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The admission criteria have been grouped to assist you to easily find the information most relevant to your circumstances. However, you may fit into more than one and the university will consider applicants against each of the relevant criteria.
Applicants are required to meet one of the following criteria with a competitive result, and demonstrate that they fulfil any prerequisite requirements and essential requirements for admission:
Recent secondary education
Meet any prerequisite requirements with a minimum grade of C- or equivalent
AND
Qualify for the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE), and achieved a competitive Selection Rank (ATAR), or
Complete secondary qualifications equivalent to SACE, or
Complete the International Baccalaureate Diploma with a minimum score of 24 points
Applicants who have not achieved the Selection Rank required for automatic selection may be selected for any remaining places based on the grades of their year 12 subjects.
OR Higher education study
Complete or partly complete a recognised higher education program at a recognised higher education institution, or
Complete at least four Open Universities Australia (OUA) courses at undergraduate level or above
OR Vocational Education and Training (VET)
Complete an award from a registered training organisation at Diploma or above
OR Work and life experience
Qualify for Special Entry, or
Complete a 12-month UniSA Foundation Studies program or equivalent, or
Hold completed secondary qualifications equivalent to SACE obtained more than 2 years in the past
Essential requirements for admission
In accordance with national teacher education program standards, applicants must also fulfil non-academic entry requirements. All applicants will be required to submit a 400-600 word Teaching Capabilities Statement with their application, about their motivation to teach, addressing the topics: 'Explain what you think teaching involves. Outline the personal and academic qualities you possess that will enable you to become an effective teacher. Describe your attitude to learning and provide an example of something you have learned that was meaningful'. Complete information on content, format and submission is available here.
Applicants are advised that a successful Working with Children Check (WWCC) with the Department of Human Services is required for all students prior to undertaking any professional experience placement that involves contact with minors (under 18 years of age). Information on the procedure to be followed for obtaining clearance will be provided with the letter of offer and may be viewed at the UniSA Education Futures Working with Children Check web page. These placements form a compulsory part of the program. A successful clearance may also be required for visits to education sites in other courses, eg to enter any school, pre-school or childcare centre for any reason, including on placement, observation, internships or visits.
Prerequisites
None
Assumed Knowledge
None
English language entry requirements
In addition to meeting academic entry requirements, international students who speak English as a second or additional language must also meet the University's English language entry requirements. The minimum language requirements for this program are:
English language test
IELTS total [7.0]
IELTS reading [7.0]
IELTS writing [7.0]
IELTS speaking [7.0]
IELTS listening [7.0]
Please access the following link for a comprehensive list of English language tests accepted by UniSA and other important information in relation to meeting the University’s language requirements:
English Language Equivalence Table (PDF)
Please note: Mid-year entry will only be available to domestic students. Due to the program structure and professional experience placements, students commencing mid-year study will complete their program in 4.5 years instead of 4 years, with the first year undertaken at maximum 0.8 FTE load. This degree is based at the Magill campus.
Early childhood teachers are one of the top 20 in demand jobs in Australia1.
Study a degree that solely focusses on the education of children from birth to eight years of age.
Graduate with increased employment options as this degree prepares you to thrive as a contemporary teacher in junior primary, preschool, and childcare.
Get hands-on experience with 110 days of field-based placements throughout your degree starting in your first six months of study.
Be supported by our dedicated professional experience office who will find and manage your placements in partnership with educational sites.
Learn with experienced early childhood teachers in collaborative learning classes.
Undertake a primary specialism in the learning area of your choice.
Study with the largest education training provider in South Australia with a history dating back to 1876.
97% of our international students feel supported with their studies2.
This degree is based at the Magill campus, with the flexibility to also study at Mawson Lakes campus or online.
1Jobs and Skills Australia: Labour Market Update, February 2023 22021 i-Graduate Survey, International Student Barometer – Study Support Indicator (97.7%).
Snapshot
This industry-relevant, four-year, professional degree is solely focused on teaching children from birth to eight years of age. The employment opportunities after graduating from this degree are diverse and you’ll be able to thrive as a contemporary teacher in three settings - junior primary, preschool, and childcare.
In South Australia qualified early childhood teachers are paid the same across pre-school and school settings.
The curriculum is practical in nature, and you will begin teaching placements during your first six months. This focus on industry experience will continue throughout your studies, and by graduation you will have completed 110 days of field-based placements.
You will also develop an in-depth understanding of the principles and concepts relating to early childhood development and learning, as well as leadership and advocacy in matters relating to early childhood.
