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
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 Annual feeQTAC code
Start
- Semester 1
- Semester 2
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
- Start
-
- Semester 1
- Semester 2
- Delivery mode
-
- Blended Learning
- Total courses
- 32
- Total units
- 384
- Duration
- 4 years 4 years
- CRICOS code
- 077419C
- UniSC 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 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 (14) 168 units
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
EDU423 Reflective Practices in Early Learning
EDU427 Pedagogical and Curriculum Leadership in the Classroom
Note: Program structures are subject to change. Not all UniSC courses are available on every UniSC campus.
In order to graduate you must:
- Successfully complete 384 units as outlined in the Program Structure
- EDU423 and EDU415MUST be studied in your final semester of study with your final Professional Experience (EDU408)
- Successfully complete the Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education students. Further information on the test, including sample test questions and registration information, please visit the Australian Council of Educational Research website.
Program notes
- 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.
WIL notes
To commence field education placement you must:
- Hold a valid Blue Card, throughout the duration of your program, issued by the Commission for Children and Young People and Child Guardian (CCYPCG). You should allow 12 weeks for CCYPCG to issue the card. Note: students who do not possess a valid Blue Card will be unable to complete the field education component of their program and will be unable to meet graduation requirements
- Have a National Criminal History check (by Queensland Police Service or other state/territory authority)
- Be willing to travel to attend field education placements
- Please note, while every endeavour will be made to place students for field education placements in a given semester, this is not guaranteed, and students may need to enrol at a later time should a position at an agency be unavailable in the preferred semester
- Visit Education - Professional Experience (PEx) for more information regarding requirements for placements
It is no longer a requirement that students in Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood) are fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
Please note that some placement host organisations have chosen to continue requiring COVID-19 vaccination. If you are not fully vaccinated, it is important to know that placement opportunities in your program may be limited and may result in a delay to your placement.
UniSC still strongly recommends that all students undertaking placement are fully vaccinated and provide evidence of this vaccination status to the University.
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
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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 | 65.00 |
Post admission requirements
Students must complete 95 days of Professional Experience. Students must obtain a Blue Card (or link their existing Blue Card to UniSC) prior to commencing Professional Experience. Applications for a Blue Card should be submitted at least 12 weeks prior to the PEx start date.
Blue Cards are free-of-charge for Education students when applying through the School of Education and Tertiary Access at UniSC.
Students will also need to successfully complete the Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education students. For further information on the test, including sample test questions and registration information, please visit the Australian Council of Educational Research (ACER) website.
Students must adhere to the Student Code of Conduct and meet Inherent Academic Requirements.
Additional entry information
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)
- Recommended prior study
- A General science subject (Units 3 and 4, C), a history subject
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$4,624 - 2025 Fees
- Annual tuition fee (A$, 2025)
- A$26,750
Additional student costs
Students are required to: purchase text books; purchase closed-in footwear for Professional Experiences (PEx); fund transport costs to and from the site during the PEx; fund other expenses related to participation in the PEx; fund the cost for undertaking the compulsory National Literacy and Numeracy Test (LANTITE).
Commonwealth supported places
Commonwealth supported places are substantially subsidised by the Australian Government so that students only pay 'student contribution" amounts. The student contribution amount will vary depending on the course you are studying and how much funding the Government provides.
If you accept a Commonwealth supported place you are a Commonwealth supported student. As a Commonwealth supported student you must make a contribution towards the cost of your education (unless you are enrolled in Enabling or Tertiary Preparation Pathway courses) with the majority of the cost met by the Commonwealth Government.
Commonwealth supported places are only available to domestic students. As a domestic student you are entitled to a Commonwealth supported place in an eligible program if you:
- meet the citizenship and residency requirements
- complete an electronic Commonwealth Assistance Form (eCAF)
- meet the University's entry requirements for your chosen program.
International fee-paying places
Annual tuition fees are based on 2025 rates and the equivalent full-time student load as per the recommended study sequence in the relevant program.
Actual fees payable are based on the actual enrolment load in a teaching period (excluding Study Abroad and Postgraduate Qualifying Pathway).
All prices quoted are in Australian Dollars (A$).
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.
No matter what kind of future you’re looking for, you can find it at UniSC. 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 UniSC experience today.
Need help with submitting your application?
UniSC 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 UniSC 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.”
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.