Course summary
The Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood) was developed in consultation with state and national accrediting bodies. It is distinctive in terms of its child-centred philosophy and is supported by up-to-date evidence on best practice in the early years, including research being undertaken through the Centre for Children and Young People, in the School of Education.
The course prepares students to teach children from birth to eight years in a variety of contexts, including early childhood centres (childcare), pre-schools and the early years of primary school. It also provides a pathway for graduates to teach across the range of educational settings from early childhood to upper primary (birth to 12 years).
Domestic snapshot
Duration | Location | Session |
---|---|---|
4F/8P | Coffs Harbour | 1 |
Gold Coast | 1 | |
Lismore | 1 |
International snapshot
Duration | Location | Session |
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4F/8P | Gold Coast | 1 |
Lismore | 1 |
Major areas of study
The course focuses on understanding the education, care and development of children; childhood studies; and curriculum studies.
Some units are delivered by distance education or online.
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.
Graduate Attribute | Course Learning Outcome |
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Intellectual rigour | Demonstrate analytical thinking, critical thinking and problem solving skills Demonstrate cognitive and technical skills which show broad understanding and depth relevant to the education profession |
Creativity | Demonstrate an ability to identify and solve problems with intellectual independence Demonstrate an ability to develop innovative and creative responses to challenges in an educational setting |
Ethical practice | Demonstrate knowledge of ethical, legal and human rights principles in education settings Demonstrate an understanding of and commitment to legislative requirements and codes of conduct relevant to the education profession. |
Knowledge of a discipline | Demonstrate broad and coherent knowledge and understanding of the relevant curriculum frameworks Demonstrate a solid knowledge of the pedagogy of effective educational practice |
Lifelong learning | Demonstrate the capacity for self-reflective learning and critical thinking with responsibility and accountability in professional practice Demonstrate skills in maintaining or advancing information and literacy skills to keep currency with pedagogical practice and professional development |
Communication and social skills | Communicate clearly, coherently and independently with exposition of knowledge and ideas in both oral and written forms Demonstrate teamwork skills and leadership in professional and learning community settings |
Cultural competence | Demonstrate an understanding of and respect for diversity in others and self Identify and apply proactive and inclusive strategies to encourage and support student engagement |
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 of this degree can pursue teaching opportunities in early childhood centres (childcare), pre-schools, other early childhood services and primary schools.
Professional placement
Students gain extensive teaching practice in childcare centres, kindergartens, other recognised early childhood services, and primary schools.
Professional recognition
This course is approved by the Board of Studies, Teaching and Educational Standards and is nationally recognised. Graduates meet the qualification requirements for accreditation/registration as a teacher in schools across all Australian states and territories.
This course has been placed on the Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority’s (ACECQA) list of approved early childhood teacher qualifications. A person who holds this qualification is an early childhood teacher under the Education and Care Services National Law and Regulations.
Usually, Australian teacher qualifications are recognised internationally, but students need to check with potential employers and teacher registration authorities in other countries regarding accreditation requirements.
Related courses
- Graduate Diploma of Education
- Bachelor of Education (Primary)
- Bachelor of Technology Education
- Bachelor of Technology Education
- Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science/Bachelor of Education (Secondary)
- Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Education (Secondary)
- Bachelor of Visual Arts/Bachelor of Education (Secondary)
- Bachelor of Contemporary Music/Bachelor of Education (Secondary)
- Bachelor of Science/Bachelor of Education (Secondary)
- Bachelor of Education (Secondary) - Graduate entry
- Bachelor of Education (Secondary) - Graduate entry
Type | Detail | ||||||||||||||||
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Course code | 3007190 | ||||||||||||||||
Course abbreviation | BEd(EarlyChild) | ||||||||||||||||
Credit points | 384 | ||||||||||||||||
Equivalent units | 32 | ||||||||||||||||
Duration | 4 years full-time; 8 years part-time | ||||||||||||||||
Availability details |
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Indicative ATAR/OP | 68 / 13 | ||||||||||||||||
Fees | Commonwealth supported |
Type | Detail | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Course code | 3007190 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Course abbreviation | BEd(EarlyChild) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Credit points | 384 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Equivalent units | 32 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Duration | 4 years full-time; 8 years part-time | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Availability details |
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English language IELTS |
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Academic scores by country
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Learning Resources
MySCU is a student's point of entry to a range of online services and resources that support study and student life. The portal includes unit learning sites and information sites where students can access resources, communication tools and useful links that are integral to their studies.
