Bachelor of Early Childhood Education (Birth to Five Years)

Course information for - 2025 entry
Domestic
  • Domestic
  • International

Offered at 4 locations
  • Brisbane
  • Melbourne
  • Online MT
  • Strathfield

Duration
4 years full-time or equivalent part-time
QTAC code
113531
ATAR
60.00 for Brisbane
Fees (first year)*

$4624 CSP

Start dates
Semester 1 intake: Beginning February 2025
Applications open August 2024
Midyear (Semester 2) intake: to be advised

Overview

The Bachelor of Early Childhood Education (Birth to Five Years) is aimed at those students dedicated to a career teaching in a birth to five setting.

Developed in response to workforce needs in the early childhood sector, the course can be undertaken as a natural progression for graduates of the Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care or as a standalone course. Graduates of the course will have a strong grounding in early childhood curriculum and pedagogy.

We also recognise that an early childhood educator is likely to teach a diverse range of students across the course of their career. Our students will be equipped with the knowledge and skills to respond to this diversity.

Professional experience

You will be required to complete 85 days – Year 1: Community Engagement minimum 35 hours; Year 2: 15 days, 15 days, 15 days; Year 3: 15 days, 5 days; Year 4: 20 days.

Work placement

Supervised professional experience is at the heart of all our pre-service teacher education courses and the faculty will find appropriate placements to suit the needs of your course. You’ll be placed in relevant prior-to-school settings at different stages of your course to ensure your practical experience evolves alongside your theoretical knowledge base. Our placement program also gives you diverse educational experiences, so you’ll be in a better position to choose your future career path.

Professional recognition

Graduates are eligible for registration as an early childhood teacher in government, independent, Catholic, and other faith-based schools and a range of early childhood education settings.

The course is approved by the Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority, (ACECQA) as an Early Childhood Teacher qualification.

This course will not lead to primary or secondary teacher registration.

Careers

Our graduates have pursued careers in:

  • early childhood education
  • kindergarten teaching
  • policy development

Employment rates

84% of Early Childhood and Primary Teaching students are employed full-time within 4 months of graduating. (2019 Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching (QILT) Graduate Outcomes Survey )

Course details

Course structure

Course map

Open all

Please note: Course maps are subject to change.

Commencing Semester 1

  • Education Studies UnitsEDES100 Understanding Learning and Teaching OREducation Studies UnitsEDES103 Understanding Learners and Their Contexts OREducation Studies UnitsEDES105 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Knowledges, Histories and Cultures

    All 3 Units must be completed. EDES103 includes Community Engagement (minimum of 35 hours)

    10 cp
  • Early Childhood UnitsEDSI168Science, Inquiry and Sustainability10 cp
  • Early Childhood UnitsEDMA163Exploring Mathematics and Numeracy10 cp
  • Early Childhood UnitsEDEN100Foundations of Literacy10 cp
  • Education Studies UnitsEDES100 Understanding Learning and Teaching OREducation Studies UnitsEDES103 Understanding Learners and Their Contexts OREducation Studies UnitsEDES105 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Knowledges, Histories and Cultures

    All 3 Units must be completed. EDES103 includes Community Engagement (minimum of 35 hours)

    10 cp
  • Education Studies UnitsEDES100 Understanding Learning and Teaching OREducation Studies UnitsEDES103 Understanding Learners and Their Contexts OREducation Studies UnitsEDES105 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Knowledges, Histories and Cultures

    All 3 Units must be completed. EDES103 includes Community Engagement (minimum of 35 hours)

    10 cp
  • Early Childhood UnitsEDEC100Health, Family and Young Learner Wellbeing in the Early Years10 cp
  • Early Childhood UnitsEDEN102Children's Literature for Early Reading10 cp

Not all campuses will necessarily offer three units in every semester; students will need to choose units from the available options


Commencing Semester 2

Not all campuses will necessarily offer four units in every semester; students will need to choose units from the available options

