Start Date
February
July

Duration
4 year(s) full-time

Mode
On-campus/Online

Program Code
LHEC

SATAC Code
434240 (Internal)

Study as
Full-time or part-time

Prerequisites
None

Assumed Knowledge
None

Entry Scores
2025 Guaranteed Entry
Year 12 (ATAR-based): 73.00
Year 12 (Grades-based): A,B,B
TAFE/RTO: DIP
View Guaranteed Entry Info
2024 Cut-Offs
Year 12 (ATAR-based):
- Internal: 73.00
TAFE/RTO: Dip
View full entry requirements

Degree overview

  • Early childhood teachers are one of the top 20 in demand jobs in Australia1.
  • This degree is based at the Mawson Lakes campus, with the flexibility to also study at Magill or fully online (professional placements are in person).
  • 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 three settings – 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.

1Jobs and Skills Australia: Labour Market Update, February 2023

Snapshot

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 Mawson Lakes campus where the primary specialism offered is Arts. 

If you would like to study a specialism in English or Mathematics/Science, Languages or Religious Education, you will need to select the degree based at the Magill campus (Arts is also offered at Magill campus).

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.

The Australian Government is providing financial support for initial teacher education (ITE) students commencing full-time teaching degrees from 2024. You could be eligible for up to $40,000. Conditions apply. Find out more.

If you are interested in teaching children from birth to five years of age only, in preschool/kindergarten and childcare settings, you could also consider the three-year Bachelor of Early Childhood (B-5 Years).

What you'll learn

What you 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:

  • Arts
  • English
  • Languages (French, Italian, Japanese)
  • Mathematics/Science
  • Religious Education (Catholic Studies).

You can gain an extra qualification and broaden your career prospects by completing a Diploma in Languages.

Degree structure

Course name Area and cat no. Units Reference  
FIRST YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Contemporary Contexts of Early Childhood Education EDUC 1100 4.5 Note(s): 1
Foundations in Learning and Teaching 1: Learning through Play EDUC 1102 4.5 Note(s): 1
Professional Experience 1: Introduction to Educators' Practices (Birth-3 years) EDUC 1044 4.5 Note(s): 8 Rule(s): 2,3,4,5
Children's Development: Conception to 3 Years EDUC 1041 4.5 Note(s): 1
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
English Curriculum: Language EDUC 1112 4.5 Note(s): 2
Design and Technology Education EDUC 1018 4.5 Note(s): 2
Children in Families and Communities EDUC 3001 4.5 Note(s): 1
Foundations in Arts Education EDUC 2054 4.5 Note(s): 2
SECOND YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
English Curriculum: Reading EDUC 2058 4.5 Note(s): 2
Health and Physical Education EDUC 2006 4.5 Note(s): 2
Humanities and Social Sciences Education EDUC 2056 4.5 Note(s): 2
Primary Specialism 1 4.5 Note(s): 3,5,6,7
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Professional Experience 2: Curriculum and Pedagogy (Early Childhood) EDUC 2092 4.5 Note(s): 8 Rule(s): 2,3,4
Mathematics Education 1 EDUC 3073 4.5 Note(s): 2
Teaching and Learning in Aboriginal Education EDUC 2061 4.5 Note(s): 1
Foundations in Learning and Teaching 2: Creating Positive Learning Environments EDUC 2078 4.5 Note(s): 1
THIRD YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Science and Mathematics Education 2 (Birth to 5 years) EDUC 3074 4.5 Note(s): 2
Professional Experience 3: Informed Planning (Pre-school) EDUC 3081 9 Note(s): 8 Rule(s): 2,3,4
Reconceptualising Early Childhood Education EDUC 3069 4.5 Note(s): 1
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Science and Mathematics Education (Junior Primary) EDUC 2097 4.5 Note(s): 2
English Curriculum: Text Production EDUC 3062 4.5 Note(s): 2
Inclusive Education EDUC 3055 4.5 Note(s): 1
Primary Specialism 2 4.5 Note(s): 3,5,6,7
FOURTH YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1)
Honours Educational Research: Theory, Literature and Policy EDUC 4224 4.5 Note(s): 1
First Semester (Study Period 2 or 3)
Honours Research Methodology: Methods and Ethics EDUC 4239 4.5 Note(s): 1,9
English Curriculum: Programming EDUC 4247 4.5 Note(s): 2,9
Primary Specialism 3 4.5 Note(s): 3,5,6,7,9
Elective 4.5 Note(s): 4,9
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Professional Experience 4 (Honours): Inquiry into Practice EDUC 4245 13.5 Note(s): 8,9 Rule(s): 2,3,4,6

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

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)

Why this Degree

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.

UniSA offers an extensive range of career-related events and workshops online, on campus and around Adelaide to develop your skills and increase your knowledge.

