbour
Term2
Term2
Gold Coast
Term2,4
Term2,4
Lismore
Term2
Term2
Online
Term2,4
N/A
Anti-requisites SCIN1003 - Foundations: Science and Technology
EDUC1006 Interdisciplinary Studies: Crossing the Line
Summer Term
Term1,3
12
Location Domestic International
Coffs Harbour
Term3
Term3
Gold Coast
Summer Term
Term1,3
Summer Term
Term1,3
Lismore
Term3
Term3
Online
Summer Term
Term1,3
N/A
Pre-requisites 24 credit points in 3007002 - Bachelor of Education OR 3007003 - Bachelor of Early Childhood Education; OR admitted in 1209001 - Master of Teaching OR 2125300 - Diploma of Arts and Social Sciences
Enrolment information Students will be required to undertake an online Professional Experience Laboratory equivalent to 5 days of observations.
HLTH1002 PDHPE: Mind, Body and Soul
Term3,5
12
Location Domestic International
Coffs Harbour
Term3
Term3
Gold Coast
Term3,5
Term3,5
Lismore
Term3
Term3
Online
Term3,5
N/A
Anti-requisites EDU00417 - Personal Development, Health and Physical Education I: Foundations
CLST1002 HSIE: The Universe Next Door
Summer Term
Term4
12
Location Domestic International
Coffs Harbour
Term4
Term4
Gold Coast
Summer Term
Term4
Summer Term
Term4
Lismore
Term4
Term4
Online
Summer Term
Term4
Summer Term
CRTV1001 Creativity and the Arts
Summer Term
Term4
12
Location Domestic International
Coffs Harbour
Term4
Term4
Gold Coast
Summer Term
Term4
Summer Term
Term4
Lismore
Term4
Term4
Online
Summer Term
Term4
N/A

