Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Studies)
Course code Y42
This nationally accredited course is designed to graduate early childhood educators who are competent teachers ready to work in schools and a range of early childhood settings.
A key feature of this course is connecting theory with practice. Graduates will have the knowledge and be able to develop early childhood educational programs for children from birth to 8 years of age.
Partnerships with over 1,000 schools and early childhood settings allow pre-service teachers to gain experience in diverse settings, including public, private, metropolitan, regional and remote contexts working with children, families and communities.
In addition, a distinguishing feature of this course is that pre-service teachers have the opportunity in the fourth year of their course to specialise and broaden their knowledge and skills in an area of interest. Units are also available in the degree that enables pre-service teachers to complete accreditation requirements to teach in Catholic schools.
Final year pre-service teachers can apply for a place in the internship program in either a school or early learning setting.
Entry requirements
70 Indicative ATAR
ECU admission and English language requirements apply.
See Course Entry for further information.
Course code
Y42
Fees
Commonwealth supported - estimated 1st year indicative fee AUD $6,700
See Fees and Scholarships for further information.
Availability & Campus
| JO | ML | BU | OL | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-time | ||||
| Part-time |
See Course Details for further information.
Entry requirements
ECU admission and English language requirements apply.
See Course Entry for further information.
Course code
Y42
CRICOS code
074168G
Fees
International onshore - estimated 1st year indicative fee AUD $30,750
See Fees and Scholarships for further information.
Availability & Campus
| JO | ML | BU | OL | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-time | ||||
| Part-time |
See Course Details for further information.
Course Entry
Admission requirements you'll need to meet for this course.
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The following course-specific admission requirements are mandatory and must be satisfied by all applicants. These requirements are in addition to or supersede the minimum requirements outlined within the Academic admission requirements band section below.
All applicants are required to satisfy non-academic criteria, in addition to satisfying academic entry criteria. Applicants' non-academic capabilities will be assessed based on completion of a Non-Academic Requirements for Teacher Entry (NARTE) online questionnaire.
All applicants must meet the academic admission requirements for this course. The indicative or guaranteed ATAR is as published (where applicable) or academic admission requirements may be satisfied through completion of one of the following:
- AQF Cert IV;
- Successfully completed 0.25 EFTSL of study at bachelor level or higher at an Australian higher education provider (or equivalent);
- Special Tertiary Admissions Test;*
- University Preparation Course;*
- Indigenous University Orientation Course;*
- Aboriginal Student Intake Test; or*
- Experience Based Entry Scheme.*
* Further information can be found on the Study course entry page.
For international students, requirements include your secondary school results.
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International students must attain an Academic IELTS with an average level of 7.5 or more, across the four components of listening, speaking, reading and writing; no score below level 7.0 in any of these components; and, a score of 8.0 or more in the components of speaking and listening. Internationally schooled applicants may also be required to meet this requirement.
Minimum English standard requirements for this course may also be satisfied with one of the following:
- Year 12 English ATAR/English Literature ATAR grade C or better or equivalent;
- Special Tertiary Admissions Test;*
- Successfully completed 1.0 EFTSL of study at bachelor level or higher in the UK, Ireland, USA, NZ or Canada;
- University Preparation Course;
- Indigenous University Orientation Course;*
- Aboriginal Student Intake Test;*
- AQF Diploma, Advanced Diploma or Associate Degree; or
- Successfully completed 0.375 EFTSL of study at bachelor level or higher at an Australian higher education provider (or equivalent).
Alternative qualifications and English tests will be considered on an individual basis.
Note:
If secondary education and degree studies were completed within a period of 2 years before applying for registration in Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, the UK or the USA, applicants do not need to provide proof of English competency.Applicants who have completed their secondary education in South Africa in English and have an undergraduate degree taught in English from a South African University are deemed to have met English language requirements.
Applicants from the Seychelles:
Successful completion of the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) grade C or above, PLUS a completed 4 year National Diploma.
