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Course snapshot
Domestic snapshot
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Start Date
March, July
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Duration
3 years full-time; 6 years part-time
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Location
Gold Coast, Online
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Placement
Yes Learn more
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ATAR
60
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Inherent Requirements
Yes Learn more
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Language Requirements
IELTS Overall Score 6.5
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Entry Requirements
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Course abbreviation
BECE
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Course code
3007003
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Credit points
288
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Equivalent units
24
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Scholarships
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Indicative fee
Please note, some locations may not have all intake periods available. See the full availability details for further information.
International snapshot
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Start Date
February, June
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Duration
3 years full-time
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Location
Gold Coast
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Placement
Yes Learn more
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ATAR
60
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Inherent Requirements
Yes Learn more
-
Language Requirements
IELTS Overall Score 6.5
-
Entry Requirements
-
Course abbreviation
BECE
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Course code
3007003
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Credit points
288
-
Equivalent units
24
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Scholarships
-
Indicative fee
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CRICOS
Please note, some locations may not have all intake periods available. See the full availability details for further information.
Overview
There is a very high demand for qualified early childhood educators in early childhood education centres and preschools.
This three-year degree (or 2.5 years fast tracked*) is an ACECQA-approved early childhood teacher qualification for early childhood settings with children from birth to five years. [Please check specific requirements in your state or territory for early childhood teachers.]
Our cutting-edge course draws on the Faculty of Education’s leading research in early childhood education and development.
Core units cover early childhood principles and practices, child development theory and application, supporting children’s learning and pedagogical approaches for early childhood education. You will also investigate contemporary issues in early childhood education, leadership and management, the arts, and health and wellbeing in the early childhood environment.
You’ll complete 85 days of professional teaching experiences in early childhood education settings as well as 10 days in a primary school setting (total 680 hours), enabling you to apply your theoretical knowledge in real world educational settings.
Full-time enrolment may require study in some years across the six study terms, from January to December.
*depending on course and specialisation pathway and term commencement.
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“I feel fortunate to be their teacher. They are at an age when their personalities are really emerging. They have such humour and curiosity. You can have a joke with them, yet at the same time they are serious about wanting to learn. They are respectful too. We respect each other.”
The Southern Cross Model is a game-changer in higher education study.
Our students now engage in shorter, six-week unit structures designed around immersive and interactive learning experiences. The shorter unit structure gives students a greater sense of momentum as they achieve milestones quickly, resulting in increased student success rates, and course and teacher satisfaction. Lectures are a thing of the past - students will be engaged in active, interactive and discussion-based learning.
On-campus students experience a variety of teaching approaches including lectures, tutorials, online activities and video-linked or podcast virtual classes.
Our online study option is highly interactive and may include a combination of podcast or video-linked lectures, electronic study materials, workshops, online discussion forums and virtual classes.
The method of teaching and assessment may vary from unit to unit.
Course Learning Outcomes express learning achievement in terms of what a student should know, understand and be able to do on completion of a course. These outcomes are aligned with the graduate attributes (GA).
| Course Learning Outcome |
|---|
GA1: Intellectual rigour Demonstrate analytical and critical skills to transform and disrupt thinking in early childhood educational based practice. Demonstrate an understanding of diverse ways of knowing and learning in early childhood education settings to inform connected and compassionate ways of teaching. |
GA2: Creativity Demonstrate an ability to identify and solve problems with intellectual independence. Demonstrate an ability to develop innovative and creative responses to local and global challenges in early childhood education settings. |
GA3: Ethical practice Demonstrate a knowledge of social justice and ethical principles in early childhood education settings. Demonstrate an understanding of and commitment to legislative requirements and codes of conduct relevant to the early childhood education profession. |
GA4: Knowledge of a discipline Demonstrate broad and coherent knowledge and understanding of the early years curriculum framework and National Quality Standards. Demonstrate an evidence based understanding and knowledge of the pedagogy for effective early childhood educational practice. |
GA5: Lifelong learning Demonstrate the capacity for self-reflective learning and critical thinking with responsibility and accountability in professional practice. Demonstrate a commitment to personal and professional development through self-directed learning and reflective practice. |
GA6: Communication and social skills Communicate clearly, coherently and independently with exposition of knowledge and ideas in both oral and written forms. Demonstrate teamwork and leadership skills in early childhood education settings. |
GA7: Cultural competence Apply and integrate an understanding of social, indigenous and cultural diversity, and respect for the identity of all persons. Demonstrate proactive and inclusive strategies for diverse groups in early childhood education settings Demonstrate a broad knowledge and understanding of the impacts of culture, cultural identity and linguistic background on the education of the students from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander backgrounds. |
This course includes 85 days of professional experience learning in early childhood education settings, as well as 10 days in primary schools (a total of 680 hours). As detailed in the Faculty of Education Professional Experience Requirements, prerequisites regarding national and state-based regulatory requirements must be met prior to commencing professional experience placements. All professional experience learning days must be completed for graduation, with professional behaviour and conduct upheld at all times.
