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Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood)

Bachelors Degree

Course snapshot

Domestic snapshot

  • Course abbreviation

    BEd(EarlyChild)

  • Course code

    3007190

  • Credit points

    384

  • Equivalent units

    32

  • Indicative Fee


Overview

The Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood) was developed in consultation with state and national accrediting bodies. It is distinctive in terms of its child-centred philosophy and is supported by up-to-date evidence on best practice in the early years, including research being undertaken through the Centre for Children and Young People, in the School of Education.

The course prepares students to teach children from birth to eight years in a variety of contexts, including early childhood centres (childcare), pre-schools and the early years of primary school. It also provides a pathway for graduates to teach across the range of educational settings from early childhood to upper primary (birth to 12 years).

Graduate AttributeCourse Learning Outcome
Intellectual rigour

Demonstrate analytical thinking, critical thinking and problem solving skills

Demonstrate cognitive and technical skills which show broad understanding and depth relevant to the education profession

Creativity

Demonstrate an ability to identify and solve problems with intellectual independence

Demonstrate an ability to develop innovative and creative responses to challenges in an educational setting

Ethical practice

Demonstrate knowledge of ethical, legal and human rights principles in education settings

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

Knowledge of a discipline

Demonstrate broad and coherent knowledge and understanding of the relevant curriculum frameworks

Demonstrate a solid knowledge of the pedagogy of effective educational practice

Lifelong learning

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

Demonstrate skills in maintaining or advancing information and literacy skills to keep currency with pedagogical practice and professional development

Communication and social skills

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

Demonstrate teamwork skills and leadership in professional and learning community settings

Cultural competence

Demonstrate an understanding of and respect for diversity in others and self

Identify and apply proactive and inclusive strategies to encourage and support student engagement

Students gain extensive teaching practice in childcare centres, kindergartens, other recognised early childhood services, and primary schools.

The course focuses on understanding the education, care and development of children; childhood studies; and curriculum studies.

Some units are delivered by distance education or online.

Location Teaching period UAC code QTAC code
Coffs Harbour Session 1 331157 051751
Gold Coast Session 1 331164 051561
Lismore Session 1 331117 051711

Career Outcomes

This course is approved by the Board of Studies, Teaching and Educational Standards and is nationally recognised. Graduates meet the qualification requirements for accreditation/registration as a teacher in schools across all Australian states and territories.

This course has been placed on the Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority’s (ACECQA) list of approved early childhood teacher qualifications. A person who holds this qualification is an early childhood teacher under the Education and Care Services National Law and Regulations.

Usually, Australian teacher qualifications are recognised internationally, but students need to check with potential employers and teacher registration authorities in other countries regarding accreditation requirements.

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 University’s minimum English Language Proficiency requirement an applicant must satisfy one of the following criteria:

  1. have completed senior secondary study to the equivalent of the 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 Schedule A of the Rules Relating to Awards – Rule 2; 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 7.5, including a minimum result of 8.0 in both the speaking and listening modules and 7.0 in 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.

For the purposes of satisfying English Language Proficiency requirements for admission, applicants will only be considered on the above criteria and will not be considered on the basis of other criteria established by the Rules Relating to Awards – Rule 2, Section 1 – English Language Proficiency Subsection.

Credit for prior learning

    1. Candidates who have completed an approved three-year Early Childhood birth-to-eight (8) years or birth-to-twelve (12) years teaching qualification, from an Australian university or equivalent, may be granted advanced standing for up to twenty-four (24) units.
    2. Additional advanced standing of up to three (units) may be granted by the Head of School.
  1. Candidates who have completed Southern Cross University’s Bachelor of Education (Primary) degree, or equivalent, may be granted advanced standing for up to twenty-four (24) units.

Course requirements

  1. To be eligible for the award of Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood) a candidate shall successfully complete not less than thirty-two (32) units (384 credit points) comprising:
    1. all units from Part A
  2. Permission to undertake a practicum will at all times be at the discretion of the Head of School.

