Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Education and Care)

Early childhood teachers are in higher demand than ever. Whether you are looking to take your first step into this rewarding sector, or you are an experienced early childhood educator looking to become a four-year qualified teacher, UNE's Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Education and Care) is for you.*

We understand that many of our students are in remote or regional areas, which makes finding professional experience placements a challenge. UNE supports students throughout the placement process from start to finish, and for those working in the industry already, most of the placements in this course can be completed in the early learning service where you work, as long as your service caters for babies and meets the National Quality Standard.

Why study the Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Education and Care) with UNE?
This course is designed to meet the growing need for qualified early childhood teachers who share a genuine interest in being an agent for children's development. Accredited by the Australian Children's Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA), UNE's Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Education and Care) is uniquely designed to future proof your career with organisational leadership, contemporary pedagogies and interpersonal skills that are highly valued in a variety of careers.

You can study this course with no prior Early Childhood Education (ECE) qualifications or experience (subject to meeting admission requirements). Alternatively, if you have prior ECE qualification/s and relevant professional experience, you may be able to reduce the length and cost of your study by entering at 3rd year or 4th year level, receiving Advanced Standing for the first 2 or 3 years.

What makes our course different?
One of the standout features of this course is its flexibility. We've broken units in this course into clusters, allowing you to pace your study in "bite-sized" amounts. Each cluster is made up of two introductory modules and one unit. Introductory modules are half the study load of a unit. Review our admission rules and see below to learn more about what your study with us will look like.

Rule A students

• Receive credit for the first two years of study and start directly in third year.
• Complete 80 days of professional experience (practicum).†
• Choose to complete a range of modules before studying the units, or enrol in two modules in one trimester and the associated unit in the next trimester, subject to some requirements.

Rule B students

• Receive credit for the first three years of study and start directly in fourth year.
• Complete 45 days of professional experience (practicum).†
• Skip the modules, and complete most units in the order of your choice, subject to some requirements.

Rule C students

• In the first 2 years of your course, complete foundational units, literacy and numeracy units and 4 elective units.
• In the final 2 years of your course, complete 80 days of professional experience (practicum)† and your clusters.
• Choose to complete a range of modules before studying the units, or enrol in two modules in one trimester and the associated unit in the next trimester, subject to some requirements.

Our goal is to help you structure and study your course in a way that works best for you — and we are here to help. With our flexible structure, you can study whenever and wherever you want, part-time or full-time.

By the end of the course, you will not only further understand the way children learn and develop from birth to five years, but you will also be able to plan and implement enriching, challenging, and stimulating learning experiences. Furthermore, this degree teaches you how to become an effective leader, implement policies and procedures, and become part of a management team.

* Prospective students from states other than NSW should seek advice from their state and territory accrediting bodies as to requirements for registration as an Early Childhood Teacher in that state or territory. The Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Education and Care) is not recognised for teaching in public primary schools.

† Placement notes:

• All Professional Experience must be completed in ACECQA-approved centre-based settings that meets the National Quality Standard.
• Most professional experience placements in the course can be completed in the early learning service where you work.
• There are also a small number of field experience days tied to assignments to create a richer experience linking theory to practice.
  

Please note: commencement in Trimester 3 is only available if you are admitted under Rules A or C.

Study online
Most of our students choose to study online across three study periods with 24/7 tutor support* and fit study around work and family commitments. Uniquely, our online students are mostly over 30 and bring valuable experience with them. They form a community of adults juggling the same challenges and priorities and who bring their life and work experience together at UNE in order to become future-fit and better respond to a rapidly changing world.

Study on campus
Many of our students choose to take advantage of the on-campus lifestyle in Armidale, in the beautiful New England region, with access to unparalleled support, accommodation and sporting facilities. These students are often starting their first degree and have left school recently. Through access to academic and career support they get a fantastic start to their careers.

* 24/7 tutor support includes: essay feedback (within 24 hours); live chat 24/7 for generic feedback on academic writing; and subject-specific help at a foundation or first-year level for subjects including mathematics, chemistry, biology, physics, business, accounting, microeconomics, macroeconomics and statistics. There are also a wide range of workshops, resources and courses available in academic skills support to assist you and help you to succeed.