Core content areas cover:
- Literacy, language and pedagogical approaches
- Issues in contemporary education
- Leadership and management
- Health and wellbeing in the early childhood environment.
| Location | Teaching period |
|---|---|
| Gold Coast | Term 1, Term 3 |
| Online | Term 1, Term 3 |
| Location | Teaching period | Annual Fees | CRICOS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gold Coast | Term 1, Term 3 | $30,832 ($3,854 per unit) | 110055C |
Tuition fees are in Australian dollars, and are subject to change, including annual increases over the duration of a course. Annual tuition fee is based on completing 8 units per year. In addition students are required to pay OSHC for the duration of their visa in advance. Non-tuition fee covers textbooks, stationery and excursions. | |||
Career Outcomes
Graduates will be trained Early Childhood teachers with a three-year qualification. Good career prospects exist in childcare centres, preschools and other early childhood services. You will be qualified to work with children aged six-weeks-old to six-years-old, also termed ‘birth to five years’ in early childhood settings.
The Bachelor of Early Childhood Education is accredited by the Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority.
Assessment of early childhood teachers differs for each state and territory in Australia. Check with your state-based accreditation authorities regarding status as an early childhood teacher.
Requirements
We encourage you to apply for the courses you most want to study. If you are not eligible to enter your chosen course right now, our team will work with you to find the best pathway option.
Before applying, make sure you double check all entry requirements, gather required documentation and review the University’s Rules Relating to Awards, noting any specifics listed below.
Entry requirements
To meet the minimum English language requirement, an applicant must satisfy one of the following criteria:
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have completed senior secondary study equivalent of Australian Year 12 or have completed at least one year of full-time study (or equivalent part-time study) at AQF diploma equivalent or higher where:
- the country where those studies were undertaken is listed in Rules Relating to Awards – Rule 2, Section 2 – English Language Proficiency Requirements and
- the language of instruction was English; or
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achieved a minimum test score within two (2) years of the date of application for admission, equal to or above the minimum listed below:
- International English Language Test System (IELTS). The applicant must have a minimum overall score of 6.5, including a minimum result of 6.5 in speaking and listening, reading and writing; or
- International Second Language Proficiency Rating (ISLPR). The applicant must have a score of at least 4+ in each of the four areas: speaking, listening, reading and writing.
- successfully completed SCU's Preparing for Success Program, Transition to Uni Program, or English Language Program.
Language requirements
English language requirements apply to International applicants and other applicants whose previous study was undertaken in a language other than English. The minimum English language requirements for such applicants for entry to this course are as follows
| Category | Score |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 6.5 |
| Reading | 6.5 |
| Writing | 6.5 |
| Listening | 6.5 |
| Speaking | 6.5 |
Course requirements
To be eligible to receive the Bachelor of Early Childhood Education, students must complete the equivalent of 28 units (288 credit points), comprising:
- 24 core units (288 credit points)
- 4 Professional Experience units (0 credit points)
Permission to undertake a professional experience placement will at all times be at the discretion of the Executive Dean.
Exit Awards
Students may be eligible to exit with the Associate Degree of Educational Studies after completing the equivalent of 16 units (192 credit points), comprising 16 core units.
Students may be eligible to exit with the Diploma of Interdisciplinary Studies after completing the equivalent of 8 units (96 credit points), comprising 8 core units.
Inherent Requirements
Inherent Requirements apply to this course as defined on the Student Equity and Inclusion website. If you have a disability or health condition which may impact on your ability to meet these requirements please refer to the Student Equity and Inclusion website for further information and contact details.
Other things to consider
As part of our commitment to admissions transparency, the University provides a snapshot of how students were admitted to their courses and the profile of students studying with us here.
There are different pathways into an undergraduate degree.
