Bachelor of Early Childhood Education

Program summary

Program title: Bachelor of Early Childhood Education
Award abbreviation: BECEd
QTAC code: 017401
OP/Rank for 2012 entry: OP-15 / Rank-69
Duration: 4 years full-time or equivalent part-time (part-time offered from 2012)
Commence: Semester 1 only
Study mode: on campus
Prerequisite: English (4,SA)
Recommended prior study: Maths A or B; Science and History
Recommended prior preparation: Criminal History check, Suitability Card (Blue Card CCYPCG)
Fee type 2012: Commonwealth supported places, fee paying places
Total units: 384
USC program code: ED303
CRICOS code: Not available to international students on a Student Visa.

Gain qualifications to teach in early childhood settings in Queensland.

This program leads to a career in early childhood education in settings such as long day care centres, kindergartens and the early years of primary school. In first-year you focus on the foundations for early childhood teaching practices, with an emphasis on supervised professional and wider field experience with children aged from birth to three years. You learn to build on and integrate essential knowledge and teaching practices for each age group, including the kindergarten year. The final year focuses on the transition to the early phase of learning in primary school contexts.

You study early childhood developmental psychology and early learning theories. There is a strong focus on building family and community partnerships and promoting citizenship in the local and global community. Knowledge is enhanced by embedding Indigenous perspectives, inclusivity and diversity. You examine early years' intervention strategies, diagnostic and pedagogical approaches and authentic assessment practice. You also learn to immerse children in literacy, numeracy, science education, and play-based learning.

Additional admission requirement

This program has higher English language proficiency requirements than most other programs at this level offer by the University. Refer to the English language requirements for more information.

Post-admission requirements

You must complete 139 days of professional experience, including Wider Field Experience. You must obtain a Suitability Card (Blue Card CCYPCG) before your first workplace experience— refer to Requirements for placements.

Career opportunities

Early childhood teaching in childcare, kindergarten and lower primary settings, leadership positions in early childhood education settings, integrated community services, and policy development.

Professional membership

Graduates may apply for membership with Early Childhood Australia.

Registration

Graduates may register with the Queensland College of Teachers. Registration is a requirement to teach in Queensland schools.

Enquiries

• Contact Student Administration for application and admission information
• Contact the Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering for program advice

Program structure

Program requirements

In order to graduate you must:

• Complete 32 courses including 30 required courses and 2 elective courses.
• Complete no more than 12 introductory level courses, including core courses.
• Complete a minimum of 139 days of Supervised Professional Experience, with the majority completed as full-time blocks. One major Supervised Professional Experience must be completed in an Australian school.
• Complete 20 hours of Wider Field Experience.
• A Suitability Card is required, refer to Requirements for placements.

Program notes

• Completing this program within the specified (full-time) duration is based on studying 48 unit points per semester (normally 4 courses).
• Electives may be used to increase curriculum knowledge in Key Learning Areas.
• Courses within this program are assessed using a variety of assessment methods including essays, seminar presentations, reports, in-class tests and examinations. Not all courses will necessarily include all methods.
• Graduates from the Diploma in Children’s Services will be able to enter into the second year of the program via a negotiated credit transfer pathway. Ninety-six units of credit will be awarded.
• As part of your USC program, you may apply to participate in the GO Program to undertake courses with an overseas higher education provider. It is advisable to contact your Program Advisor to discuss timing and course issues.
• This program is not available to international students on a Student Visa.
• When enrolling, refer to the Study Plan.

Select 1 core course from:
COR109 Communication and Thought
COR111 Environment, Technology and Sustainability

Introductory required courses

8 required courses:
EDU100 Becoming a Teacher
EDU104 Foundation of English and Mathematics
EDU107 Science and Sustainability in Primary Schools
EDU108 Earliest Learning and Early Human Development
EDU109 Professional Learning 1: A Holistic Approach to Learning
EDU110 Foundations of Learning: Early Learning Environments and Curriculum
EDU111 Observing and Recording: Monitoring Learning and Making Judgements
EDU112 Professional Learning 2: Early Learning Experiences

Advanced required courses

21 required courses: 
EDU201 Language and Literacies in Education
EDU203 Pedagogy, Play and Assessment
EDU206 Sustainable Communities for Children and Families
EDU207 Guiding Play and Inquiry-based Learning
EDU208 Professional Learning 3: Building on Early Learning
EDU305 Human Development and Early Learning
EDU309 Teaching Science in Primary Schools
EDU316 Australian History and Geography in SOSE
EDU331 Transition to School: Early Learning Environments and Curriculum
EDU332 Investigating the World Around Us
EDU333 Physical Competence, Health and Well–being
EDU334 Policy and Practice in Early Education
EDU335 Self Expression and Communicating Through the Arts
EDU336 Professional Learning 4: Continuity of Early Learning Experience
EDU340 Teaching Reading and Writing
EDU341 Teaching Mathematics
EDU343 The Diverse Learner across Early Childhood Contexts
EDU344 Leading in Early Childhood Contexts
EDU407 Assessing and Reporting: Monitoring Learning and Making Judgements
EDU408 Workplace Learning 5: Formal and Intentional Teaching
EDU409 Workplace Learning 6: Internship: The Professional Practitioner

Elective courses

Select 2 elective courses from either faculty (Arts and Business or Science, Health, Education and Engineering). It is strongly recommended that student select electives that develop a specific curriculum area.

