Program Overview

Bachelor of Early Childhood Education

The Bachelor of Early Childhood Education at Victoria University Sydney is a three-year undergraduate degree that prepares students for a rewarding career in early childhood education. This program is designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to support the development and wellbeing of children from birth to five years.

Key Information

• ATAR: Not required
• Course code: EBEC
• CRICOS code: Not specified
• Duration: 3 years (6 semesters of study)
• Fees (2026): AU$16,900 per semester (scholarship available)
• Intakes: 16 February, 27 April, 27 July, 28 September

Overview

This degree program focuses on providing students with a comprehensive understanding of early childhood education, including child development, educational programs, and professional practice. Students will learn to design and implement effective teaching practices, develop techniques for involving families in the learning process, and understand the importance of social justice and Indigenous perspectives in early childhood education.

Course Structure and Units

To attain the Bachelor of Early Childhood Education, students must complete 288 credit points of core studies, including practical placements that comprise 80 days of supervised professional experience.

Year 1

• Human Development, Sustainability and Wellbeing (Unit code: EEC1112) | Credits: 12
• Creativity and the Arts in Education (Unit code: EEC1113) | Credits: 12
• Playing with Play (Unit code: ECE1001) | Credits: 12
• Professional Understandings of Quality Frameworks in Early Childhood (Unit code: ECE1002) | Credits: 12
• Educational Programs and Practice (Unit code: ECE1003) | Credits: 12
• Safe, Secure and Supportive Relationships and Environments (Unit code: ECE1004) | Credits: 12
• Reconciling Australian Humanities Education (Unit code: AEK1106) | Credits: 12
• Personal and Professional Learning (Unit code: EEC1101) | Credits: 12

Year 2

• Practice in Partnership 1 (Unit code: ECE2001) | Credits: 12
• Practice in Partnership 2 (Unit code: ECE2002) | Credits: 12
• History, Philosophy and Early Childhood Education (Unit code: ECE2003) | Credits: 12
• Engaging with Place through Rethinking Childhoods and Development (Unit code: ECE2004) | Credits: 12
• Engaging with Place through Play (Unit code: ECE2005) | Credits: 12
• Materiality in Early Childhood: Visual and Creative Arts (Unit code: ECE2006) | Credits: 12
• Moving with Young Children (Unit code: ECE2007) | Credits: 12
• Music, Movement and Dramatic Arts (Unit code: ECE2008) | Credits: 12

Year 3

• Thinking with Young Children: Language and Literacy (Unit code: ECE3001) | Credits: 12
• Advocacy in Leadership and Management in Early Childhood Education (Unit code: ECE3002) | Credits: 12
• Practice in Partnership 3 (Unit code: ECE3003) | Credits: 12
• Critical and Contemporary Issues in Early Childhood Education (Unit code: ECE3004) | Credits: 12
• Equity, Social Justice and Diversity in Early Childhood Education (Unit code: ECE3005) | Credits: 12
• Thinking with Young Children: Science, Maths and Technology (Unit code: ECE3006) | Credits: 12
• Practice in Partnership 4 (Unit code: ECE3007) | Credits: 24

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

1. Initiate teaching and learning practices that foster learner engagement in complex contexts and foreground Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander standpoints in early childhood education.
2. Critically reflect on different ways of knowing, being, and doing founded on the view of children and families as capable contributors to conceptual and pedagogical decision-making in learning and teaching.
3. Design teaching practices that reflect an ability to contextualise, question, resist, rethink, and act towards equity and the public good.
4. Exhibit a broad and coherent body of knowledge of pedagogy, curriculum and assessment in relation to the changing nature of education in a rapidly-evolving global context.
5. Critically review and articulate a range of oral and written communication techniques, including in the use of Information and Communication Technologies, to engage and connect with students, their parents/carers and the wider community.
6. Design learning opportunities that embrace a rich and varied curriculum, ensure that learning and teaching approaches are based on sound ethical principles and foster reciprocal relationships in early childhood settings.

Entry Requirements

Applicants must meet the entry criteria outlined below. English language requirements include:

• IELTS (Academic Module): Overall score 6.5 (no band less than 6.0)
• TOEFL Internet: Overall score 79 (section scores no less than: Listening 19, Speaking 19, Reading 18, Writing 22)
• Pearson Test of English (PTE): Overall score 58-64 (no section score less than 50)
• University of Cambridge - Advanced (CAE): Total score of 176 (no individual band less than 169)
• VU English - University Preparation UPU (Undergraduate): Achieved
• English Language School in Sydney (ELSIS) - EAP 2 (advanced): A grade.

Credit for Skills and Past Study

Students who have completed study with another university or institution may be eligible to receive credit for skills and past study. Applications for advanced standing can be made after a discussion with the course chair or academic adviser.

Careers

Graduates of this program can work in various roles, including public or private kindergartens, long day care centres, and early childhood centres in Australia. They will be eligible to register as a teacher with the Australian Children's Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) upon graduation.