Whether you are returning to study after some time or you have just finished school and you need some extra academic preparation before embarking on a degree, Southern Cross University offers two excellent, fee-free academic preparation programs that develop the skills you need to be successful at university.
SCU College also offers a range of one-year Diplomas that provide extra academic support as you commence university. Diplomas are a great pathway to a degree and may also prepare you for diverse paraprofessional roles.
Credit for Prior Learning, also referred to as ‘Advanced Standing’ or Recognition for Prior Learning (RPL), is the process of looking at your prior study and/or experience to assess if you can be awarded academic credit or gain entry to a course on the basis of your existing knowledge and skills.
The Early Offer program allows Year 12 students to secure a place in a Southern Cross University undergraduate degree before Year 12 results are released. It’s designed to remove some of the pressure from Year 12 and provide a pathway directly into university study that is not based solely on Year 12 results.
Course structure
Why Education at SCU
5-star rating
5-star rating for postgraduate overall experience, student support, skills development and teaching quality in Education and Training
(GUG 2023)Higher starting salary
Graduates have a higher starting salary than national average in Teacher Education
(Graduate Outcomes Survey 2017-2019)Graduate employment
90% of graduates employed within four months of completing their course
(Graduate Outcomes Survey 2017-2019)Fees and Scholarships
Domestic students
You are a domestic student if you are an Australian citizen or permanent resident, New Zealand citizen, or Australian humanitarian visa holder. Your course will either be a Commonwealth Supported Place or a full fee-paying place. This is noted in the course snapshot.
Commonwealth Supported Places:
In a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP), the Government pays some of your fees and you pay the rest as the Student Contribution Amount (SCA).
SCA is calculated per unit, not per course. Eligible students can defer the SCA through a HECS-HELP loan.
Full Fee-Paying Places:
A full fee-paying place is where you pay the full (unsubsidised) tuition fee for your course. Eligible students can defer the payment of their tuition fees through the FEE-HELP scheme (including employer-reserved places for The Hotel School courses).
Also known as SSAF, the Student Services and Amenities Fee is a compulsory fee for most students used to provide important services and amenities to students both on and off campus. It’s charged per unit, based on the unit’s credit point value. Eligible domestic students have the option of deferring this fee through the SA-HELP loan scheme. More about SSAF
Depending on your course, your costs could also include computer equipment and software, books, stationery, field trips, uniforms or other course-specific expenses such as art materials, musical equipment or travel for practicums, internships, vaccinations or industry experience.
Scholarships vary in amount, from a few hundred to several thousand dollars each year. Eligibility isn't limited to top-performing students or those facing financial challenges; there are opportunities for individuals from diverse backgrounds and with different accomplishments. This ensures that education remains accessible to all, changing lives and helping individuals achieve their goals for a brighter future.
Fees and Scholarships
International Students
If you're an international student, you can find the annual course cost in Australian dollars (AUD$) on our International Courses and Fees page or on the web page for your course under fees.
Also known as SSAF, the Student Services and Amenities Fee is a compulsory fee for most students used to provide important services and amenities to students both on and off campus. It’s charged per unit, based on the unit’s credit point value. Eligible domestic students have the option of deferring this fee through the SA-HELP loan scheme. More about SSAF
Depending on your course, your costs could also include computer equipment and software, books, stationery, field trips, uniforms or other course-specific expenses such as art materials, musical equipment or travel for practicums, internships, vaccinations or industry experience.
Southern Cross University offers a range of scholarships designed to support you while you study, available for a variety of backgrounds and achievements. Scholarships range from a few hundred dollars a year to several thousand dollars a year. Southern Cross has also introduced Access25, a new initiative for 2025 to deliver a quality education combined with a straightforward tuition model, ensuring every international student has equal access.
Apply now
Preparing to apply
- Check requirements
- Get supporting documents ready
- Choose where and when from the available options
Click the Apply button to start your application in our Application Portal.
Dates for the diary
Our shorter, more focused six-week unit structure gives students a greater sense of momentum and motivation as they achieve milestones quickly. Application dates per Term are shown on each course page however refer to our key dates and teaching calendar for detail on when enrolment opens, studies commence and when grades are published. There are also Dual Term and Tri Term calendars for those who have specific subjects.
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Credit Transfer
Get a head start on your degree. Find out if you’re eligible for credit from previous studies.
Go to credit assessorEntry Pathway
We believe in equal access to further education, so we offer a range of pathways to university.
Find a pathway