Requirements for placements

As required by the Commission for Children and Young People and Child Guardian Act (2000), preservice teachers must undergo a criminal history check and be issued with a Suitability Card (Blue Card) by the Commission to allow them to undertake field experience in a school or centre where children under 18 years of age are present. It is now a requirement of all Queensland sites and most Australian sites that preservice teachers have obtained the Blue Card prior to starting professional workplace learning.

To avoid processing delays, you are encouraged to apply for a Blue Card as soon as you have accepted your offer. Blue Cards are free-of-charge for Education students when you apply through USC’s Professional Workplace Learning office (Level 2, C Building). Note: If you do not possess a current Blue Card, you will be unable to complete the professional experience component of your program and you will be unable to meet graduation requirements.

Visit the Commission's website for information on Blue Cards and how to apply.

Study Plan

The Bachelor of Early Childhood Education Study Plan is for students commencing in the current semester.

Year 1

• One (1) core course:
  Core course must be studied in Semester 1
• Seven (7) required courses

Core courses (1)

Select 1 core course from:

Required courses (7)

Year 2

• One (1) elective course:
  Elective course must be studied in Semester 1
• Seven (7) required courses:
  EDU100 and EDU305 must be studied in Semester 1

Required courses (7)

Elective course (1)

Select 1 elective course from either faculty (Arts and Business or Science, Health, Education and Engineering).

Year 3

• One (1) elective course:
  Elective course must be studied in Semester 2
• Seven (7) required courses

Required courses (7)

Elective course (1)

Select 1 elective course from either faculty (Arts and Business or Science, Health, Education and Engineering).

Year 4

• Eight (8) required courses:
  EDU340 and EDU341 must be studied in Semester 1
  EDU309 must be studied in Semester 2

Required courses (8)

Why choose USC? 

It’s the best of both worlds. Students choose USC for its industry focused degrees, experienced academics, student support, overseas study opportunities and relaxed campus atmosphere.

Am I eligible for university study?

Find out what qualifications you need to apply for entry into your proposed study program. If you don’t have the required qualifications, there may be alternative pathways you can take to gain entry to USC.

If you have previously undertaken university or TAFE studies, you may be eligible for credit transfer.

If English is not your first language, you need to meet the minimum English language requirements for your chosen program. This requirement applies to all students intending to study at the University.

How do I submit an application?

• Current Year 12 students—regardless of whether you are OP-eligible or not—apply for university using the Twelve to Tertiary (TTT) application service on the QTAC website
• Non-school leavers use the Apply by Web (ABW) online application service on the QTAC website
• Postgraduate applicants apply directly to USC
• International students apply directly to USC International
• All other applicants

When should I apply?

Check if the program is offered in Semester 1 and / or Semester 2, then follow the deadlines on the application calendar. The academic calendar provides all the key dates you need to know as a student at USC.

What happens next?

Accept your offer with QTAC (if applicable) and USC, enrol in your classes and attend Orientation.

Where can I ask more questions?

If you have more questions about how to apply:

• Online: find answers to commonly asked questions in the Student FAQs
• Email: information@usc.edu.au
• Phone: Student Administration on +61 7 5430 2890
• In person: Student Central, Building C

If you have questions about your program:

• Contact the Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering

As a USC student, you will need to refer to your study plan to enrol in the appropriate courses each semester or session.

Find out more about how to enrol or follow these steps:

1. Check the open enrolment dates and the academic calendar for key dates
2. Refer to your Study Plan to plan your courses for the study period
3. Find your courses and decide on your classes in the class timetable 
4. Log on to USC Central and enrol in courses and classes
5. Register your major or minor with your faculty (if applicable)
6. Apply for credit transfer or cross-institutional study (if applicable)
7. Pay required study fees by the fee due date

Useful links

• Getting Started Guide
• USC Central Guide
• Common enrolment problems
• Class timetables
• Academic Calendar
• Faculty major and minor offerings
• Student-related policies, plans and procedures
• Contact Student Administration

Where can I ask more questions?

If you have more questions about how to enrol:

• Online: Refer to the USC Central Guide 
• Email: information@usc.edu.au
• Phone: Student Administration on +61 7 5430 2890
• In person: Student Central, Building C

If you have questions about your program:

• Contact the Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering