Bachelor of Early Childhood Education

2024 course information for Domestic Students
2024 course information for International Students

updated 6:02 AM on Wed, 24 May

Domestic snapshot

International snapshot

IELTS
View full English language requirements
ATAR
60
Duration
3 years full-time; 6 years part-time
3 years full-time
Location
Gold Coast, Online
Gold Coast
Start date
March, July
February, June
Course code
3007003
Course abbreviation
BECE
Credit points
288
Equivalent units
24
CRICOS
View in availability and fee details
Fees
Commonwealth supported
Fees
View in availability and fee details

Please note, some locations may not have all intake periods available. See the full availability details for further information.

Course overview
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, 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.  
 
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, 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.  
 

Current Southern Cross students – to access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook.

Entry requirements

See the University’s Rules Relating to Awards, in conjunction with the Specific Award Rules listed below.

To meet the minimum English language requirement, an applicant must satisfy one of the following criteria:

  1. have completed senior secondary study equivalent of Australian Year 12 or have completed at least one year of full-time study (or equivalent part-time study) at AQF diploma equivalent or higher where:
    1. the country where those studies were undertaken is listed in Rules Relating to Awards – Rule 2, Section 2 – English Language Proficiency Requirements and
    2. the language of instruction was English; or
  2. achieved a minimum test score within two (2) years of the date of application for admission, equal to or above the minimum listed below:
    1. International English Language Test System (IELTS). The applicant must have a minimum overall score of 6.5, including a minimum result of 6.5 in speaking and listening, reading and writing; or
    2. International Second Language Proficiency Rating (ISLPR). The applicant must have a score of at least 4+ in each of the four areas: speaking, listening, reading and writing.
  3. successfully completed SCU's Preparing for Success Program, Transition to Uni Program, or English Language Program. 

Language requirements

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

CategoryScore
Overall Score6.5
Reading6.5
Writing6.5
Listening6.5
Speaking6.5

About the course

Core content areas cover:

  • Literacy, language and pedagogical approaches 
  • Issues in contemporary education
  • Leadership and management
  • Health and wellbeing in the early childhood environment.
 
Please note: Some units in this course are only delivered online and online students may need to attend on-campus workshops.

Domestic students

Location Teaching period
Gold CoastTerm  1, Term  3
OnlineTerm  1, Term  3

International students

Location Teaching period Annual Fees CRICOS
Gold CoastTerm  1, Term  3$30,832 ($3,854 per unit)110055C

Tuition fees are in Australian dollars, and are subject to change, including annual increases over the duration of a course. Annual tuition fee is based on completing 8 units per year. In addition students are required to pay OSHC for the duration of their visa in advance. Non-tuition fee covers textbooks, stationery and excursions.

How to apply

Where and when do you want to study?

Applications for this course are made directly to Southern Cross University via our online application service.

Australian/Domestic students

Early Offer

If you're a current Year 12 student you can register for our Early Offer program. You may be eligible to receive an early offer based on your School Principal's recommendation.

Apply now for your Early Offer

International students studying in Australia

View domestic application details View international application details

Course requirements

To be eligible to receive the Bachelor of Early Childhood Education, students must complete the equivalent of 28 units (288 credit points), comprising:
Permission to undertake a professional experience placement will at all times be at the discretion of the Executive Dean.
 
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.
 
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 on your ability to meet these requirements please refer to the Student Equity and Inclusion website for further information and contact details.

 


Course structure


Schedule of units

Unit CodeUnit TitleNotes

Core Units -students must undertake all of the following.