This degree is based at the Magill campus, where the primary specialisms offered are Arts, English, Languages, Mathematics/Science and Religious Education.
At Mawson Lakes campus the primary specialism offered is Arts.
The primary specialisms available externally include Arts and English.
Please note that while your home campus may offer specific specialisms, you are able to study your specialism cross-campus.
The Bachelor of Early Childhood Education (Honours) meets the Teachers Registration Board of South Australia (the Board) requirements for the purpose of teacher registration in South Australia and the requirements of the national approach to the Accreditation of Initial Teacher Education Programs in Australia.
What you'll learn
The aim of this degree is to provide you with knowledge across a range of contexts. The learning is largely practically-based, and centres heavily on the principles and concepts relating to early childhood development and learning, as well as curriculum planning for children aged from birth to eight years of age. The four key components of the curriculum include:
primary specialism
curriculum studies
professional experience
education studies.
You will also undertake three courses in a Learning Area aligned to the Australian Curriculum. Learning Areas include:
1. Accreditation requirements mandate that pre-service teachers in a four year program undertake supervised professional experience of no less than 105 days in a formal education setting. Preservice teachers are assessed against the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership Graduate Standards and are awarded a non-graded pass (NGP). Preservice teachers in the Bachelor of Early Childhood Education (Honours) will undertake 20 days professional experience placement in a child care setting and 30 days in an a preschool setting in order to meet industry requirements as part of the minimum required 105 days.
2. Preservice teachers are required to take the four Professional Experience courses in sequence. All Professional Experience days and blocks must be taken on a continuous full-time basis regardless of whether a preservice teacher is studying in a part-time or full-time mode.
3. Preservice teachers will be required to undertake a Working with Children Check (WWCC) through the Department of Human Services (DHS). The clearance will be valid for five years. The WWCC must be completed prior to being accepted for a placement and can take up to six to eight weeks to be processed. Strict confidentiality is maintained during the DHS clearance process. If a preservice teacher fails to obtain clearance for any reason, the University cannot accept responsibility for obtaining a professional experience placement or any other professional experience activity that a preservice teacher may require to complete the course of study. If preservice teachers cannot undertake a professional experience placement or any other professional experience activity which is a compulsory part of the program, they cannot graduate with an Education Degree from UniSA.
4. Preservice teachers enrolled in programs in UniSA Education Futures and who are completing any in-school or site (ie preschools and childcare settings) observations, activities or professional experience placements, must undertake mandatory training in Responding to Abuse and Neglect prior to the commencement of the activities or placements. In South Australia child protection legislation and policy require all organisations to establish and promote child safe environments. Mandatory reporting of child abuse and neglect training is required of all individuals working with children and young people. All preservice teachers undertaking professional experience placements in South Australian government and nongovernment schools and preschools must provide documented evidence (ie a certificate) that shows they have completed all the required training from one of the providers mentioned on the following website. For more information go to the UniSA Education Futures Pre- requisites and Requirements web page.
5. Preservice teachers must complete and provide evidence of completion of Basic Emergency Life Support or Applied First Aid before commencing this course.
6. All preservice teachers must meet the required standard in the national Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education (LANTITE) to be eligible for program completion and graduation. Preservice teachers will attempt LANTITE as they progress through their program. Preservice teachers will be required to successfully achieve both the literacy and numeracy components of LANTITE as a prerequisite for enrolment in their final Professional Experience Placement course. The University will provide a range of supports for preservice teachers to help them achieve the required standard. Preservice teachers will be allowed three attempts at each test. Any preservice teacher who fails to meet the standard on three occasions in either the literacy or numeracy test will be counselled regarding options.
Notes
1. This course is part of the Education Studies component of the program which comprises 10 courses (45 units).
2. This course is part of the Curriculum Studies component of the program which comprises 11 courses (49.5 units).
3. The Primary Specialism component of the program comprises 3 x 4.5 unit courses (13.5 units) chosen from one of the Primary Specialisms listed above.
4. In 4th year, students must complete one Elective as part of their undergraduate program from the Electives list above.
5. Primary specialisms offered on-campus at Magill: Arts, English, Mathematics/ Science, Religious Education (Catholic Studies), Languages.
6. Primary specialisms offered on-campus at Mawson Lakes: Arts, Religious Education (Catholic Studies).
7. Primary specialisms offered in external mode: Arts, English, Mathematics/Science.
8. This course is part of the Professional Experience component of the program which comprises 4 courses (31.5 units).
9. This course may be used to calculate the honours grade for the program.
Study hours
For each course you study, you will need to allocate time for various classes such as lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Plus you will need additional hours to study in your own time to complete assignments, readings and projects, as well as to contribute to online discussion forums (independent study). So as a general rule, if you are studying full-time you would need to allocate 12–26 hours of study when at university and 14–28 hours of independent study per week.
