Bachelor of Early Childhood Education

Course Learning Outcomes express learning achievement in terms of what a student should know, understand and be able to do on completion of a course. These outcomes are aligned with the graduate attributes.

Course Learning Outcomes

1. Demonstrate analytical and critical skills to transform and disrupt thinking in early childhood educational based practice.
2. Demonstrate an understanding of diverse ways of knowing and learning in early childhood education settings to inform connected and compassionate ways of teaching.
3. Demonstrate an ability to identify and solve problems with intellectual independence.
4. Demonstrate an ability to develop innovative and creative responses to local and global challenges in early childhood education settings.
5. Demonstrate a knowledge of social justice and ethical principles in early childhood education settings.
6. Demonstrate an understanding of and commitment to legislative requirements and codes of conduct relevant to the early childhood education profession.
7. Demonstrate broad and coherent knowledge and understanding of the early years curriculum framework and National Quality Standards.
8. Demonstrate an evidence based understanding and knowledge of the pedagogy for effective early childhood educational practice.
9. Demonstrate the capacity for self-reflective learning and critical thinking with responsibility and accountability in professional practice.
10. Demonstrate a commitment to personal and professional development through self-directed learning and reflective practice.
11. Communicate clearly, coherently and independently with exposition of knowledge and ideas in both oral and written forms.
12. Demonstrate teamwork and leadership skills in early childhood education settings.
13. Apply and integrate an understanding of social, indigenous and cultural diversity, and respect for the identity of all persons.
14. Demonstrate proactive and inclusive strategies for diverse groups in early childhood education settings.
15. 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.

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 (total 680 hours), 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.  

Recommended study pattern

As a guide, core subjects in this degree can include:

• Education and Philosophy: Playing with Thought
• Foundations of English and Literacy: More than Words
• Foundations of Mathematics and Numeracy: Numbers that Count
• Science and Technology: All Things Matter.

As part of your application, you’ll be guided through how to get the right degree structure in place for you.

Award 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 points

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.

Open Universities Australia is a not-for-profit organisation. You will not pay any fees for using our services.

Indicative total fee $13,500

The amounts shown here are indicative for an Australian citizen studying full-time, which is typically 8 subjects per year.

Fees may vary depending on:

• the subjects you choose
• credit from previous work experience
• your eligibility for government funding loans or subsidies such as HECS-HELP or a Commonwealth supported place.

To learn more, go to Fees or contact a student advisor.

Southern Cross University believes in the power of change. Their graduates stride the global stage at the frontline of healthcare, transforming education in the classroom, and tackling the world’s wicked problems with scientific and engineering solutions. Students enjoy award winning support, teaching quality, and online delivery. Ranked among the best for many years, they will help you make the change you seek to transform your tomorrow.

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QS Ranking 2024:

32

Times Higher Education Ranking 2024:

34

ATAR: 60 or equivalent.

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.

• Overall: 6.5
• Listening: 6.5
• Reading: 6.5
• Speaking: 6.5
• Writing: 6.5.

Applicants or students that can provide supporting documents to verify they already know, understand and can perform the learning outcomes for one or more units within a Southern Cross course, are eligible to have their prior learning assessed for credit by submitting an application for Advanced Standing.

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). 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.

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 your ability to meet these requirements, please refer to the Student Equity and Inclusion website for further information and contact details.