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 Level of learning Notes
Session 1, Year 1
Part-time students should complete the first two units for Session 1, Year 1 and the remaining two units for Session 1, Year 2.
EDU10128 -  Introduction to Teaching Introductory
TCH10515 -  Play and Pedagogies in the Early Years Introductory
EDU10514 -  Understanding Children and Young People Introductory
EDU00401 -  English Education I: Foundations Introductory
Session 2, Year 1
Part-time students should complete the first two units for Session 2, Year 1 and the remaining two units for Session 2, Year 2.
TCH10517 -  Early Childhood Principles and Practice Introductory
EDU00404 -  Mathematics Education I: Curriculum and Pedagogy Introductory
EDU00417 -  Personal Development, Health and Physical Education I: Foundations Introductory
TCH10134 -  Pedagogy in Practice I: Basic Skills and Strategies Introductory Note 1
Session 1, Year 2
EDU10003 -  Learning Technologies Intermediate
EDU00415 -  Creative Arts Education I: Foundations Introductory
EDU00405 -  Mathematics Education II: Curriculum and Pedagogy Intermediate
TCH10521 -  Education and Care I: Preschoolers Introductory Note 2
Session 2, Year 2
EDU00402 -  English Education II: Curriculum and Pedagogy Intermediate
EDU10129 -  Human Society and its Environments Education I: Foundations Introductory
EDU00413 -  Science and Technology Education I: Foundations Intermediate
TCH10516 -  Constructions of Childhood Introductory
Session 1, Year 3
EDU00418 -  Personal Development, Health and Physical Education II: Curriculum and Pedagogy Intermediate
EDU10130 -  Sociology of Children, Family and Communities Intermediate
EDU00414 -  Science and Technology Education II: Curriculum and Pedagogy Intermediate
TCH10135 -  Pedagogy in Practice II: Quality Teaching Intermediate Note 1
Session 2, Year 3
EDU10513 -  English Education III: Issues Advanced
EDU10712 -  Supporting Learners with Disabilities Intermediate
TCH10518 -  Early Childhood Matters Advanced
EDU00416 -  Creative Arts Education II: Curriculum and Pedagogy Intermediate
Session 1, Year 4
EDU01308 -  Indigenous Australians in Education Advanced
EDU00412 -  Human Society and its Environments Education II: Curriculum and Pedagogy Intermediate
EDU10132 -  Curriculum and Programming Advanced
TCH10138 -  Pedagogy in Practice IV: Professional Pathways Advanced Note 1
Session 2, Year 4
TCH10519 -  Leadership and Advocacy in Early Childhood Advanced
EDU10294 -  Mathematics Education III: Issues Advanced
TCH10005 -  Positive Behaviour Support Intermediate
TCH10522 -  Education and Care II: Infants and Toddlers Advanced Note 2

Note 1:

There is a school based professional experience component attached to this unit. Please contact the Professional Experience Office for further information.

Note 2:

There is a centre based professional experience component attached to this unit. Please contact the Professional Experience Office for further information.

Unit Code Unit Title Level of learning Notes

Part A

EDU10128 Introduction to Teaching Introductory
EDU10514 Understanding Children and Young People Introductory
TCH10515 Play and Pedagogies in the Early Years Introductory
TCH10516 Constructions of Childhood Introductory
TCH10517 Early Childhood Principles and Practice Introductory
TCH10518 Early Childhood Matters Advanced
TCH10519 Leadership and Advocacy in Early Childhood Advanced
EDU00401 English Education I: Foundations Introductory
EDU00402 English Education II: Curriculum and Pedagogy Intermediate
EDU10513 English Education III: Issues Advanced
EDU00404 Mathematics Education I: Curriculum and Pedagogy Introductory
EDU00405 Mathematics Education II: Curriculum and Pedagogy Intermediate
EDU10294 Mathematics Education III: Issues Advanced
EDU00413 Science and Technology Education I: Foundations Intermediate
EDU00414 Science and Technology Education II: Curriculum and Pedagogy Intermediate
EDU00415 Creative Arts Education I: Foundations Introductory
EDU00416 Creative Arts Education II: Curriculum and Pedagogy Intermediate
EDU00417 Personal Development, Health and Physical Education I: Foundations Introductory
EDU00418 Personal Development, Health and Physical Education II: Curriculum and Pedagogy Intermediate
EDU10130 Sociology of Children, Family and Communities Intermediate
EDU10003 Learning Technologies Intermediate
TCH10005 Positive Behaviour Support Intermediate
EDU10129 Human Society and its Environments Education I: Foundations Introductory
EDU00412 Human Society and its Environments Education II: Curriculum and Pedagogy Intermediate
EDU10712 Supporting Learners with Diverse Abilities Intermediate
EDU01308 Indigenous Australians in Education Advanced
TCH10134 Pedagogy in Practice I: Basic Skills and Strategies Introductory
TCH10135 Pedagogy in Practice II: Quality Teaching Intermediate
TCH10521 Education and Care I: Preschoolers Introductory
TCH10522 Education and Care II: Infants and Toddlers Advanced
TCH10138 Pedagogy in Practice IV: Professional Pathways Advanced
EDU10132 Curriculum and Programming Advanced