EDUC1003Education and Philosophy: Playing with Thought
ENGL1005Foundations of English and Literacy: More than Words
MATH1002Foundations of Mathematics and Numeracy: Numbers that Count
EDUC1006Interdisciplinary Studies: Crossing the Line Note 2
SCIN1006Science and Technology: All Things Matter
CRTV1001Creativity and the Arts
TCHR1002Play and Pedagogies in Early Childhood Education
HLTH1002PDHPE: Mind, Body and Soul
CLST1002HSIE: The Universe Next Door
TCHR1001Principles and Practices in Early Childhood Education
TCHR2008Theory to practice: Competency and Capability of Preschoolers
TCHR2003Curriculum Studies in Early Childhood
EDUC1004Education and Change: The Lifelong Learner
EDUC6009Education and Indigenous Australians: Ways of Knowing and Being
EDUC2021Storylines: Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking
TCHR2010Theory to Practice: Education and Care for Infants and Toddlers
EDUC3023Inclusive and Special Education: The Responsive Teacher
TCHR3001Early Childhood Matters
TCHR6007Creative Arts for Early Childhood Education
TCHR6006Health, Wellbeing and the Environment in Early Childhood Education
EDUC2020Education and ICT: Digital Disruptions
TCHR2002Children, Families and Communities
EDUC3024Education and the Environment: More than Human
TCHR3004Leadership and Advocacy in Early Childhood
TCHR2007Professional Experience: Early Childhood I Note 1
TCHR2011Professional Experience: Early Childhood II Note 1
TCHR2013Professional Experience: Early Childhood III Note 1
TCHR3010Professional Experience: Early Childhood IV Note 1


Notes

Note 1: This unit involves a professional experience placement.
Note 2: This unit involves observation days.

Why choose SCU?

Excellence in research

Outstanding ratings of 'at world standard' or above in 23 research fields.

Excellence in Research Australia (ERA) 2018

Top 200 Young Universities

Only 25 years young and ranked in the top 200 universities in the world.

Times Higher Education Young University Rankings 2020

Outstanding student support

5-Star Student Support across undergraduate and postgraduate studies

Good Universities Guide 2021

Learning outcomes

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 Outcome

Demonstrate analytical and critical skills to transform and disrupt thinking in early childhood educational based practice.

Demonstrate an understanding of diverse ways of knowing and learning in early childhood education settings to inform connected and compassionate ways of teaching.

Demonstrate an ability to identify and solve problems with intellectual independence.

Demonstrate an ability to develop innovative and creative responses to local and global challenges in early childhood education settings.

Demonstrate a knowledge of social justice and ethical principles in early childhood education settings.

Demonstrate an understanding of and commitment to legislative requirements and codes of conduct relevant to the early childhood education profession.

Demonstrate broad and coherent knowledge and understanding of the early years curriculum framework and National Quality Standards.

Demonstrate an evidence based understanding and knowledge of the pedagogy for effective early childhood educational practice.

Demonstrate the capacity for self-reflective learning and critical thinking with responsibility and accountability in professional practice.

Demonstrate a commitment to personal and professional development through self-directed learning and reflective practice.

Communicate clearly, coherently and independently with exposition of knowledge and ideas in both oral and written forms.

Demonstrate teamwork and leadership skills in early childhood education settings.

Apply and integrate an understanding of social, indigenous and cultural diversity, and respect for the identity of all persons.

Demonstrate proactive and inclusive strategies for diverse groups in early childhood education settings

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.


Assessment methods

Most units have two or three assessment tasks, which may include a mix of essays, presentations, journals, portfolios, online discussions, quizzes, learning stories, role plays, an assessment of the student's professional experience, and end-of-semester examinations.

Teaching methods

On-campus students experience a variety of teaching approaches including lectures, tutorials, online activities and video-linked or podcast virtual classes. The method of teaching may vary from unit to unit.

Our online study option is highly interactive and strives to promote collaboration and a sense of community. Students may receive a combination of podcast or video-linked lectures, electronic study materials, workshops, online discussion forums and virtual classes. The method of teaching may vary from unit to unit.

Career opportunities

Graduates will be trained Early Childhood teachers with a three-year qualification. Good career prospects exist in childcare centres, preschools and other early childhood services. You will be qualified to work with children aged six-weeks-old to six-years-old, also termed ‘birth to five years’ in early childhood settings.

Professional placement

This course includes 85 days of professional experience learning in early childhood education settings, as well as 10 days in primary schools. As detailed in the Faculty of Education Professional Experience Requirements, 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.

Professional recognition

The Bachelor of Early Childhood Education is accredited by the Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority.

Assessment of early childhood teachers differs for each state and territory in Australia. Check with your state-based accreditation authorities regarding status as an early childhood teacher.

Ask a question

Domestic future
students

Call 1800 626 481 during business hours.

International future
students

Call +61 2 6620 3876 during business hours.

Current
students

Email: enquiry@scu.edu.au
Call 1800 005 687 during business hours.

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