Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood)
The early years of children’s lives are incredibly important. This nationally accredited program focuses on children aged 0-8 years. Develop competence and expertise to contribute to young children's sense of agency, wellbeing and learning capabilities.
In this program you will:
- Learn the importance of wellbeing, play and supportive environments in early learning
- Qualify to work and lead in childcare, kindergarten and primary school (focusing on Prep to Year 3)
- Connect knowledge and practice through Supervised Professional Experiences in a range of early childhood and school settings
- Engage with community projects and work with children and their families to gain valuable Wider Field Experience
Location
CRICOS code
Entry threshold
ATAR/RankDuration
Full-time or equivalent part-time Only a full-time option is available to international students on a Student visa. Online programs are not available to Student visa holders.Indicative fees
Indicative 2022 fees ($AUD)
CSP Annual fee / Estimated total feeQTAC code
Start
- Semester 1
- Semester 2
- Start
-
- Semester 1
- Semester 2
- Delivery mode
-
- Blended Learning
- Total courses
- 32
- Total units
- 384
- Duration
- 4 years 4 years
- CRICOS code
- 077419C
- USC program code
- ED303
- Program coordinator
Introductory courses (8) 96 units
EDU101 Human Development and Learning
EDU103 Teaching with Technology
EDU109 Professional Experience: Play and Pedagogy in Early Learning
EDU110 Engagement and Behaviour in Early Learning
EDU112 Professional Experience: Communities and Partnerships
EDU115 Creative Expression and Play through the Arts
EDU118 Foundations of Numeracy
EDU119 English Language and Literacy
Developing and Graduate courses (24) 288 units
EDU206 Sustainability Through Play and Pedagogy
EDU208 Professional Experience: Learning Theories in Early Learning
EDU209 Teaching Mathematics in the Early Years
EDU212 Teaching Science in the Early Years
EDU213 Teaching English: Curriculum and Pedagogy
EDU214 Teaching Arts in the Early Years
EDU216 Teaching HPE in the Early Years
EDU217 Professional Experience: Evidence Based Decision Making in Early Learning
EDU218 Inclusive Practices and Intervention in Early Learning
EDU300 Assessing Learning
EDU308 Professional Experience: Differentiated Practice
EDU309 Teaching Science in Primary Schools
EDU316 Teaching HASS in Primary School
EDU339 Professional Experience: Curriculum Approaches and Pedagogies
EDU340 Teaching Reading and Writing
EDU344 Leadership and Advocacy in Early Learning
EDU361 Teaching English: Language, Literature and Literacy
EDU400 Teaching Primary School Mathematics
EDU408 Professional Experience: Teacher Identity and Professional Practice
EDU410 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Perspectives in Learning and Teaching
EDU415 Teacher as Researcher
EDU421 Using Data for Learning
EDU423 Reflective Practices in Early Learning
SCS203 Introduction to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education
Note: Program structures are subject to change. Not all USC courses are available on every USC campus.
This study sequence reflects the current program structure. Continuing students must follow their commencing structure, which can be found in the previous student handbooks.
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| Applicant background | No. of students | % of all students |
|---|---|---|
Notes
<5 - the number of students is less than 5
N/A - Students not accepted in this category
N/P - Not published: the number is hidden to prevent calculation of numbers in cells with less than five students.
Adjusted ATARs are a calculation of a student's ATAR + eligible adjustment factors and are used to determine admission. The raw ATAR is the student's rank before any adjustments are applied.
Personal statement requirement
As part of your application, you are required to complete an online questionnaire to demonstrate your motivation for, and understanding of, the program and profession. In the questionnaire, you will be asked to rank a series of statements in order of what you think is most to least important. You will also need to write a 600-1000 word personal statement on why you think you would make a great teacher, and why influencing the future appeals to you. After you have submitted an application for this program, you will be contacted with further information about the written statement and how to complete your application.
More information is on the QTAC website.
Entry requirements
For entry into most USC undergraduate degree programs, you need to have completed a minimum level of education similar to successful completion of Australian Year 12 with good grades.
Further studies, for example, a semester or more at college or university, can also be considered for entry and may give you credit transfer towards a degree.