Diploma credit - Commencing Semester 1

Students who have completed the Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (CHC50113/CHC50121) will be eligible for credit for the following units on entering the Bachelor of Education (Birth to Five Years). To receive this credit, you will need to complete a Credit Application form and submit this to your Course Administrators. After the credit is applied you will have the equivalent of three years of full-time study (260 credit points) remaining to complete the Bachelor of Early Childhood Education (Birth to Five Years)

  • EDES103 – Understanding Learners and their Contexts (10cp)
  • EDEC100 – Health, Family and Young Learner Wellbeing in the Early Years (10cp)
  • EDEC211 – Infant and Toddler Studies (10cp)
  • EDEC310 – Young Children’s Social and Emotional Competence in Early Childhood Contexts (10cp)
  • EDEC314 – Leadership, Management, Administration and Advocacy (10cp)
  • EDET300 – Effective Teaching 4: Diverse Learning and Inclusive Education (10cp)
  • EDAR164 – Nurturing Creativity in Young Children (10cp)
  • Specified Elective: EDEC313 – Health and Wellbeing in the Early Years (10cp)

Not all campuses will necessarily offer three units in every semester; students will need to choose units from the available options

Diploma credit - Commencing Semester 2

Students who have completed the Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (CHC50113/CHC50121) will be eligible for credit for the following units on entering the Bachelor of Education (Birth to Five Years). To receive this credit, you will need to complete a Credit Application form and submit this to your Course Administrators. After the credit is applied you will have the equivalent of three years of full-time study (260 credit points) remaining to complete the Bachelor of Early Childhood Education (Birth to Five Years)

  • EDES103 – Understanding Learners and their Contexts (10cp)
  • EDEC100 – Health, Family and Young Learner Wellbeing in the Early Years (10cp)
  • EDEC211 – Infant and Toddler Studies (10cp)
  • EDEC310 – Young Children’s Social and Emotional Competence in Early Childhood Contexts (10cp)
  • EDEC314 – Leadership, Management, Administration and Advocacy (10cp)
  • EDET300 – Effective Teaching 4: Diverse Learning and Inclusive Education (10cp)
  • EDAR164 – Nurturing Creativity in Young Children (10cp)
  • Specified Elective: EDEC313 – Health and Wellbeing in the Early Years (10cp)

Not all campuses will necessarily offer three units in every semester; students will need to choose units from the available options

Accelerated (26 Months) - Commencing Professional Term 3

Accelerated (26 Months) - Commencing Professional Term 6

Graduate statement

Insight

As an ACU graduate you have personal insight founded on an understanding of who you are as a professional, a citizen and a scholar. You embrace change and growth through critical self-awareness and learning autonomy. You are empowered to seek truth and meaning, drawing on the principles of justice, equity, and the dignity of all human beings.

Empathy

As an ACU graduate you value human dignity and diversity. This appreciation is founded on deep reflection, and empathy. You have experience of Indigenous Knowings and perspectives and can engage respectfully when working alongside Australia's First Peoples. You can connect with people and cultures and work with community in ways that recognise the dignity of the human person and all cultures

Imagination

As an ACU graduate you utilise imagination and innovation to solve problems. You critically analyse information from a range of sources to creatively solve practical problems and use critical thinking to make decisions and advance the common good. You appreciate the role of innovation and creative thinking in developing a better future for each person and community.

Impact

As an ACU graduate you recognise your responsibility to work for social justice and a sustainable world founded on a commitment to human dignity and the common good. You lead change through respectful collaboration and effective communication of ideas to diverse peoples, groups and communities in local and global contexts. You are empowered to positively impact your profession and the community.

AQF framework

Bachelor - AQF Level 7

Exit Points

A student who has successfully completed the requirements set out for the following courses may exit from the Bachelor of Early Childhood Education (Birth to Five Years) with that qualification:

  1. Non-Award Certificate in Educational Studies
  2. Diploma in Educational Studies (Tertiary Preparation)
  3. Bachelor of Educational Studies

Graduates of this course are Early Childhood Teachers (ECT). None of these qualifications qualifies a student to teach in a Primary or Secondary school in Australia.