Online study

Online study

Part, or all, of this degree can be studied online. With interactive online course materials and a 24/7 learning environment you can organise your study to suit your lifestyle. You can:

  • study online, including accessing videos and course resources
  • participate in an interactive online learning environment
  • submit your assignments and get feedback online
  • use discussion forums for team work and communication

Please note that for some degrees, some on-campus attendance (such as to attend seminars, workshops or examinations) and/or placements may apply. Any requirements like this are detailed on individual course pages.

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

Applying to study with us:

  • go to the top of this page and make note of the SATAC code, then click Apply
  • continue your application when you are redirected through to the SATAC website
  • address the non-academic entry requirements

-----Additional entry requirements-----

In accordance with national teacher education program standards, please note that as part of your SATAC 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 in addition to your SATAC 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:

 

International
There are other pathways you can follow to study this degree, including:

Deferment

This degree is available for deferment. This option is made available by responding to your offer during the application process via the SATAC website. Applicants who receive an offer into a midyear degree are eligible to defer for six months.

Scholarships

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.

More scholarships

Your study experience and support

Our campuses are home to fantastic facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, workshops and laboratories, as well as spaces that simulate real work environments. But you’ll also discover that your journey at UniSA is about social experiences, healthy living and getting involved. You’ll find student sports and fitness facilities, community clinics, tech zones and chill-out spaces. 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 loads 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

Student services

Our 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:

  • academic counselling
  • personal counselling
  • social support services, including family support and nearby childcare
  • common rooms
  • prayer rooms
  • security officers
  • career services and mentoring
  • Wirringka Student Services, offering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students a supportive place to study
  • as well as services offered through our student association, USASA.

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.

Student services

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.

Location 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.

Dr Bec Neill

Program Director

Enquire
Portrait image for Dr Bec Neill
Portrait image for Dr Bec Neill

Dr Bec Neill

Program Director

Enquire

Ask UniSA

  • How do I apply? minus-thick plus-thick

    The way you apply for UniSA will depend on the undergraduate or postgraduate coursework degree you're interested in studying.

    The majority of applications are made via the South Australian Tertiary Admissions Centre (SATAC). Check out more information on the SATAC website and follow the appropriate process for your degree of interest.

    There are a small number of degrees that you need to apply for through direct application processes. The process you need to follow will be listed on the 'How to Apply' section of the degree homepage, but you'll also be taken to where you need to go if you hit the 'apply' button.

    If you are interested in studying one of our 100% online degrees you'll need to apply directly to UniSA Online.

    You can find more information about the application processes for UniSA on our How to Apply webpage.

    If you're more interested in applying for a postgraduate degree by research, check out and follow the information in our step by step guide to applying

  • Is there a closing date for applications? minus-thick plus-thick

    Applications for all degrees will close ahead of study commencing, but the timelines may vary for undergraduate and postgraduate degrees.

    Undergraduate

    The deadline to apply to study a degree at UniSA for semester one (commencing late February) and be guaranteed equal consideration is generally in very late November or early December. While you may be able to apply after this date, you are not guaranteed to be considered equally with other applicants and your application may not be assessed in time for the main round of offers. More competitive degrees may not make any offers after the main offer round. Find more information on the Key Dates section of the SATAC website, but you can also call the Future Student Enquiries team for more information on 08 8302 376.

    Postgraduate

    Many postgraduate by coursework degrees do not have set closing dates. The exceptions are highly competitive degrees, so it is best to check – either on the degree homepage on the SATAC website or by checking with our Future Student Enquiries team.

    As most postgraduate applications are assessed as they are submitted and offers are continuous, there are no set closing dates for applications. Degrees can be filled and closed with little notice so it is best to apply as soon as possible to avoid missing out on a place. For more information, please contact our Future Student Enquires team on (08) 8302 2376 or submit an enquiry.

  • What credit can I receive for previous studies? minus-thick plus-thick

    You may be eligible for credit or advanced standing for your chosen UniSA degree based on your previous studies, if they are in a related area and completed within a certain timeframe. Receiving credit or RPL will reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and may also reduce the overall duration of your degree. You can read more about our pre-existing credit agreements through our online Credit Assessor. If you have related industry experience, you may also be eligible to receive recognised prior learning (RPL) for this experience. Credit and RPL is assessed by the Program Director once you've received an offer, and you apply through UniSA's current student experts, Campus Central. 

  • Can I speak to someone regarding my study options? minus-thick plus-thick

    Future Student Enquiries welcomes the opportunity to meet with you to discuss your study options at UniSA. We can discuss degree information, entry requirements and pathways, applications, general career outcomes and student life, so you have the information to make the best study decision for your future. Head to our Book an Appointment webpage to find a date and time to speak with us, and take your next steps on journey to university study.

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