Some examples of upper secondary qualifications and a guide to the minimum grades that USC will consider are listed here. These are minimum requirements and do not guarantee entry. Some programs may require higher grades. Alternative qualifications may also be considered on a case by case basis.
If your qualification (grouped by country) is not listed, send the qualification transcripts with your application form to the International Office for assessment.
English language requirements
If English is not your first language, you also need to meet the minimum English language requirements for your chosen program. If you do not meet the minimum requirements, you may like to enrol in one of our English Language Programs.
Minimum entry threshold
Applicants must meed the minimum ATAR/Rank.
| Location | ATAR/Rank |
|---|---|
| Sunshine Coast | 68.00 |
Post admission requirements
Students must complete 95 days of Supervised Professional Experience, 15 days of an internship and 75 hours of Wider Field Experience. You must obtain a Blue Card (or link your existing Blue Card to USC) prior to commencing SPE. You can submit a free application for a Blue Card through the School of Education. Submit your Blue Card applications during Orientation Week of the semester you commence.
Before you are eligible to graduate with a Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood), you will need to successfully complete the Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education students (LANTITE). Graduates are eligible to register with the Queensland College of Teachers for teacher registration, and to become members of Early Childhood Australia.
Additional entry information
Applicants must demonstrate non-academic capabilities as per Personal Statement requirement. Applicants from a non-English speaking background must attain an IELTS score of at least 7.5 with a minimum of 8.0 in speaking and listening and 7.0 in all other subtests. Refer to English language requirements.
- Prerequisites
English (Units 3 and 4, C); General Maths, Maths Methods or Specialist Maths (Units 3 and 4, C); a General science subject (Units 3 and 4, C)
- Recommended prior study
- A history subject
Program requirements
In order to graduate you must:
- Successfully complete 384 units as outlined in the Program Structure
- Complete a minimum of 80 days of Supervised Professional Experience, plus 15 days in a childcare setting and 20 days of an internship, with the majority completed as full-time blocks
- Complete 75 hours of Wider Field Experience
- Successfully complete the Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education students. For more information on this Government initiative please visit the Students First website. Further information on the test, including sample test questions and registration information, please visit the Australian Council of Educational Research website.
To commence supervised professional experience (SPE) you must:
- Obtain a Blue Card (or link your existing Blue Card to USC) prior to commencing supervised professional experience. Applications should be submitted at least 12 weeks prior to the SPE start date. View the Blue Card Fact Sheet for further information
- Complete PrePlace and a Student Placement Agreement (further information will be provided by the placement office upon enrolment)
- Be willing to travel to attend supervised professional experience placements
- Visit Education - Supervised Professional Experience (SPE) for more information regarding requirements for placements
Program notes
- EDU415MUST be studied in your final semester of study with your final Professional Experience (EDU408)
- Completing this program within the specified (full-time) duration is based on studying 48 unit points per semester (normally 4 courses) and following the recommended study sequence
- The unit value of all courses is 12 units unless otherwise specified
- It is each students responsibility to enrol correctly according to your course requisites, program rules and requirements and be aware of the academic calendar dates
- Cross-institutional study is not permitted for the Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood)
- Courses within this program are assessed using a variety of assessment methods which may include essays, seminar presentations, reports, in-class tests and examinations
- The Study Overseas Program is not currently available to Early Childhood students
- Only a full-time study option is available to international students on a Student Visa
- Refer to the Managing your progression page for help in understanding your program structure, reviewing your progress and planning remaining courses.
Prospective students must consider the Inherent Academic Requirements before applying to study this program.
Refer to Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood) - Inherent Academic Requirements
USC strongly supports the rights of all people to pursue studies. The University embraces diversity and endeavours to accommodate all students.
What are Inherent Academic Requirements (IARs)?
The IARs of a program are those fundamental skills, capabilities and knowledge that students must be able to demonstrate in order to achieve the essential learning outcomes of the program, while maintaining the academic integrity of that program.
Students with a disability or chronic health condition may be able to have reasonable adjustments made to enable them to meet these requirements.
USC is committed to making reasonable adjustments to teaching and learning, assessment, placement and other activities to enable students to participate in their program.
Reasonable adjustments must not fundamentally change the nature of the IAR.
Consideration is given to a student's cultural and religious background/beliefs, which may impact on participation in their program or course. For further information contact Student Support.