Additional course information

The course includes an articulation pathway for graduates of the AQF level 5, Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care, providing credit recognition and, for selected cohorts, direct admission into year two of the course

Overseas study available

Our undergraduate education students can undertake professional experience and community engagement in locations like Kiribati and Solomon Islands. Students work with communities to raise the level of student engagement and offer professional development to local teachers. This intensive professional learning for teachers increases flexibility and adaptability as an educator and provides a global perspective for a better understanding of differences within classrooms.

Entry requirements

An applicant must also comply with the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy that includes meeting a minimum ATAR requirement.

To be eligible for admission to the course, an applicant must meet any additional prerequisite requirements imposed by state jurisdictions.

International applicants need to meet the English Language Proficiency requirements as defined in the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy.

To be eligible for admission to the course, an applicant must have completed at year 12 level, or equivalent:

StatePrerequisites

New South Wales

Prerequisites: Nil

Assumed knowledge:

  • Two units of English (Any)
  • Two units of Mathematics (Any)

Queensland

Prerequisites: English (Units 3 & 4, C)

Assumed Knowledge: General Mathematics

Victoria

Prerequisites: English: Units 3 and 4 – a study score of at least 30 in English (EAL) or 25 in any other English

Recommended Studies: Mathematics: Two units of Mathematics (any)

Disclaimer: The course entry requirements above are for 2025 Admission. Refer to your relevant Tertiary Admission Centre website for future years' entry requirements.

View transparency admission information

Applicants with recent secondary education

You’ll need to meet the minimum entry requirements and subject prerequisites for your chosen course.  

If your school result was affected by circumstances outside of your control, such as financial hardship, illness, disability or a challenging home environment, you may qualify for an access scheme. You can apply through your TAC as part of your application process.  

Learn more about access schemes 

Applicants with vocational education and training (VET) study

You’ll need to meet the minimum entry requirements and subject prerequisites for your chosen course. 

For current year 12 students 

If you’re a current Year 12 applicant you can be given a selection rank separate from, and in addition to, your ATAR if you’ve completed a competency-based and graded AQF Certificate III or above. 

For non-school leavers 

If you’ve completed, or are completing a competency-based AQF Certificate IV or AQF diploma you will be assigned a selection rank by your local Tertiary Admission Centre (TAC). This is an entry score based on your individual qualifications and achievements. 

ACU has partnerships with TAFE and many private education providers. If you have completed a qualification with one of these partners or with ACU College, you may be eligible for guaranteed entry and/or credit into a related ACU degree. Please apply through your local TAC and then submit a credit application for your previous study.

Applicants with higher education study

You will need to meet the minimum entry requirements and subject prerequisites for your chosen course. 

If you have completed at least two units of AQF-recognised study at bachelor level or above, we’ll assign you with a new selection rank that reflects your study level, duration, and grade point average.

If your prior study or relevant work experience has provided you with knowledge, skills or experience aligned with the learning outcomes of units in your new course, you may be eligible to gain credit for study or have your prior learning recognised. This means you may be able to complete your ACU course in a shorter timeframe.

You can use our credit search tool to see what you might be eligible for. For more information about credit and recognition of prior learning at ACU, follow the link below.

Search our credit database

Learn more about recognition of prior learning

Applicants with work and life experience

You’ll need to meet the minimum entry requirements and subject prerequisites for your chosen course.

If you have no formal education qualifications you may be eligible for a selection rank based on your work, life or service experience.

  • If you’ve been in paid employment, relevant to the course you’re applying for, for a minimum of six months full-time (or equivalent), this work may be assessed for your selection rank.
  • If you’re 21 years or older you can sit the Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) through your local TAC.
  • You can apply for an ACU bridging course. Our bridging courses allow you to transition back into studying and can give you a head start on the relevant undergraduate degree.
  • If you have served in the defence force, your rank and time in service may contribute to your selection rank.

