Bachelor of Education Studies (Early Childhood)
Quality early experiences in nurturing learning contexts, contributes significantly to the social development of young children, and their cognitive and emotional health and wellbeing.
This Early Childhood program focuses on babies to children aged five, who are not yet enrolled in formal schooling. Gain in-depth knowledge and hands-on practice opportunities to expertly interact with children, as they learn to actively participate and contribute in the wider community.
The program is approved by the Australian Children’s Education & Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) and has been developed according to ACECQA standards.
Adelaide campus students: early childhood teachers who have completed a three-year birth-five early childhood qualification can be registered with a condition on their South Australian teacher registration to teach in early childhood settings and lead in the provision of teacher-led, high-quality play-based education in preschools, kindergartens, and long day care centres.
In this program you will:
- plan, assess and evaluate play-based intentional learning and teaching activities using age-appropriate resources
- support children’s learning through play, creative imagination and problem solving skills
- promote health, emotional, and wellbeing concepts that contribute to children’s sense of agency and self-regulation
- foster literacy through story reading, oral language, drama and early reading instruction
- nurture inclusion through considerations of culture, individual capabilities, and learning needs – including disability
- use reflection-for-action for improving practice and enhancing your impact
- undertake eighty days of professional experiences
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 2025 fees (A$)
CSP / Fee-paying Annual feeQTAC code
Start
- Semester 1
- Semester 2
- Semester 1
- Semester 2
- Trimester 2
- Trimester 1
Adelaide offering for International students only.
Trimester 2, 2025 intake: Program to be rolled out. 1st year commencing Tri 2, 205, 2nd year commencing Tri 2, 2026, 3rd year commencing Tri 2, 2027
Trimester 1, 2026 intake: Program to be rolled out. 1st year commencing Tri 1, 2026, 2nd year commencing Tri 1, 2027, 3rd year commencing Tri 1, 2028.
Career opportunities
- Children's advocate
- Early Childhood centre teacher
- Early Childhood tutor
- Education consultant
- Youth support
Memberships
Graduates may be eligible to become members of:
- Early Childhood Australia
Accreditation
The Bachelor of Education Studies (Early Childhood) is an ACECQA approved program. Graduates require an approved ACECQA qualification to work in the early learning sector.
- Start
-
- Semester 1
- Semester 2
- Semester 1
- Semester 2
- Trimester 2
- Trimester 1
- Delivery mode
-
- Blended Learning
- Total courses
- 24
- Total units
- 288
- Duration
- 3 years 3 years
- CRICOS code
- 115024C
- UniSC program code
- UB009
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 courses (10) 120 units
EDU200 Teaching HPE Birth to Year 6
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
EDU217 Professional Experience: Evidence Based Decision Making in Early Learning
EDU218 Inclusive Practices and Intervention in Early Learning
SCS203 Introduction to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education
Graduate courses (6) 72 units
EDU309 Teaching Science in Primary Schools
EDU340 Teaching Reading and Writing
EDU361 Teaching English: Language, Literature and Literacy
EDU380 Professional Experience: Transitioning to School
EDU381 Professional Experience: Developing Teacher Identity and Leadership
EDU410 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Perspectives in Learning and Teaching
Note: Program structures are subject to change. Not all UniSC courses are available on every UniSC campus.
- Successful completion of 288 units
- Progression requirements: Must pass EDU118 and EDU119 to progress to EDU112, EDU213, EDU209 and EDU217
- EDU381 Developing Teacher Identity and Leadership must be studied in your final semester of the program. It includes a 20 day placement. EDU380 Professional Experience: Transitioning to School with 15 days of Professional Experience (PEx ) placement is a pre-requisite for EDU381 Developing Teacher Identity and Leadership
- Cross-institutional study during enrolment is not permitted for the Bachelor of Education Studies (Early Childhood)
- Only a full-time study option is available to international students on a Student Visa
- Refer to the Managing your progression page for help with understanding your program structure, reviewing your progress and planning remaining courses as you progress through your studies
In order to commence your Professional Experience (PEx) placements, you must:
- Hold a valid Blue Card in Queensland or a WWCC check in South Australia, for the duration of your program. You should allow at least 12 weeks for Blue Card or WWCC Services to issue your working with children check or Blue Card. Note: Students who do not possess a valid Blue Card (Qld) or WWCC (SA) are unable to complete the Professional Experience (PEx) component of the program, and are not able to meet graduation requirements.