Why are Inherent Academic Requirements (IARs) important?
IARs ensure the academic integrity of a program is maintained and preserves the University's learning, assessment and accreditation processes. They must be met by all students.
How does this affect you?
To successfully complete a program at USC, you need to be able to meet all the Inherent Academic Requirements.
If you are applying for a program, you should read the IAR statement carefully to ensure you are able to meet them.
If you have a disability or chronic health condition, contact a USC Disability Advisor to talk about the adjustments that may be put in place so you can meet the requirements.
Career opportunities
- Children's advocate
- Early Childhood centre leader/director
- Early Childhood teacher
- Education consultant
- Primary school teacher
- Tutor
- Youth support
Memberships
Graduates may be eligible to become members of:
- Early Childhood Australia
- Queensland College of Teachers
Headstart Program - Year 11 or 12
The Headstart program lets you study uni subjects while you’re still in high school. If you successfully complete two Headstart courses, you’ll get a selection rank that you could use to get into uni.
Early Offer Guarantee scheme - Year 12
The Early Offer Guarantee scheme enables Year 12 students to be offered a place at USC on the basis of their Principal's recommendation.
Previous qualifications or experience
If you:
- have completed Year 12 (no matter how long ago)
- have a TAFE/VET qualification
- have relevant work experience, or
- have studied at university before (even if you didn’t complete your studies)
You may be eligible for a selection rank, which can help you get into uni. For more detailed information selection ranks and how applications are assessed, visit Admissions explained.
Tertiary Preparation Pathway
If you don’t have qualifications or experience that will give you a selection rank, you can complete the Tertiary Preparation Pathway as a stepping stone into most degrees. You can also use TPP to complete subject prerequisites.
If you haven’t studied in a while, TPP is also a great way to brush up on essential study skills like critical reading, assignment writing and referencing.
It can also build your knowledge and confidence in the subject areas you’ll need for your degree, like science or maths. TPP courses are fee-free for eligible domestic students.
I identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander
You may be eligible for direct entry into a USC degree based on your potential to succeed, under USC’s Indigenous Direct Entry and Access Scheme (IDEAS). All you have to do is complete an online application through our website.
- CSP estimate
- A$3,984
- Annual tuition fee ($AUD, 2022)
- A$24,400
- Estimated total tuition fee ($AUD, 2022)
- A$97,600
Commonwealth supported places
Commonwealth supported places are substantially subsidised by the Australian Government so that students only pay 'student contribution" amounts. The student contribution amount will vary depending on the course you are studying and how much funding the Government provides.
If you accept a Commonwealth supported place you are a Commonwealth supported student. As a Commonwealth supported student you must make a contribution towards the cost of your education (unless you are enrolled in Enabling or Tertiary Preparation Pathway courses) with the majority of the cost met by the Commonwealth Government.
Commonwealth supported places are only available to domestic students. As a domestic student you are entitled to a Commonwealth supported place in an eligible program if you:
- meet the citizenship and residency requirements
- complete an electronic Commonwealth Assistance Form (eCAF)
- meet the University's entry requirements for your chosen program.
International fee-paying places
Estimated total tuition fees are based on 2022 rates and the minimum number of courses required within the programs standard duration.
Annual tuition fees are based on 2022 rates and the equivalent full-time student load as per the recommended study sequence in the relevant program.
Actual fees payable are based on the actual enrolment load in a teaching period (excluding Study Abroad and Postgraduate Qualifying Pathway).
All prices quoted are in Australian Dollars (A$).
Domestic applicants apply for admission through the Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre (QTAC). Some applicants may be eligible to apply direct to USC if they meet certain criteria.
Find out about how to apply and key application closing dates.
No matter what kind of future you’re looking for, you can find it at USC. Our programs offer the choice and flexibility you need to get started on any career goal.
Visit How to apply for simple steps to submit your international student application and start your USC experience today.
Need help with submitting your application?
USC has appointed representatives to assist you with submitting your application and provide information about the steps you need to complete to begin your studies. You can contact a USC Representative in your area.
Any questions? Contact us.
QTAC code
| Location | QTAC code |
|---|---|
| Sunshine Coast | 017401 |
Student story
“I am first in my family to attend and now graduate from university – something I never imagined was possible.”