Program Overview

Bachelor of Early Childhood Education (Birth to Five)

The Bachelor of Early Childhood Education (Birth to Five) is a professionally accredited course that prepares students for a career in early childhood education. This course is designed for individuals who are passionate about helping young minds grow and are interested in building a career in the early childhood sector.

About this Course

This course focuses on the power of learning through play and exploration, and it is designed to empower students to make a lasting impact during the pivotal years of a child's development from birth to five. With placements across a variety of early childhood education settings, students will combine theoretical knowledge with hands-on experience, while exploring the latest research, teaching strategies, and methods.

Course Requirements

The Bachelor of Early Childhood Education (Birth to Five) requires students to complete 72 credit points, including:

• Designing Learning for Diversity and Inclusion (9869)
• Philosophies and Pedagogies in Early Childhood Education (10178)
• STEM in the Early Years (10179)
• Leadership in Early Childhood Education (10180)
• Addressing Challenges in Early Childhood Education (10181)
• Foundations of Early Literacy Instruction (11763)
• Child Development (11990)
• Relationships in Early Childhood Education (11991)
• The Arts: Visual Arts and Media in the Early Years (11992)
• The National Quality Framework (11993)
• Health and Wellbeing in the Early Years (11994)
• Infant and Toddler Learning and Care (11995)
• Planning and the Early Years Learning Framework (11996)
• Partnerships in Early Childhood Education (11997)
• Enacting Indigenous Pedagogies in Australian Education (11998)
• The Agentic Child (11999)
• Play in Early Childhood (12000)
• Behaviour in Early Childhood (12001)
• Numeracy and Mathematics in Early Childhood Education (12002)
• Oral Language and Literacy in the Early Years (12003)
• The Arts: Music, Dance and Drama in the Early Years (12004)
• Early Childhood Teachers as Professionals (12005)
• Education for Sustainability in the Early Years (12006)

Admission Requirements

Admission to this course is based on an entrance rank, which can be achieved through:

• Year 12 ATAR of 60 or above
• Other Australian qualifications
• Work experience
• Overseas qualifications

Additional Admission Requirements

In addition to the entrance rank, students must also meet the following requirements:

• A pathway into this course is available for applicants who have completed an ACECQA-approved Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care.
• Credit for 8 units (24 credit points) of this course will be granted to applicants who have completed an ACECQA-accredited Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care.
• Students will be required to complete a written statement in response to questions designed to assess their suitability for the teaching profession.
• Students must obtain Working with Vulnerable People Registration (ACT) and/or a Working With Children Check (NSW), depending on the area(s) in which they will be undertaking professional experience placements.

Assumed Knowledge

There is no assumed knowledge for this course.

Periods Course is Open for New Admissions

The course is open for new admissions in the following periods:

• Year: 2026, Location: Bruce, Canberra, Teaching period: Semester 1, Teaching start date: 16 February 2026
• Year: 2026, Location: UC Sydney Hills, Castle Hill, NSW, Teaching period: Semester 1, Teaching start date: 16 February 2026
• Year: 2026, Location: Bruce, Canberra, Teaching period: Semester 2, Teaching start date: 10 August 2026
• Year: 2026, Location: UC Sydney Hills, Castle Hill, NSW, Teaching period: Semester 2, Teaching start date: 10 August 2026
• Year: 2027, Location: Bruce, Canberra, Teaching period: Semester 1, Teaching start date: 15 February 2027
• Year: 2027, Location: UC Sydney Hills, Castle Hill, NSW, Teaching period: Semester 1, Teaching start date: 15 February 2027
• Year: 2027, Location: Bruce, Canberra, Teaching period: Semester 2, Teaching start date: 09 August 2027
• Year: 2027, Location: UC Sydney Hills, Castle Hill, NSW, Teaching period: Semester 2, Teaching start date: 09 August 2027

Credit Arrangements

A credit transfer arrangement is available for this course for the following institutions:

• Canberra Institute Of Technology
• Other Australian Tafe

Prior Work and Study Recognition

The University of Canberra recognises the value of prior work and study experience. Students can unlock course credit or even get direct entry into a postgraduate degree.

Course Duration

The standard duration of this course is 3 years full-time or part-time equivalent, with a maximum of 10 years from the date of enrolment to the date of course completion.

Learning Outcomes

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

• Establish and maintain inclusive, respectful, and ethical relationships and work collaboratively with families, colleagues, allied health professionals, and children.
• Demonstrate wide knowledge of theory and practice in child development, educational policy and research, curriculum, pedagogy, and leadership.
• Develop professional practices based on broad knowledge of legislative, regulatory, and policy frameworks that address social justice, equity, diversity, and sustainability issues.
• Develop and demonstrate a growth mindset through reflection on professional practice, inclusive of emerging research.
• Communicate effectively with families, colleagues, and children in a variety of written and spoken forms.
• Critically engage with current research and innovations to evaluate early childhood programs and policy.

Placements Requirements

All students enrolled in this course are required to complete the statutory checks that exist for working in an early childhood centre setting, in any state or territory where they undertake a professional placement activity.

Awards

The official abbreviation for this award is B EC Ed (B-5).

Honours

There are no honours available for this course.

Enquiries

For further information, please contact the University Student Centre.

Similar Courses

Similar courses that may be of interest include:

• Bachelor of Primary Education (Health and Physical Education) (324JA.5)
• Bachelor of Secondary Education (Arts) (347JA.2)
• Undergraduate Certificate in Education (EDS001.2)
• Bachelor of Secondary Education (Health and Physical Education) (330JA.7)