Course Details
Choose student typeSemester availability
Semester 1: Study full-time at Joondalup, Mount Lawley, South West or Online
Semester 1: Study part-time at Joondalup, Mount Lawley, South West or Online
Semester 2: Study part-time at Joondalup, Mount Lawley, South West or Online
Semester availability
Semester 1: Study full-time at Joondalup, Mount Lawley
Course Structure
Students must complete the above two units LIT1200 (Personal Literacy) and NUM1200 (Personal Numeracy) to satisfy the requirements of the Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education Students (LANTITE). All students who enrol in an accredited pre-service teacher education course (undergraduate and graduate) from 1 January 2017 will have to successfully complete tests about their personal levels of literacy and numeracy to graduate. Students who enrol in the Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Studies) will need to complete successfully both components of the personal Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education Students (LANTITE) to enrol beyond 240 credit points within their course.
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|
| AED1240 | Drama Arts in Early Childhood Education | 15 |
| ECS1240 | Becoming an Early Childhood Educator | 15 |
| ECS1250 | Learning and Learners | 15 |
| LAN1009 | Communication Skills for Teaching and Learning | 15 |
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|
| ECS1265 | Young Children's Learning and Development | 15 |
| LAN1265 | English 1: Oral Communication | 15 |
| ECS1245 | Play and Pedagogy | 15 |
| IPP1260 | Inquiry in Professional Practice (Child Care) | 15 |
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|
| ECM2260 | Early Childhood Mathematics 1 | 15 |
| ECS2240 | Guiding Children's Behaviour in Positive Learning Environments | 15 |
| MUE2240 | Music Arts in Early Childhood Education | 15 |
| SCE2240 | Early Childhood Science and Technology Education | 15 |
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|
| ECS3260 | Assessing and Evaluating Young Children's Learning | 15 |
| HPE2260 | Health and Physical Education for Young Children | 15 |
| LAN2266 | English 2: Literacy Learning in the Early Years | 15 |
| IPP2260 | Inquiry in Professional Practice (K/PP) | 15 |
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|
| AED3245 | Visual Arts in Early Childhood Education | 15 |
| EDS3240 | Including Children with Special Educational Needs | 15 |
| LAN3246 | English 3: Literacy in the Junior Primary Years of School | 15 |
| SSE3260 | Social Science Education in Early Childhood | 15 |
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|
| ECM3260 | Early Childhood Mathematics 2 | 15 |
| EDF3201 | Teaching Indigenous Australian Students | 15 |
| LAN3260 | English 4: Planning and Differentiating the English Curriculum in Early Childhood | 15 |
| IPP3260 | Inquiry in Professional Practice 3: Junior Primary | 15 |
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|
| IPP4350 | ||
| TPA4100 | ||
| Unit from Specialisation | x 1 | 15 |
| OR | ||
| Elective Unit | x 1 | 15 |
Year 4 - Semester 2
Students are required to select one of the following four options:
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|
| ECS4330 | Leading in Early Childhood Settings | 15 |
| Unit from Specialisation | x 3 | 45 |
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|
| Students may wish to diversify their elective choices and develop a broad body of knowledge relevant to early childhood education. If this option is preferred, students must complete ECS4330 and ECS4261 as well as any two (2) units from any of the five areas of specialization, or from the additional electives listed below. If students select this option, no specialisation will be recorded on the academic transcript. | ||
| LAN4228 | Literacy Coaching in Junior Primary | 15 |
| LIT4260 | Children's Literature in the Classroom | 15 |
| SCE4270 | Teaching Integrated Science in Junior Primary Years | 15 |
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|
| EDU4226 | School-based Project | 60 |
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|
| EDU4227 | Internship | 60 |
Y42|8
For more detailed unit information for this course take a look at our Handbook. To organise your life for next semester visit the Semester timetable.