Assessment
Your studies will incorporate practical, professionally focused and research-based learning, so assessment types will vary. You can expect them to include:
essays
reports
examinations
research methodologies
presentations
professional experience placements
Why Bachelor of Early Childhood Education (Honours)
This degree leads to a wide range of employment options as it prepares you to thrive as a contemporary teacher in three settings – junior primary, preschool, and childcare.
Practical in nature, you’ll start professional placements in the first six months of your studies, giving you the opportunity to experience early on what teaching in real life is like. You’ll be fully supported by UniSA’s Professional Experience office who will find and manage your placements in partnership with educational sites.
The addition of professional honours is a focused approach to learning and is attainable and achievable by all. It adds no extra time to your degree and will set you apart from competitors when applying for graduate roles. This is due to the skills you will develop in planning, problem-solving and critical thinking, and the ability to undertake practitioner inquiry.
At the end of the second year of this degree, you will be diploma qualified and able to work in early childhood settings (Birth – 5 years) and in out of hours school care (OSHC) while you complete your degree.
You’ll graduate from this degree career ready with classroom experience.
Real-world connections
Workplace learning is a major focus of this degree and throughout your studies you will complete 110 days of field-based placements. Placements take place in junior primary settings, preschools and childcare centres. This practical experience will equip you with the skills and confidence needed after graduation and will help you to build industry networks and relationships.
Hear from Steven and Karen as they share their experiences studying Early Childhood Education at UniSA.
Career outcomes
Your career
The Bachelor of Early Childhood Education (Honours) sets you up to work in three educational settings – junior primary, preschool, and childcare.
At the end of the second year of this degree, you will be diploma qualified and able to work in early childhood settings (Birth – 5 years) and in out of hours school care (OSHC) while you complete your degree.
Job prospects are strong Australia-wide with early childhood (pre – primary school) teachers listed as one of the top 20 in demand jobs in Australia1.
Careers to consider include:
junior primary teacher:develop lesson plans in line with curriculum requirements and facilitate learning for children aged five to eight years.
preschool teacher: educate and care for children aged three to five years. Responsible for a child’s first education experience, this role often encompasses introducing basic skills, including letters, numbers, social science, and behavioural skills.
childcare teacher:encourage the healthy intellectual and psychological growth of children aged from birth to four years of age.
Graduates go on to work in a variety of settings including:
primary schools
preschools
childcare centres
crèches
paediatric hospital wards
women’s shelters
parent drop-in centres
community outreach and recreation centres
in-home childcare
This degree also offers a range of diverse employment options beyond teaching-specific roles. You may choose to work for a variety of employers including:
business associations
the Department for Education
Catholic Education South Australia (CESA)
the Association of Independent Schools of South Australia (AISSA)
private and community-based childcare providers
The Bachelor of Early Childhood Education (Honours) meets the Teachers Registration Board of South Australia (the Board) qualification requirements for the purpose of teacher registration in South Australia and the requirements of the national approach to the Accreditation of Initial Teacher Education Programs in Australia.
1Jobs and Skills Australia: Labour Market Update, February 2023
Professional accreditation and recognition
Successful completion of this program provides a recognised academic qualification which will enable graduates to apply for teacher registration in South Australia, interstate and some overseas countries. Applicants should note there are other criteria determining eligibility for registration by the Teachers Registration Board of South Australia and other registration and regulatory authorities. Applicants are advised to check registration requirements as they are subject to change.
This program has been approved by the Australian Children's Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) as an Early Childhood Teaching Qualification for the purposes of the Education and Care Services National Law.
How to apply
How to apply for international students will give you helpful information about the application process at the University of South Australia. When you are ready, apply through our International Application System. If you would like to talk to someone near you about studying at the University of South Australia, we have agents all over the world who can assist you. Find an Education Agent in your country.
-----Additional entry requirements-----
In accordance with national teacher education program standards, please note that as part of your application, you are also required to meet non-academic entry requirements.
All applicants who wish to commence study in our Education degrees are required to submit a 400-600 word Teaching Capabilities Statement with their application. This supports the national priority to ensure those entering the teaching profession have the personal qualities to best support learners and graduate as classroom ready, high quality teachers.
