Bachelor of Early Childhood Education (Birth to Five Years)

Course information for - 2023 entry

Offered at 4 locations

Study mode
Attendance, Online
Duration
4 years full-time or equivalent part-time
VTAC code
1200210111
ATAR
60.00 for Melbourne
Fees (first year)*

$4120 CSP

Start dates
Semester 1 intake: Not available
Midyear (Semester 2) intake: Beginning July 2023
Applications open April 2023

Overview

The Bachelor of Early Childhood Education (Birth to Five Years) is aimed at those students dedicated to a career teaching in a birth to five setting.

Developed in response to workforce needs in the early childhood sector, the course can be undertaken as a natural progression for graduates of the Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care or as a standalone course. Graduates of the course will have a strong grounding in early childhood curriculum and pedagogy.

We also recognise that an early childhood educator is likely to teach a diverse range of students across the course of their career. Our students will be equipped with the knowledge and skills to respond to this diversity.

Professional experience

You will be required to complete 85 days – Year 1: Community Engagement minimum 35 hours; Year 2: 15 days, 15 days, 15 days; Year 3: 15 days, 5 days; Year 4: 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 schools and a range of 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

Employment rates

84% of Early Childhood and Primary Teaching students are employed full-time within 4 months of graduating. (2019 Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching (QILT) Graduate Outcomes Survey )

Course details

Course structure

To complete the Bachelor of Early Childhood Education (Birth to Five Years), a student must complete 320 credit points (cp).

View course rules

Sample program map

Year - Study periodUnit 1Unit 2Unit 3Unit 4Unit 5
Year 1 - Semester 1

Choose ONE 10 cp unit from:EDES100 Understanding Learning and Teaching OR EDES103 Understanding Learners and Their Contexts OR EDES105 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Knowledges, Histories and Cultures

EDSI168 Science, Inquiry and Sustainability

EDMA163 Exploring Mathematics and Numeracy

EDEN100 Foundations of Literacy

Year 1 - Semester 2

Choose the TWO 10cp units from the list above THAT WERE NOT COMPLETED IN SEMESTER 1 OF YEAR 1.

EDEN102 Childrens Literature for Early Reading

EDEC100 Health, Family and Young Learner Wellbeing in the Early Years

 
Year 2 - Semester 1

EDET100 Effective Teaching 1: Becoming a Teacher


Core Curriculum

UNCC100 Self and Community: Exploring the Anatomy of Modern Society

OR

PHIL102 Theories of Human Nature

OR

PHIL104 Introduction to Ethics


EDEC111 Early Years Curriculum and Play-Based Pedagogies

EDEN290 English Curriculum, Pedagogy and Assessment 1 (B-8)

 
Year 2 - Semester 2

EDET111 Effective Teaching 2: Curriculum Planning and Pedagogy

EDAR164 Nurturing Creativity in Young Children

EDEC366 Positive Environments for Learning and Development


EDMA290 Mathematics Curriculum, Pedagogy and Assessment 1 (B-12)

Year 3 - Semester 1

EDES101 Educational Thought

EDES104 Digital Cultures and Capabilities

EDEC313 Health and Wellbeing in the Early Years

OR

EDTE260 Technologies Curriculum, Pedagogy and Assessment in the Early Years

OR

EDFD316 Young Children and Spirituality


EDEC310 Young Childrens Social and Emotional Competence in Early Childhood Contexts

Year 3 - Semester 2

EDET211 Effective Teaching 3 Positive Environments to Engage Young Learners

Core Curriculum

Unit 2: UNCC300 Justice and Change in a Global World

OR

PHIL320 Ethics, Justice and the Good Society

EDEC461 Pedagogy of Relationships in Early Childhood

EDEC211 Infant and Toddler Studies

Year 4 -

Summer or

Professional Term 1

EDES300 Comparative Education: Local and Global Contexts

OR

EDFX204 Engaging with Global Communities Personal Professional Learning in International Education Contexts

EDEC314 Leadership, Management, Administration and Advocacy

 

Year 4 - Semester 1

EDET300 Effective Teaching 4: Students with Disability and Inclusive Education

EDAR460 Arts as Meaning in Early Childhood

  

Year 4 - Professional Term 6

EDET460 Effective Teaching 5: Understanding and Implementing Assessment and Data Informed Practice

EDEC360 Professional Identities in Early Childhood

EDES302 Professional Communication

Year 4 - Professional Term 7

EDET461 Effective Teaching 6: Professional Engagement and Reflection

This is a sample program only and units will vary depending on your campus and mode of study. Please refer to the handbook for the prerequisite units and the current listing.

Semester I Intake

AQF framework

Bachelor - AQF Level 7

Exit Points

A student who has successfully completed the following requirements may exit from the course with that qualification:[1]

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

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

Overseas study available

Our undergraduate education students can undertake professional experience and community engagement in locations like Kiribati and Solomon Islands. Students work with communities to raise the level of student engagement and offer professional development to local teachers. This intensive professional learning for teachers increases flexibility and adaptability as an educator and provides a global perspective for a better understanding of differences within classrooms.

Entry requirements

An applicant must also comply with the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy that includes meeting a minimum ATAR requirement.

To be eligible for admission to the course, an applicant must meet any additional prerequisite requirements imposed by state jurisdictions.

International applicants need to meet the English Language Proficiency requirements as defined in the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy.

To be eligible for admission to the course, an applicant must have completed at year 12 level, or equivalent:

StatePrerequisites

Australian Capital Territory

Prerequisites: Nil

Assumed Knowledge:

  • Major in English (T)
  • Major in Mathematics (T)

New South Wales

Prerequisites: Nil

Assumed knowledge:

  • Two units of English (Any)
  • Two units of Mathematics (Any)

Queensland

Prerequisites: English (Units 3 & 4, C)

Assumed Knowledge: General Mathematics

Victoria

Prerequisites: English: Units 3 and 4 – a study score of at least 30 in English (EAL) or 25 in any other English

Recommended Studies: Mathematics: Two units of Mathematics (any)

Disclaimer: The course entry requirements above are for 2023 Admission. Refer to your relevant Tertiary Admission Centre website for future years' entry requirements.

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 ACU College, 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’ll 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, you’ll be assigned a selection rank based on your study level, duration and grade point average that will be applied during the admission process. 

If your previous study has equipped you with knowledge, skills or experiences that align with the learning outcomes of units in your new course you may be able to apply for recognition of prior learning and you may be able to complete your course sooner. 

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 Special 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*

$4120 CSP

All costs are calculated using current rates and are based on a full-time study load of 40 credit points (normally 4 units) per semester.

A student’s annual fee may vary in accordance with:

  • the number of units studied per semester;
  • the choice of major or specialisation; and
  • elective units.

The University reviews fees annually.

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 

How to apply

Domestic applicants

Melbourne

Apply through VTAC

VTAC code 1200210111

If you are a Year 12 student you must apply through VTAC, UAC or QTAC. Unfortunately, a Direct application cannot be considered.

You can apply Direct to ACU if you are not a recent school leaver and have not already applied through VTAC, UAC or QTAC.

Deferment

Deferment is available for one year. Find out more about deferment: Deferment Information.

 

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