Student handbookCourse notes
Important course notes
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Students have the opportunity to complete a fast-tracked final year and achieve eligibility for employment in schools from Term 4 during the same year.
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In each year of the program, students undertake compulsory Professional Practice and in the final year, students undertake an Assistant Teacher Program (ATP) comprising of one term of approximately 10 weeks of continuous teaching practice. The Assistant Teacher Program is conducted during the final year of the course in the second term of the school year.
Attendance requirements
All Professional Practices are undertaken on a full-time basis and teaching students are required to give a full-time commitment to the school during the scheduled Professional Practice periods.
Clearances and/or Risk Management Protocols Required
To undertake a Professional Practice in a school or childcare setting, all pre-service teacher education students over the age of 18 must have supplied ECU with evidence of the following two clearances:
A valid Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check (NCCHC) from the Department of Education WA.
A valid Working with Children Check (WWCC) from the Department for Child Protection and Family Support WA.
Further information can be found at http://www.ecu.edu.au/schools/education/professional-practice/clearancesProfessional practice rules
Students on practicum must conduct themselves according to the standards in the Student Charter for ECU and the guidelines for Professional Practice.
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Students will need to graduate to be eligible to register with the Teacher Registration Board of Western Australia (TRBWA). Registration with the Teacher Registration Board of Western Australia (TRBWA) is required to practice in the profession.
Graduates must meet the Teacher Registration Board of WA (TRBWA) literacy and numeracy proficiency requirements prior to graduation for teacher registration in Western Australia. Further information is available at http://www.trb.wa.gov.au
Course Learning Outcomes
- Apply broad discipline knowledge to a range of theoretical and practical early childhood situations.
- Communicate early childhood knowledge and values in professional and public contexts.
- Demonstrate a global outlook with respect for cultural diversity, including Indigenous cultural competence.
- Demonstrate autonomy, accountability and judgement for own learning and professional practice.
- Think creatively to anticipate challenges and generate discipline specific solutions/responses.
- Think critically to analyse, interpret and conceptualise complex early childhood problems.
- Use digital technologies and literacies to access, evaluate and synthesise relevant information from multiple sources.
- Work collaboratively and demonstrate initiative to implement social, sustainable, and ethical values.
Professional Recognition
Accredited by: Australian Children's Education & Care Quality Authority (ACECQA)
Accredited by: Teacher Registration Board of Western Australia (TRBWA)
Fees and Scholarships
Choose student typeAUD $6,700 *
* Commonwealth supported - estimated 1st year indicative fee
The 'Estimated 1st year indicative fee' is provided as a guide only, based on a typical enrolment of students undertaking the first year of this course. At ECU, you pay for the individual units you enrol in, not an overall course fee, so the total cost of your course will vary, depending on what units you choose. An indicative fee will be provided with your course offer, however you can use our Course Fee Calculator to estimate the amount you’ll need to pay. ECU fees are adjusted annually.
AUD $30,750 *
* International onshore - estimated 1st year indicative fee
The 'Estimated 1st year indicative fee' is provided as a guide only, based on a typical enrolment of students undertaking the first year of this course. At ECU, you pay for the individual units you enrol in, not an overall course fee, so the total cost of your course will vary, depending on what units you choose. An indicative fee will be provided with your course offer, however you can use our Course Fee Calculator to estimate the amount you’ll need to pay. ECU fees are adjusted annually.
Scholarships
ECU has a scholarship program that provides many opportunities each year to students undertaking studies here.
Find a scholarshipCareer Opportunities
This course creates quality graduates ready to take up employment across the early childhood education sector, including teaching children from birth to 8 years of age.
Possible future job titles
Kindergarten, Pre-Primary or Junior Primary Teacher, Child Care Professional, Pedagogical Leader, Centre Director
Courses you can consider if you are interested in progressing further in this area.