The web-based study environment Blackboard Learn delivers an advanced online learning environment for students and lecturers to communicate and collaborate through virtual meeting spaces, classrooms, and discussion boards. They can share files, presentations and applications. If a tutorial or lecture is recorded, students can view it afterwards.
Learning materials include the provision of unit information guides, study guides and readings. Students may need to purchase or access prescribed text books.
The SCU Library provides a wide range of services that include face-to-face and online help, and access to print and electronic resources.
The Academic Skills team supports student learning by offering online and on-campus academic skills workshops, assignment reviews and small group or one-on-one face-to-face, phone or Skype consultations during business hours 9am to 4.30pm. Appointments can be made via the MySCU Hub 'Connect Now' button or on the Academic Skills home page. Students can also book appointments online in Career Hub.
The Studiosity service provides online after-hours study support for SCU students. This service is available from 4pm to midnight Sunday to Friday via the 'Connect Now' button on MySCU Hub or from a link in nominated unit learning sites. The Studiosity service offers generic writing feedback and live online chat assistance for foundational concepts and study skills.
Equipment and facilities
Southern Cross University provides students with modern well equipped teaching spaces such as lecture theatres, classrooms, and studios or laboratories tailored to meet the needs of specific study disciplines. Contemporary audiovisual equipment is standard in most teaching venues, and students have access to computer labs for individual study purposes.Course structure
See the University’s Rules Relating to Awards, in conjunction with the Specific Award Rules listed below.
Table of contents
Admission requirements
To meet the University’s minimum English Language Proficiency requirement an applicant must satisfy one of the following criteria:
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have completed senior secondary study to the equivalent of the 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:
- the country where those studies were undertaken is listed in Schedule A of the Rules Relating to Awards – Rule 2; and
- the language of instruction was English; or
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achieved a minimum test score, within two (2) years of the date of application for admission, equal to or above the minimum listed below:
- International English Language Test System (IELTS). The applicant must have a minimum overall score of 7.5, including a minimum result of 8.0 in both the speaking and listening modules and 7.0 in reading and writing; or
- 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.
For the purposes of satisfying English Language Proficiency requirements for admission, applicants will only be considered on the above criteria and will not be considered on the basis of other criteria established by the Rules Relating to Awards – Rule 2, Section 1 – English Language Proficiency Subsection.
Course requirements
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To be eligible for the award of Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood) a candidate shall successfully complete not less than thirty-two (32) units (384 credit points) comprising:
- all units from Part A
- Permission to undertake a practicum will at all times be at the discretion of the Head of School.
Advanced standing
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- Candidates who have completed an approved three-year Early Childhood birth-to-eight (8) years or birth-to-twelve (12) years teaching qualification, from an Australian university or equivalent, may be granted advanced standing for up to twenty-four (24) units.
- Additional advanced standing of up to three (units) may be granted by the Head of School.
- Candidates who have completed Southern Cross University’s Bachelor of Education (Primary) degree, or equivalent, may be granted advanced standing for up to twenty-four (24) units.
Schedule of units
Course progressions
Students should use course progression information to select units specific to their course and enrol in these units using My Enrolment
Early Childhood Education
Notes
Note 1: | There is a school based professional experience component attached to this unit. Please contact the Professional Experience Office for further information. |
Note 2: | There is a centre based professional experience component attached to this unit. Please contact the Professional Experience Office for further information. |
Applications are not available for 2014. Please select a different year above or see Course Options for courses currently offered.
The information on this page may be subject to change over time. Please check this web page again before acting and see our disclaimer
From the 1st of June, 2017, the term 'Distance Education' has been replaced with 'Online'