- Have a National Criminal Histroy check (by Queensland Police Service or other State/Territory authority).
- Travel to attend Professional Experience (PEx) placements.
- Please note, while every endeavour will be made to place students for Professional Experience (PEx) placements in a given semester, this is not guaranteed. Students may need to enrol at a later time should a position at an agency be unavailable in the preferred semester.
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 |
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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.
Completion of Year 12 or equivalent.
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
You will also need to meet the English language requirements for this program. If you do not meet the minimum requirements, you may be able to enrol in our English Language Programs to reach the required level for most of UniSC’s programs (exceptions apply to non-standard English requirement programs).
Minimum entry threshold
Applicants must meet the minimum ATAR/Rank.
| Location | ATAR/Rank |
|---|---|
| Sunshine Coast | TBA |
| Moreton Bay | TBA |
| Adelaide | TBA |
Post admission requirements
To commence Professional Experience (PEx) placements in this program, students must hold a valid Blue Card in Queensland or a Working with Children Check (WWCC) in South Australia, or link their existing Blue Card or WWCC to UniSC. The Blue Card system in Queensland is regulated by legislation, Working with Children (Risk Management and Screening) Act 2000 (the Act) and the Working with Children (Risk Management and Screening) Regulation 2020. The WWCC system in South Australia is regulated by legislation, Child Safety (Prohibited Persons) Act 2016, Child Safety (Prohibited Persons) Regulations 2019, Working with Children Check guidelines. Students must undergo a criminal history check and be issued with a Blue Card by Blue Card Services or a WWCC by the South Australian Government Screening Unit to allow them to undertake Professional Experience (PEx) placement in prior-to-school and school contexts where children under 18 years of age are present. It is highly recommended students be proactive in applying for a BlueCard as soon as they are accepted into the program. PEx placements cannot commence without a valid Blue Card or WWCC.
Additional entry information
Standard English language requirements apply.
- Recommended prior study
- Essential English and Essential Mathematics
Prospective students must consider the Inherent Academic Requirements before applying to study this program.
Refer to Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood) - Inherent Academic Requirements
UniSC 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.
UniSC 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 UniSC, 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 UniSC Disability Advisor to talk about the adjustments that may be put in place so you can meet the requirements.
Headstart Program - Years 10 to 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 UniSC on the basis of their Principal's recommendation.
Prior study or work 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.
Indigenous Direct Entry and Access Scheme (IDEAS)
You may be eligible for direct entry into a UniSC degree based on your potential to succeed, under UniSC’s Indigenous Direct Entry and Access Scheme (IDEAS). All you have to do is complete an online application through our website.
High-school leavers completing year 12 are not eligible, and must apply through QTAC.
- CSP estimate
- A$4,624
- Fee-paying estimate
- A$21,216 - 2025 Fees
- Annual tuition fee (A$, 2025)
- A$31,030
Additional student costs
Students are required to: purchase text books, purchase closed-in footwear for Professional Experiences (PEx), fund transport costs to and from the site during the PEx, fund other expenses related to participation in the PEx. South Australian students: Working with Children Check application fee.
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.
Fee-paying places
A fee-paying place is not covered by any government subsidy, and you are required to pay the full cost of the courses you are studying.
If you accept a fee-paying place, you can defer the cost of your studies via a FEE-HELP loan. Eligibility for a FEE-HELP loan is the same as for a Commonwealth-supported place. You must:
- 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
Annual tuition fees are based on 2025 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 UniSC if they meet certain criteria.
Find out about how to apply and key application closing dates.
QTAC code
| Location | QTAC code |
|---|---|
| Sunshine Coast | 014110 |
| Moreton Bay | 016110 |
Need advice on what to study or how to apply?
Our Student Central team can help.
Call us +61 7 5430 2890
Email us information@usc.edu.au
For locations and opening hours, visit Student Central.