Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Education and Care)

Upon completion of this course, graduates will be able to:

1. apply theory, research, and content knowledge to design evidence-based, playful curricula for children aged from birth to five years that support and extend children’s interests in line with guiding documents;
2. document and assess individual children’s learning, demonstrating understanding of learning trajectories to support the learning and development of every child;
3. develop and sustain respectful, responsive, and ethical relationships with children and their families that foster a strong sense of community and belonging;
4. learn from and engage with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and culture, and embed their knowledge systems and practices into curricula;
5. facilitate the inclusion and participation of all children and families from diverse backgrounds;
6. demonstrate familiarity with historical and comparative perspectives on early childhood education and care;
7. demonstrate strong leadership skills, initiative and accountability, and advocate for high quality early childhood education and care; and
8. develop and sustain collaborative relationships with colleagues, contributing to professional inquiry, reflective practice, and ongoing quality improvement.

The Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Education and Care) provides candidates with a professional qualification exceeding the minimum requirements for recognition by the Australian Children's Education & Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) as an approved Early Childhood Teacher under the National Quality Framework (NQF).

If you are an experienced early childhood educator looking to become a four-year qualified teacher, UNE’s Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Education and Care) is the course for you. This degree is accredited with the Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) as an approved Early Childhood Teacher qualification, allowing you to take the next step in your career.

We understand that many of our students are in remote or regional areas, which makes finding professional experience placements a challenge. As a result, most of the placements in this course can be completed in the early learning service where you work, as long as your service caters for babies and meets the National Quality Standard. UNE's outstanding early childhood team values the practical experience students bring to their studies. This is why our course is designed to extend and hone the skills and knowledge you need to succeed, as well as meeting current sector focus areas.

This course is designed to meet the growing need for qualified early childhood teachers who share a genuine interest in being an agent for children's development. It is designed to future proof your career with skills in organisational leadership, contemporary pedagogies and interpersonal skills that are highly valued in a variety of careers. With a focus on work-life balance, you will gain a broad range of skills and knowledge that will prepare you to become a leader in your field.

Recommended study pattern

Program of Study

Rule A

• Advanced Standing
  • 96 credit points block advanced standing granted for those candidates who have completed an ACECQA-approved AQF Level 5 Diploma in Children's Services and approved work experience.
• Core Units
  • Cluster: Applying Theories into Practice
    • Complete 12 credit points
  • Cluster: Creative Arts
    • Complete 12 credit points
  • Cluster: Family and Community Contexts
    • Complete 12 credit points
  • Cluster: Language and Communication
    • Complete 12 credit points
  • Cluster: Teaching Pedagogies
    • Complete 12 credit points
  • Cluster: Learning from Birth
    • Complete 12 credit points
  • Cluster: Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)
    • Complete 12 credit points
  • Cluster: Leading and Managing Early Childhood Services
    • Complete 12 Credit Points

Rule B

• Advanced Standing
  • 144 credit points block advanced standing granted for those candidates who have completed an AQF Level 7 three-year Bachelor degree in early childhood recognised by ACECQA.
• Core Units
  • Complete 8 core units

Award requirements

Candidates who meet the course requirements shall be awarded the Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Education and Care).

Exit points

Candidates who discontinue their studies in the course may be eligible to exit with the non-accredited, non-teaching qualification, Diploma in Educational Studies, on completion of 48 credit points of EDEC units. 

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Rule B: You can apply for this course if you have completed a three-year Bachelor qualification (AQF Level 7) in Early Childhood. Your Bachelor qualification must be approved by the Australian Children’s Education & Care Authority (ACECQA).

Please note: If you have not completed professional experience with the Birth-2 age group you may be admitted to this course, but must complete 10 days of placement in addition to the standard Course Structure (Program of Study).

If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under Rule B.

Please note: all admissions are subject to UNE’s Admission, Credit and Enrolment Policy. 

Unfortunately, we are unable to accept applicants from this pathway into this course at this time.

You can apply for this course if you have completed a Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care (AQF Level 5) or equivalent. Your Diploma must be approved by the Australian Children’s Education & Care Authority (ACECQA). You must also meet at least one of the following entry requirements:

• After completion of your Diploma, you have undertaken a minimum of 1 year of full-time (or part-time equivalent) early childhood workplace experience as a room leader.
• OR after completion of your Diploma, you have undertaken a minimum of 2 years of full-time (or part-time equivalent) early childhood workplace experience as an early childhood teacher assistant/aid, family daycare accredited provider, or an accredited before and after school carer.

If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under Rule A.

Please note: all admissions are subject to UNE’s Admission, Credit and Enrolment Policy. 

Unfortunately, we are unable to accept applicants from this pathway into this course at this time.

Some entry rules come with Advanced Standing or Articulation Programs that are assessed automatically without the need for you to fill in an additional application. Simply apply for your course and we’ll look after the rest.

• If you are admitted under Rule A, you will be granted 96 credit points of Block Advanced Standing based on the qualification and work experienced used for admission.
• If you are admitted under Rule B, you will be granted 144 credit points of Block Advanced Standing based on the qualification used for admission.

If you are admitted into this course and believe you have already completed the equivalent of one or more of the units in your Course Structure (Program of Study) within the last five years, you can apply for Individual Unit Advanced Standing.

For students admitted under Rule (a), the course includes a mandatory 80 days of Professional Experience.

For students admitted under Rule (b), the course includes a mandatory 45 days of Professional Experience.

All Professional Experience must be completed in ACECQA-approved centre-based settings.