Student
stories
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"I was given the opportunity to work with the best professionals in the teaching field"
Elana NicholsonEarly Childhood Education graduate I chose ECU because they have the best reputation for teacher education. My time at ECU has been life changing. I was given the opportunity to work with the best professionals in my field, with years of international experience. These professionals will go the extra mile to assist you – and make a real difference to your education.
My prac was spent in Perth metropolitan schools, learning how schools and our communities work together to benefit all. I have observed, organised and taught. This first-hand experience has been vital for my development as an Early Childhood teacher and will no doubt benefit me throughout my career.
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"ECU’s School of Education has friendly and knowledgeable lecturers with industry experience"
Sally StrangECU Early Childhood Education student I have always been passionate about teaching but never considered studying at university as my family still needed me at home. I had already heard that ECU was an excellent university for Education courses, but seeing ECU students on practicum placement at my children’s school and the fact that my children are now old enough to walk to and from school is what influenced me to pursue full time study.
ECU’s School of Education has friendly and knowledgeable lecturers with industry experience which really adds credibility to the content I am being taught. I am learning so much about how to be a good educator while establishing strong professional relationships with lecturers and tutors.
I am loving the campus experience and making a lot of new friends, and I am really grateful for the annual practicum placement opportunities that ECU offers. It gives me an accurate look into a classroom through the educator’s eyes. I can’t wait to begin my career in teaching.
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"Lecturers have first-hand experience"
Helen HudsonBachelor of Education (Early Childhood Studies) student I chose ECU because of the introduction of the Early Childhood degree to Joondalup Campus in 2012 – this was exactly what I wanted to study.
I have enjoyed the personal relationships I have built with the lecturers at ECU. They have been very approachable for guidance and the most pleasing part is that the lecturers have first-hand experience in early childhood settings.
The benefit of studying at ECU is that first year students can undertake practicums that give real insight into education and working with children.
Quick guide to uni-speak
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ATAR is the Australian Tertiary Admission Rank, the primary criterion for entry into most undergraduate university courses in Australia. The ATAR is a percentile score which denotes a student's ranking relative to their state-wide peers upon completion of their secondary education.
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CRICOS is the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students. A CRICOS code is allocated to education institutions (like ECU) who are approved to recruit, enrol and deliver education to overseas students. Courses with a CRICOS code are available to international students who meet the entry requirements.
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A major, or unit set, is your chosen area of in-depth study in an undergraduate course. It usually involves 8 units of study, or one-third of the units in a 3-year degree. Talk to your Student Information Office if you need help choosing a major subject.
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Minors include between 4 and 6 study units in a specific discipline. Not all courses require you to complete a minor. Your minor subject doesn't appear on your printed degree (parchment), but is part of your academic transcript.
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If you're enrolled in 3 or more units in a semester this is considered full-time study. To complete most 3-year degrees studying full-time you'll need to complete 4 units per semester, i.e. 24 units over 3 years.
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If a course is available to study part-time you can generally expect it to take twice as long to complete as it would in full-time mode. Part-time students are enrolled in 1 or 2 units maximum per semester.
Note: International students who hold a student visa can only choose the full-time study option for our courses. This is to ensure the course is completed within the duration of the student visa.
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Most courses start in Semester 1 each year, usually in the last week of February. Some courses can be started in Semester 2 (we call this mid-year). There's a week of Orientation before each semester to help you get used to uni life.
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A lot of our courses start in Semester 2 each year, usually in the last week of July. We call this mid-year. There's a week of Orientation beforehand to help you get used to uni life.
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We use a points system to make it easier for you to understand your study progress. Most Bachelors degree study units are allocated 15 credit points. If you're studying a 3-year full-time degree you'll need to successfully complete 360 credit points – that's 24 units x 15 points per unit.
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These are compulsory units you have to successfully complete as part of your course.
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An elective is a unit you choose to study that counts towards your course requirements, but isn't compulsory. For some courses we recommend elective units. In some situations, a course coordinator may approve an elective unit as a replacement for a compulsory one.
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