Second Year

TCHR1001 Principles and Practices in Early Childhood Education
Term1,3
12
Location Domestic International
Gold Coast
Term1,3
Term1,3
Online
Term1,3
N/A
Enrolment information Students have an opportunity to undertake voluntary experience in an early childhood setting.
EDUC6009 Education and Indigenous Australians: Ways of Knowing and Being
Term1,5
12
Location Domestic International
Coffs Harbour
Term5
Term5
Gold Coast
Term1,5
Term1,5
Lismore
Term5
Term5
Online
Term1,5
Term1,5
Pre-requisites 96 Credit points in a Bachelor of Education course OR admission to the 1207286 - Master of Teaching OR 1209001 - Master of Teaching
Anti-requisites EDUC6003 - Inclusive Teaching
Enrolment information Undergraduate Education students must complete all first year units (96CP) prior to enrolling in this unit to meet NESA Accreditation requirements.
EDUC2020 Education and ICT: Digital Disruptions
Summer Term
Term2
12
Location Domestic International
Coffs Harbour
Term2
Term2
Gold Coast
Summer Term
Term2
Summer Term
Term2
Lismore
Term2
Term2
Online
Summer Term
Term2
N/A
Pre-requisites 96 Credit Points
Anti-requisites EDUC2010 - Literacy, Assessment and Information & Communication Technology
Enrolment information Bachelor of Education students must complete all first year units (96 CP) prior to enrolling in this unit to meet NESA Accreditation requirements.
EDUC1004 Education and Change: The Lifelong Learner
Term2,5
12
Location Domestic International
Coffs Harbour
Term2
Term2
Gold Coast
Term2,5
Term2,5
Lismore
Term2
Term2
Online
Term2,5
N/A
Pre-requisites 96 credit points
Enrolment information Bachelor of Education students must complete all first year units (96 CP) prior to enrolling in this unit to meet NESA Accreditation requirements.
TCHR2008 Theory to practice: Competency and Capability of Preschoolers
Term3
12
Location Domestic International
Gold Coast
Term3
Term3
Online
Term3
N/A
Co-requisites TCHR2007 - Professional Experience: Early Childhood I
Anti-requisites TCHR5004 - Education and Care I: Preschoolers
Enrolment information Students MUST enrol prior to Week 1. This unit provides intensive workshops which begin on day 1 of teaching and assessment that are aligned with the Early Childhood Placement. Students must enrol n TCHR2007 Professional Experience: Early Childhood I, concurrently with this unit.
TCHR2007 Professional Experience: Early Childhood I
Dual Term3
0 Note 1
Location Domestic International
Online
Dual Term3
Dual Term3
Co-requisites TCHR2008 - Theory to practice: Competency and Capability of Preschoolers
Anti-requisites TCHR5004 - Education and Care I: Preschoolers
Enrolment information Early Enrolment Date: Students MUST enrol by the date specified by the Professional Experience Team to ensure a placement can be arranged. Students MUST provide evidence of compliance for all placement requirements prior to attending professional placement. Students MUST comply with the vaccination requirements of the placement providers. Failure to comply with these requirements may result in a fail grade. Full details are available at: www.scu.edu.au/education/education-profession/professional-experience/
TCHR2003 Curriculum Studies in Early Childhood
Term1,3,4
12
Location Domestic International
Gold Coast
Term3,4
Term3,4
Online
Term1,3,4
Term1,3,4
TCHR1002 Play and Pedagogies in Early Childhood Education
Summer Term
Term4
12
Location Domestic International
Gold Coast
Term4
Term4
Online
Summer Term
Term4
Summer Term
TCHR2011 Professional Experience: Early Childhood II
Dual Term4
0 Note 1
Location Domestic International
Online
Dual Term4
Dual Term4
Co-requisites TCHR2010 - Theory to Practice: Education and Care for Infants and Toddlers (mandatory co-requisite)
Anti-requisites TCHR3003 - Education and Care II: Infants and Toddlers
Enrolment information Students MUST provide evidence of compliance for all placement requirements prior to attending professional placement. Students MUST comply with the vaccination requirements of the placement providers. Failure to comply with these requirements may result in a fail grade. Full details are available at www.scu.edu.au/education/education-profession/professional-experience/ Only ONE placement can be completed in a Term unless approval has been granted by the Director of Professional Experience.
TCHR2010 Theory to Practice: Education and Care for Infants and Toddlers
Term5
12
Location Domestic International
Gold Coast
Term5
Term5
Online
Term5
N/A
Co-requisites TCHR2011 - Professional Experience: Early Childhood II (mandatory co-requisite)
Enrolment information Students MUST enrol prior to Week 1. This unit provides intensive workshops which begin on day 1 of teaching and assessment aligned with the Early Childhood Placement. Students MUST enrol in TCHR2011 - Professional Experience: Early Childhood II with this unit.

