Home - ACU (The Australian Catholic University)

Site Navigation

Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education

This course is for students wishing to qualify to work in a range of centres and schools caring for children aged 0-5 years. You will learn about the developmental and educational needs of young children, gain special awareness of children with disabilities as well as background knowledge of the key curriculum areas of literacy, mathematics and science.


Summary

Domestic Students

International Students

Available at these campuses tooltip

  • Canberra, ACT
  • Sydney (Strathfield), NSW - Not on offer
.
  • Canberra, ACT

Course Duration

2 years full-time or equivalent part-time.

2 years

Deferment

Deferment is available for two years. Find out more about deferment: Deferment Information

Yes. See Defer your offer.

Delivery Mode

  • On Campus
  • On Campus

Commencement Availability

Canberra
  • Semester 1 - Applications closed
  • Semester 2 - July
Strathfield
  • Semester 1 - Applications closed
  • Semester 2 - Not offered Mid-year
Canberra
  • 23-Jul-2012, 11-Feb-2013, 22-Jul-2013, 03-Feb-2014, 02-Feb-2015, 20-Jul-2015

Course Costs

  • Average first year fee: $5648 Commonwealth Supported (indicative only)
  • Unit Fee: 2100.00
  • Average first year fee: 16800.00
  • Estimated Total Cost: 33600.00

Important Note on Fees

All costs are based on current rates. A student's annual fee may vary in accordance with their choice of major and electives. The University reviews fees annually.

The Tuition fees quoted above are for commencing students in the current year who undertake a normal full-time load. Fees are reviewed annually.

Tuition fees for continuing students may increase by up to 3 percent each year for the minimum duration of the course as provided on your electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (eCOE). Students who continue to study beyond the minimum duration will have the relevant annual commencing rate applied to their fees for subsequent study periods.

Credit Points

160

160

Course Units (Subjects)

Schedule of Unit (Subject) Offerings

Course Enrolment Guide (CEG)

Enrolment Information

Applying for Admission

Domestic Students

International Students

Eligibility

An applicant must also comply with the Admission Rules.

Apply directly to Australian Catholic University.

To be eligible for admission to the course, an applicant must have completed the following prerequisites:

  1. completion of year 12 or
  2. appropriate VET Certificate III or IV.

New South Wales
Assumed knowledge: two units of English Band 4 and two units of Mathematics Band 4.

Australian Capital Territory
Recommended studies: English advanced and at least a major in Mathematical applications with grades of C or higher.

Applicants require the equivalent of Australian Year 12 certificate and an overall academic IELTS score of 6.0 (with a minimum score of 6.0 in all sub-tests). Pre-requisites may also apply for entry into some major and minor sequences.

Students completing an Australian Year 12 in NSW, must have the equivalent of Band 2 Mathematics.

How to Apply

Apply via Direct Application below.

International Students Apply Now

Direct Applications

Apply Now
You will be asked to make your course selection as part of the application process.
 

Description

This course focuses on preparing people to work in centres which cater for children aged 0-5, introducing them to children's development, learning and education, care and wellbeing of children, inclusion and disability as well as giving them some background studies in key curriculum areas such as literacy, mathematics and science.

The course aims to produce early childhood educators who are competent in the areas of pedagogy, curriculum, assessment and evaluation, to work in diverse early childhood centres and schools, and who have a commitment to the whole person, to professional ethics and social justice.

Early childhood education has significant opportunities for articulation with existing programs including the Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood), Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood and Primary) and Postgraduate Certificate in Education (Early Childhood).


Career Paths

Students are eligible to work in Early Childhood centres.

Professional Experience

Students must complete professional experience units during which time they are required to be available full-time.


Other Prerequisites to Undertaking this Course

Students accepting a place in this course are required to participate in a number of professional placements throughout their program. In order to participate in professional experience it is the responsibility of each student to ensure that they are able to successfully complete the child protection screening required in their state. A Working with Children Check is compulsory for each student. This enables participation in compulsory professional placement, a requirement for course completion.

Requirements for working with children: All students enrolled must have the appropriate approvals before they may enter a classroom. These are: Blue Card (Qld) or Working with Children Check (ACT, NSW and Vic). International students must bring police check documentation from their own countries.


English Language Requirements

IELTS with an overall score of 6.0, including an individual score of 6.0 for all tests.

Pathways to Further Study

Following completion of the Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education, students may be eligible to apply for entry to other the Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood and Primary) or other undergraduate or preservice education courses.

Contacts for Future Students

Domestic Students An Australian or New Zealand citizen, or Australian permanent resident or permanent humanitarian visa holder

International Students