Find your path into study

English language requirements

International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic

Overall score: 6.5. Individual score of 6.5 in all bands.

PTE Academic 

58 with a minimum of 58 in all four communicative skills.

TOEFL 

Internet based total of 79, with a minimum of 24 in writing, 19 in reading, 20 in listening and speaking.

C1 Advanced 

A minimum score of 176 with a minimum of 176 in all tests.

ACU English Language test; or ACU EAP 

B (65-74%)

Adjustment factors

If you’re currently completing Year 12 you may be eligible for adjustment factors that can boost your rank and help you get into your desired course.

Adjustment factors may be applied to your TAC application if you study particular subjects, attend schools geographically close to our campuses or in certain regional areas, apply as an elite athlete or performer or meet certain other criteria.

Learn more about adjustment factors

Inherent requirement

There are essential components of a course or unit that demonstrate the capabilities, knowledge and skills to achieve the core learning outcomes of that course or unit. You will need to be able to meet these inherent requirements to complete your course.

Learn more about inherent requirements for your course and how they affect you

Pathways

Pathways into course for current or recent Year 12 students

If you can’t meet the ATAR requirement for your choice of course and you’re currently completing Year 12 or finished Year 12 in the two years previously, we have entry programs to get you where you want to be. 

Alternatively, you may be able to complete a diploma or bridging course relevant to your desired course: 

Understand your pathway options 

Pathways into course for applicants with previous study and/or life experience

Are you applying to ACU as a non-school leaver? 

By that we mean, you’re not currently completing Year 12 and haven’t completed it in the two years previously. If the answer is yes and your selection rank isn’t enough to meet the requirements for your desired course you still have a number of options to help you achieve your study goals. 

If you’re over 21, you can sit the Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT), or you can complete a diploma or bridging course relevant to your desired course. 

Explore the pathways to your future 

Further study

Bachelor Degree graduates may be eligible for entry into further postgraduate coursework degree programs.

Fees

Course costs

Average first year fee*

$4624 CSP

Payment options

You should be able to concentrate on getting good marks instead of worrying about how you’ll pay your fees. We have a number of options that can help you ease the financial burden, including government assistance, scholarships and income support. 

Explore your options 

Scholarships

You could be eligible for one of the hundreds of scholarships we award each year to help students from across the university with the cost of studying, accommodation or overseas study opportunities. Some of our scholarships are awarded on the basis of merit, but these aren’t just for the academically gifted; ACU also recognises excellence in community engagement and leadership. We also offer a range of scholarships for those who may be struggling financially or who have faced other barriers to accessing education.  

Search our scholarships 

How to apply

Domestic applicants

Brisbane

Apply through QTAC

QTAC code 113531

Deferment

Deferment is available for one year. Find out more about deferment: Deferment Information.

Staff Profile

Dr Debra Phillips

Campus Course Coordinator (Sydney)

Dr Debra Phillips is an Education lecturer and campus course co-ordinator (Blacktown, North Sydney) at Australian Catholic University. Her doctorate awarded in 2020, an autoethnographic analysis of suicidality, provided background for her ongoing work into teachers’ mental health. Dr Phillips’ current research and writing explores how teachers manage and negotiate workload stressors to continue teaching. Dr Phillips comes from a background of school-based teaching practice and a background of post-graduate study in education, gender studies, narrative and theology which has provides an informed position for her lectures in educational psychology, teachers’ mental health and disability education.

Dr Carmel Turner

1st Year Course Coordinator (Brisbane)

Dr Carmel Turner is an Education lecturer in literacy and literature at the Australian Catholic University. She is the Campus Course Coordinator (Brisbane) for the Bachelor of Education (primary), Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood and primary) and Bachelor of Early Childhood (B-5). Dr Turner's area of research focuses on using picture books in the classroom for literacy development, inspired from over 30 years experience teaching in primary schools.

 

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