The Teaching Capabilities Statement complies with the national Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL) initial teacher education program standard of academic and non-academic entry requirements. Further information can be found on the Entry Requirements page.
Alternative Pathways
Australian
There are other pathways you can follow to study this degree, including:
Every year, over 2,500 UniSA students are supported in their studies through scholarships and grants worth millions of dollars. Check out the scholarships below. One of them may be perfect for you. Visit our scholarships page for more.
As a UniSA student, you will have unique access to work placement opportunities, overseas study tours and exchanges, networking events, internships, guest speakers and more.
Our campuses are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, workshops and laboratories, as well as spaces that simulate real work environments. These are all supported by the latest technologies and a 24/7 online learning platform. We have health services on campus, gymnasiums, technology zones and great student lounges. You will also gain access to a range of community clinics, which provide professional and cost effective services in areas of health, business, law and psychology. There are campus sport activities to keep you active, and if you are keen to explore the social side of university life, there are movies, cooking demonstrations, parties and lots more.
Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit different requirements and budgets. Options include dedicated student accommodation and private rentals. See our long-term accommodation pages, or explore our student accommodation by Scape on Bank Street in Adelaide’s lively cultural precinct, an ideal location for students. It is within easy reach of UniSA’s city and metropolitan campuses, Rundle Mall shopping, the Central Market, Chinatown, and the West End’s vibrant nightlife. It is also across the road from the Adelaide train station, and on bus and tram routes.
Student services
Our international student services provide you with all the support you need at university. We want you to succeed, and if you need help, we're here to assist. You can access a full range of support services, including:
We also offer study support from our Learning Advisers face-to-face or online. They are here to help you develop academically and professionally during your studies, and can offer help with the English language too. When you become a UniSA student, you can also contact Campus Central for help with anything related to your degree. They will help you with your enrolment, ID cards, fees, timetables and more.
24/7 digital environment
Our learnonline facilities include a personal learning environment with virtual classrooms, lecture recordings, emails, learning support, administration, library access and results. The environment is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so you can tailor your learning to your life. We are continually investing in innovative digital technologies for a high-quality student learning experience.
Your campus
We have six campuses in metropolitan and regional areas, each with modern facilities including lecture theatres, libraries and laboratories, as well as spaces that simulate real work environments.
This degree is delivered at the following campus.
Your program director
I am passionate about supporting our pre-service teachers to be successful teachers by focusing on sound pedagogical practices, which include how to generate inquiry based questions.
There are a number of ways to apply to study UniSA's undergraduate and postgraduate coursework degrees.
You can access our online International Application System through our How to Apply page. The International Application System is an easy and secure online application and acceptance process. You will have visibility of your application through the secure online portal with the ability to download offer documents, submit your acceptance and make a payment.
If you are completing an Australian year 12 qualification in Australia or overseas, or the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme in Australia, you must apply through SATAC http://www.satac.edu.au/.
If you are applying for the UniSA Study Abroad or Study Abroad Plus program, you can submit your application online here.
Postgraduate study by research For information on applying to do postgraduate study by research, including Masters by Research, PhDs or Doctorates, please visit http://unisa.edu.au/resdegrees.
There is no closing date for submitting your application however the admissions process takes between one and three weeks from the date that we receive your application and all required supporting documentation.
If you are completing an Australian year 12 qualification in Australia or overseas, or the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme in Australia, you must apply through SATAC. Key dates for applications can be found here.
You may be eligible to receive credit or advanced standing for your chosen UniSA degree based on your previous studies, if they are in a related area at an equivalent or higher level. Receiving credit will reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and may also reduce the overall duration of your degree.
The amount of credit you may be eligible to receive is assessed on a case-by-case basis by the Admissions team.
The best way to determine your eligibility to receive credit or advanced standing is to apply using our International Application System which can be found on our How to Apply page. You will need to supply detailed syllabus documents with your application.
UniSA welcomes the opportunity to speak with you regarding your study options. Our staff are able to talk to you about degree information, career outcomes and pathways, entry requirements, applications, and student life, so that you are able to make the best study decision for your future.
Click here to book a 1:1 appointment with one of our enquiries team.
We also have many events throughout the year in Australia and overseas where you can speak with UniSA representatives about your area of interest. View our calendar of events in your home country by selecting the 'International' filter.
Fees This is based on the total number of units for this program where one EFTSL is expressed as 36 units.
*UniSA accepts applications for programs commencing beyond the year advertised and tuition fees for these years will be higher. Please note that your tuition fees will be subject to an annual increase.
