Bachelor of Early Childhood Education (Birth to Five Years) (Accelerated)

Course information for - 2026 entry
Domestic
  • Domestic

Offered at 1 locations
  • Brisbane

Duration

18 months

ATAR
New
Fees (first year)*

$7502 CSP

Start dates

Midyear (Semester 2) intake: Not available

Overview

Make a difference to the lives of young children through a degree in early childhood education.

The Bachelor of Early Childhood Education (Birth to Five Years) (Accelerated) is designed for students dedicated to a career teaching in prior to school settings.

Early childhood teachers help lay critical learning and development foundations for young children, teaching them the building blocks of numeracy, literacy, music, art and literature. Graduates of this course will have a strong grounding in early childhood curriculum and pedagogy and will have the confidence and practical experience to teach across all year levels from birth to five years.

Developed in response to workforce needs in the early childhood sector, the Bachelor of Early Childhood Education (Birth to Five Years) (Accelerated) program offers Diploma trained educators working in paid employment in early childhood settings, the opportunity to graduate with a four-year equivalent early childhood teaching qualification in 18 months while continuing to work.


Professional experience

You will be required to complete 80 days –  Year 1: 15 days, 15 days; 15 days; Year 2: 15 days, 20 days.

Work placement

Supervised professional experience is at the heart of all our pre-service teacher education courses and the faculty will find appropriate placements to suit the needs of your course. You’ll be placed in relevant prior-to-school settings at different stages of your course to ensure your practical experience evolves alongside your theoretical knowledge base. Our placement program also gives you diverse educational experiences, so you’ll be in a better position to choose your future career path.

Professional recognition

Graduates are eligible for registration as an early childhood teacher in government, independent, Catholic, and other faith-based early learning centres and early childhood education settings.

The course is approved by the Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority, (ACECQA) as an Early Childhood Teacher qualification.

This course will not lead to primary or secondary teacher registration.

Careers

Our graduates have pursued careers in:

  • early childhood education
  • kindergarten teaching
  • policy development

Course details

Course structure

Course map

Open all

Please note: Course maps are subject to change.

Commencing Semester 1

  • Education Studies units Education Studies unitsEDES100 Understanding Learning and Teaching 10 cp
  • Early Childhood units Early Childhood unitsEDEN100 Foundations of Literacy 10 cp
  • Early Childhood units Early Childhood unitsEDSI168 Science, Inquiry and Sustainability 10 cp
  • Early Childhood units Early Childhood unitsEDTE261 Technologies in Early Childhood Education 10 cp
  • Effective Teaching units Effective Teaching unitsEDET112 Effective Teaching 1: Early Years Curriculum and Pedagogies

    Professional Experience: 20 days

    10 cp
  • Core Curriculum units Core Curriculum Unit 1See the ACU Core Curriculum page for details 10 cp
  • Effective Teaching unitsEffective Teaching unitsEDET212 Effective Teaching 2: Curriculum Planning and Pedagogy in Early Childhood

    Professional Experience: 20 days

    10 cp
  • Early Childhood units Early Childhood unitsEDEC201 Diverse Learning and Inclusive Education in Early Years 10 cp
  • Early Childhood unitsEDEN102Children's Literature for Early Reading10 cp
  • Early Childhood units Early Childhood unitsEDMA151 Exploring Mathematics and Numeracy in the Early Years 10 cp

Graduate statement

Insight

Each graduate has become aware of their own characteristics as a professional, a citizen and a scholar; they are ready to change and grow and are prepared for lifelong learning; their experience at ACU has supported them to seek truth and meaning.

Empathy

Each graduate has had experience of Indigenous Knowledges and can respect and work alongside Australia’s First Peoples; they are able to connect with people and cultures, locally and globally; they can integrate knowledge across disciplines.

Imagination

Each graduate has had experience engaging with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and can respect and work collaboratively with Australia’s First Peoples. They are able to empathise and connect with diverse individuals and cultures, both locally and globally, fostering inclusive relationships. Graduates demonstrate the ability to integrate knowledge across disciplines and contexts, ensuring they are responsive and adaptable in various educational and cultural environments.

Impact

Each graduate recognises their responsibility to work for social justice and a sustainable world, guided by ethical principles and a commitment to human dignity and the common good; they are ready to respond to and lead changes in their sphere of influence and contribute to their professions and to the community.

AQF framework

Bachelor - AQF Level 7

Exit Points

A student who has successfully completed the requirements set out for the following courses may exit from the Bachelor of Early Childhood Education (Birth to Five Years) with that qualification:

  1. Non-Award Certificate in Educational Studies
  2. Diploma in Educational Studies (Tertiary Preparation)
  3. Bachelor of Educational Studies

Graduates of this course are Early Childhood Teachers (ECT). None of these qualifications qualifies a student to teach in a Primary or Secondary school in Australia. 

Additional course information

The course includes an articulation pathway for graduates of the AQF level 5, Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care, providing credit recognition and, for selected cohorts, direct admission into year two of the course

Entry requirements

An applicant must also comply with the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy

To be eligible for admission to the course, an applicant:

  1. must have completed a Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care or an equivalent qualification approved by ACECQA;
  2. Victoria and New South Wales students must also be currently employed by an eligible early childhood service that delivers (or intends to deliver) a funded kindergarten program.

Disclaimer: The course entry requirements above are for 2026 Admission.

