Start date
February
July

Campus
Magill

Duration
4 year(s) full-time

Mode
On-campus/Online

Program Code
MHEC

Prerequisites
None

Assumed Knowledge
None

Fees
AUD$ 32,800 per annum (per 1.0 EFTSL) for students enrolled in 2025

English Language Requirements
  • IELTS total [7.0]
  • IELTS reading [7.0]
  • IELTS writing [7.0]
  • IELTS speaking [7.0]
  • IELTS listening [7.0]
Equivalent English qualifications (PDF)

International Admission by Country
See full entry requirements

CRICOS Code
098150J

Degree overview

  • 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

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

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).

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): 1,9
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.

Study at UniSA

Hear from Steven and Karen as they share their experiences studying Early Childhood Education at UniSA.

UniSA Video

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
Th
ere are other pathways you can follow to study this degree, including:

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

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

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

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:

  • career advice and mentoring
  • help with student visas and health cover
  • personal counselling
  • academic counselling
  • fees and finance help
  • common rooms
  • prayer rooms
  • security officers
  • accommodation services 
  • as well as services offered through our student association, USASA.

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.

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

    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.

    Alternatively you can submit an application through one of the University's registered Education Agents.

    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.

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

    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.

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

    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.

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

    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.

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