Undergraduate Certificate in Education (Early Childhood)
Want to start a career in education? Do you enjoy working with young children in their learning journeys? This certificate provides an introduction to education and the professional work of early childhood educators.
In this program you will:
- Develop foundational skills and knowledge for teaching in early education settings
- Learn about child development, play-based learning, fostering creative expression through the arts, early years care and age-appropriate teaching
- Improve your own literacy and numeracy skills and knowledge
This program is not currently open for applications
Location
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$)
CSPQTAC code
Start
- Semester 1
- Semester 2
- Semester 1
- Semester 2
Career opportunities
- Childcare
- Long day care
- Youth support worker
- Start
-
- Semester 1
- Semester 2
- Semester 1
- Semester 2
- Delivery mode
-
- Blended Learning
- Online with mandatory onsite requirements
- Total courses
- 4
- Total units
- 48
- Duration
- 6 months 6 months
- UniSC program code
- ED011
- Program coordinator
Introductory courses (3) 36 units
EDU101 Human Development and Learning
EDU109 Professional Experience: Play and Pedagogy in Early Learning
EDU119 English Language and Literacy
PLUS select 1 course (12 units) from:
EDU115 Creative Expression and Play through the Arts
EDU118 Foundations of Numeracy
- Successful completion of 48 units
- Students are required to complete a professional experience placement for five consecutive days in a childcare setting
- Designed as a pathway into Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood)
- Designed as a pathway into Diploma in Education Studies (Early Childhood)
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
- Courses within this program are assessed using a variety of assessment methods which may include essays, seminar presentations, reports, in-class tests and examinations
- Refer to the Managing your progression page for help in understanding your program structure, reviewing your progress and planning remaining courses.
It is no longer a requirement that students in the Undergraduate Certificate in Education (Early Childhood) are fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
Please note that some Professional Experience (PEx) placement host organisations have chosen to continue requiring COVID-19 vaccination. If you are not fully vaccinated, it is important to know that PEx placement opportunities in your program may be limited and may result in a delay to your PEx placement.
UniSC still strongly recommends that all students undertaking PEx placement are fully vaccinated and provide evidence of this vaccination status to the University.
Students are required to hold a valid Blue Card, or link their existing Blue Card to UniSC. This must be obtained prior to commencing Professional Experience (PEx) in both prior to school and school contexts.
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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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.
Minimum entry threshold
Applicants must meet the minimum ATAR/Rank.
| Location | ATAR/Rank |
|---|---|
| Sunshine Coast | 50.00 |
| Online | 50.00 |
Post admission requirements
To commence Professional Experience (PEx) within this program, students must have a Working with Children Check (Blue Card), or link their existing Blue Card to UniSC.
The Blue Card system 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. Students must undergo a criminal history check and be issued with a Blue Card, by Blue Card Services to allow them to undertake Professional Experience (PEx) placement in prior to school and school contexts, that 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.
Additional entry information
Non-standard English language requirements apply.
Proficiency in the English language is required for entry to all programs and courses, and any international or domestic applicant from a non-English speaking background must satisfy the University’s standard and program specific English language requirements.
- Prerequisites
English (Units 3 and 4, C)
- Recommended prior study
- Mathematics or Science
Prospective students must consider the Inherent Academic Requirements before applying to study this program.
Refer to Undergraduate Certificate in 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.
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 | 013708 |
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.