View transparency admission information

Applicants with recent secondary education

You’ll need to meet the minimum entry requirements and subject prerequisites for your chosen course.  

If your school result was affected by circumstances outside of your control, such as financial hardship, illness, disability or a challenging home environment, you may qualify for an access scheme. You can apply through your TAC as part of your application process.  

Learn more about access schemes 

Applicants with vocational education and training (VET) study

You’ll need to meet the minimum entry requirements and subject prerequisites for your chosen course. 

For current year 12 students 

If you’re a current Year 12 applicant you can be given a selection rank separate from, and in addition to, your ATAR if you’ve completed a competency-based and graded AQF Certificate III or above. 

For non-school leavers 

If you’ve completed, or are completing a competency-based AQF Certificate IV or AQF diploma you will be assigned a selection rank by your local Tertiary Admission Centre (TAC). This is an entry score based on your individual qualifications and achievements. 

ACU has partnerships with TAFE and many private education providers. If you have completed a qualification with one of these partners, you may be eligible for guaranteed entry and/or credit into a related ACU degree. Please apply through your local TAC and then submit a credit application for your previous study. 

Applicants with higher education study

You will need to meet the minimum entry requirements and subject prerequisites for your chosen course. 

If you have completed at least two units of AQF-recognised study at bachelor level or above, we’ll assign you with a new selection rank that reflects your study level, duration, and grade point average.

If your prior study or relevant work experience has provided you with knowledge, skills or experience aligned with the learning outcomes of units in your new course, you may be eligible to gain credit for study or have your prior learning recognised. This means you may be able to complete your ACU course in a shorter timeframe.

You can use our credit search tool to see what you might be eligible for. For more information about credit and recognition of prior learning at ACU, follow the link below.

Search our credit database

Learn more about recognition of prior learning

Applicants with work and life experience

You’ll need to meet the minimum entry requirements and subject prerequisites for your chosen course.

If you have no formal education qualifications you may be eligible for a selection rank based on your work, life or service experience.

If you’ve been in paid employment, relevant to the course you’re applying for, for a minimum of six months full-time (or equivalent), this work may be assessed for your selection rank.

If you’re 21 years or older you can sit the Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) through your local TAC.

You can apply for an ACU bridging course. Our bridging courses allow you to transition back into studying and can give you a head start on the relevant undergraduate degree.

If you have served in the defence force, your rank and time in service may contribute to your selection rank.

Find your path into study

English language requirements

International English Language Testing System (IELTS)

  • Overall score of 6.5. An individual score of 6.5 in all tests


Pearson Test of English (PTE)

  • 58 with a minimum of 58 in all four communicative skills


Test of English as a Foreign Language – Academic (TOEFL)

  • Internet based total of 79: minimum 24 in writing and a minimum of 19 in reading and 20 in listening and speaking


ACU English Language Test

  • B (65-74%)


Cambridge Advanced English (CAE)

  • Overall CAE score: 176. Minimum score of 176 in all tests


Adjustment factors

If you’re currently completing Year 12 you may be eligible for adjustment factors that can boost your rank and help you get into your desired course.

Adjustment factors may be applied to your TAC application if you study particular subjects, attend schools geographically close to our campuses or in certain regional areas, apply as an elite athlete or performer or meet certain other criteria.

Learn more about adjustment factors

Inherent requirement

There are essential components of a course or unit that demonstrate the capabilities, knowledge and skills to achieve the core learning outcomes of that course or unit. You will need to be able to meet these inherent requirements to complete your course.

Learn more about inherent requirements for your course and how they affect you

Pathways

Pathways into course for current or recent Year 12 students

If you can’t meet the ATAR requirement for your choice of course and you’re currently completing Year 12 or finished Year 12 in the two years previously, we have entry programs to get you where you want to be. 

Alternatively, you may be able to complete a diploma or bridging course relevant to your desired course: 

Understand your pathway options 

Pathways into course for applicants with previous study and/or life experience

Are you applying to ACU as a non-school leaver? 

By that we mean, you’re not currently completing Year 12 and haven’t completed it in the two years previously. If the answer is yes and your selection rank isn’t enough to meet the requirements for your desired course you still have a number of options to help you achieve your study goals. 

If you’re over 21, you can sit the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) , or you can complete a diploma or bridging course relevant to your desired course. 

Explore the pathways to your future 

Further study

Bachelor Degree graduates may be eligible for entry into further postgraduate coursework degree programs.

Fees

Course costs

Average first year fee*

$7502 CSP

*This is an indicative first-year fee based on the tuition fee rates for a full-time student, using unit enrolment data from domestic students who studied the course in the previous year.

A student’s annual fee will vary depending on factors including:

  • Number of units studied per year
  • Choice of major or specialisation
  • Elective units

The University reviews fees annually.

You can view current course costs and domestic tuition fee rates by unit.

Payment options

You should be able to concentrate on getting good marks instead of worrying about how you’ll pay your fees. We have a number of options that can help you ease the financial burden, including government assistance, scholarships and income support. 

Explore your options 

Scholarships

You could be eligible for one of the hundreds of scholarships we award each year to help students from across the university with the cost of studying, accommodation or overseas study opportunities. Some of our scholarships are awarded on the basis of merit, but these aren’t just for the academically gifted; ACU also recognises excellence in community engagement and leadership. We also offer a range of scholarships for those who may be struggling financially or who have faced other barriers to accessing education.  

Search our scholarships 

 

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