Program Overview

Studying Early Childhood Education

Answers to all your frequently asked questions

Who should study early childhood education?

Those who love young children, want to make a difference in their lives, and understand how important early childhood is in a person’s development. There’s a lot of responsibility that comes with working with children at such a young age, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. You quite literally watch a person grow before your eyes. And you can make a positive contribution to this growth.

It has been said, “the goal of early childhood education should be to activate the child's own natural desire to learn.” If you’re a natural communicator, love to problem solve, and are passionate about helping people grow, the Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood) is for you.

What age group does "early childhood" cover?

From birth to five years in early childhood education settings. This degree qualifies you to work in preschools; it does not qualify you to work in primary schools (you’d have to complete a Bachelor of Education (Primary) to do that).

What will I learn?

You’ll learn fundamental education theories as well as specialist early childhood teaching techniques. The four-year degree will ground you in education theory and look at things like play and health/well-being in early childhood, as well as areas like language and communication, creativity, and technology as they relate to early developmental stages.

You can also take subjects based on building relationships with families, education policy, social justice advocacy, and professional experience (internships and placements). Finally, you also have the option to take elective subjects outside of education as offered by the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, the Faculty of Science, and the University of Sydney Business School.

How hands-on is this degree?

Very. By the time you graduate, you’ll have completed over 90 days of real-world teaching, working in up to four different early childhood settings via our placement program. The majority of these experiences will happen in your final year; you’ll be competent – and confident - enough to teach in an early learning centre using your professional judgement and independence.

What can I study?

• Undergraduate
  • Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood)
• Postgraduate
  • Master of Teaching (Early Childhood)