Third Year

EDUC3023 Inclusive and Special Education: The Responsive Teacher
Term1,3
12
Location Domestic International
Coffs Harbour
Term1
Term1
Gold Coast
Term1,3
Term1,3
Online
Term1,3
Term1
Pre-requisites 96 Credit points in a Bachelor of Education course.
Anti-requisites EDUC2009 - Supporting Learners with Diverse Abilities
Enrolment information Bachelor of Education students must complete all first year units (96 CP) prior to enrolling in this unit to meet NESA Accreditation requirements.
TCHR3001 Early Childhood Matters
Term1,4
12
Location Domestic International
Gold Coast
Term1
Term1
Online
Term1,4
Term1,4
TCHR6007 Creative Arts for Early Childhood Education
Term2
12
Location Domestic International
Gold Coast
Term2
Term2
Online
Term2
Term2
TCHR2013 Professional Experience: Early Childhood III
Dual Term2
0 Note 1
Location Domestic International
Online
Dual Term2
N/A
Pre-requisites TCHR2007 - Professional Experience: Early Childhood I
Enrolment information Students MUST provide evidence of compliance for all placement requirements prior to attending professional placement. Students MUST comply with the vaccination requirements of the placement providers. Failure to comply with these requirements may result in a fail grade. Full details are available at www.scu.edu.au/education/education-profession/professional-experience/ Only ONE placement can be completed in a Term unless approval has been granted by the Director of Professional Experience.
TCHR6006 Health, Wellbeing and the Environment in Early Childhood Education
Term2
12
Location Domestic International
Gold Coast
Term2
Term2
Online
Term2
Term2
TCHR2002 Children, Families and Communities
Term3,5
12
Location Domestic International
Gold Coast
Term3,5
Term3,5
Online
Term3,5
Term3,5
EDUC2021 Storylines: Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking
Term3,5
12
Location Domestic International
Coffs Harbour
Term3
Term3
Gold Coast
Term3
Term3
Lismore
Term3
Term3
Online
Term3,5
Term5
Pre-requisites 96 Credit Points
Enrolment information Bachelor of Education students must complete all first year units (96 CP) prior to enrolling in this unit to meet NESA Accreditation requirements.
TCHR3010 Professional Experience: Early Childhood IV
Dual Term3
0 Note 1
Location Domestic International
Online
Dual Term3
N/A
Pre-requisites TCHR2008 - Theory to practice: Competency and Capability of Preschoolers
Enrolment information Students MUST provide evidence of compliance for all placement requirements prior to attending professional placement. Students MUST comply with the vaccination requirements of the placement providers. Failure to comply with these requirements may result in a fail grade. Full details are available at www.scu.edu.au/education/education-profession/professional-experience/ Only ONE placement can be completed in a Term unless approval has been granted by the Director Professional Experience.
TCHR3004 Leadership and Advocacy in Early Childhood
Term4,5
12
Location Domestic International
Gold Coast
Term4,5
Term4,5
Online
Term4,5
Term4,5
EDUC3024 Education and the Environment: More than Human
Summer Term
Term5
12
Location Domestic International
Coffs Harbour
Term5
Term5
Gold Coast
Summer Term
Term5
Summer Term
Term5
Lismore
Term5
Term5
Online
Summer Term
Term5
Term5
Pre-requisites 96 Credit points in a Bachelor of Education course OR admission to the 1207286 - Master of Teaching OR 1209001 - Master of Teaching
Enrolment information This is a Capstone unit and ONLY completed in the final year of study. This unit requires students to undertake Community Engaged Learning.

Note 1:

This unit involves a professional experience placement.

Note 2:

This unit involves observation days.

Unit Code Unit Title Notes

Core Units -students must undertake all of the following.

EDUC1003 Education and Philosophy: Playing with Thought
ENGL1005 Foundations of English and Literacy: More than Words
MATH1002 Foundations of Mathematics and Numeracy: Numbers that Count
EDUC1006 Interdisciplinary Studies: Crossing the Line Note 2
SCIN1006 Science and Technology: All Things Matter
CRTV1001 Creativity and the Arts
TCHR1002 Play and Pedagogies in Early Childhood Education
HLTH1002 PDHPE: Mind, Body and Soul
CLST1002 HSIE: The Universe Next Door
TCHR1001 Principles and Practices in Early Childhood Education
TCHR2008 Theory to practice: Competency and Capability of Preschoolers
TCHR2003 Curriculum Studies in Early Childhood
EDUC1004 Education and Change: The Lifelong Learner
EDUC6009 Education and Indigenous Australians: Ways of Knowing and Being
EDUC2021 Storylines: Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking
TCHR2010 Theory to Practice: Education and Care for Infants and Toddlers
EDUC3023 Inclusive and Special Education: The Responsive Teacher
TCHR3001 Early Childhood Matters
TCHR6007 Creative Arts for Early Childhood Education
TCHR6006 Health, Wellbeing and the Environment in Early Childhood Education
EDUC2020 Education and ICT: Digital Disruptions
TCHR2002 Children, Families and Communities
EDUC3024 Education and the Environment: More than Human
TCHR3004 Leadership and Advocacy in Early Childhood
TCHR2007 Professional Experience: Early Childhood I Note 1
TCHR2011 Professional Experience: Early Childhood II Note 1
TCHR2013 Professional Experience: Early Childhood III Note 1
TCHR3010 Professional Experience: Early Childhood IV Note 1