Overview
Become an in-demand early-childhood teacher, equipped with effective skills and practical experience, with a Bachelor of Early Childhood Education from VU.
In our early-childhood degree you'll participate in units focused on children from birth to five years. You'll come to understand how early-childhood and kindergarten teaching can include children and families as contributors to the learning process.
You'll graduate with expertise built on a strong sense of social justice, learnt through childcare and kindergarten-teaching experience and critical perspectives on early-childhood theory.
When you study early childhood education, you will gain insight into the early years by studying these fascinating areas:
- child development
- teaching practice that includes Aboriginal perspectives
- education and curriculum studies focused on relationships and meaning
- advocacy and activism in early-childhood settings
- history and philosophy of early childhood
- ethical early-childhood professional practice.
In first year all students attend the City Campus. In second year, which is a practical year, all classes are held at Footscray Nicholson where there is the Art Studio and Vu Play Space. In third year students will complete their course either at City Tower or online.
Course location
Year 1
All students study their first year units in-person at City Campus.
Years 2 & 3
From your second year, in-person classes will only be available at Footscray Nicholson campus. Domestic students and international students on a visa other than an international student visa can choose to study 2nd and 3rd year units online, in Online Self-Paced mode or via Online Real Time (Zoom) classes.
Domestic students and international students (regardless of visa type) can choose to study 3rd year units in-person at Footscray Nicholson Campus and in 2024 at City Campus (*note all specialist units such as Arts are offered at Footscray Nicholson only).
Early-childhood workplace experience
We offer 80 days of supervised teaching experience, including:
- five days in the unique VU playgroup program Engaging with Place
- 15 days with infants and toddlers
- 25 days with 3–5 year olds
- five days in a primary school setting, to examine first-hand the transition between preschool and primary school
- 30 days working towards graduate-teacher level with children aged from birth to 3 years olds or 3–5 year olds.
We have many exciting projects, partnerships and initiatives to help you learn from experience working with young children.
Accelerated program for diploma-qualified educators
In addition to the Bachelor of Early Childhood Education, we offer an accelerated program for applicants who already hold a recognised diploma in early childhood teaching.
The Bachelor of Early Childhood Teaching is designed to be completed in two years full time, through a combination of online and intensive study, with recognition of prior study and professional experience.
Register as an early-childhood teacher
The course addresses the requirements needed to register as an early-childhood teacher as outlined by:
- Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA), which oversees national quality frameworks in early-childhood education
- Victorian Institute for Teaching (VIT), the registration authority for all schools in Victoria.
Learning advice
VU’s Learning Hubs are welcoming spaces where you can improve your study and employability skills.
Our students can attend Learning Hubs at one of five VU campuses.
We offer maths, writing, careers and English-language advice and can show you effective ways to study and manage your time.
Our programs include:
- workshops
- drop-in sessions
- peer mentoring
- maths and writing resources
- resume and career guidance.
We also have accessibility support services and counselling services available to all students.
Early Childhood Scholarships & Incentives Program
The Victorian Government offers the Early Childhood Scholarship and Incentives Program to individuals looking to start a rewarding career as an early childhood teacher. Educators wanting to upskill and take the next step to become degree-qualified are also eligible. Students applying for an approved qualification are eligible to receive up to $25,000.
Study overseas while earning course credits
At VU you can spend part of your degree studying overseas all while gaining credits towards your course.
Immerse yourself in a new culture and learn from a new perspective, while building experiences that will help you to stand out in the competitive job market.
Flexibility & options
Learning within the Bachelor of Early Childhood Education is dynamic and accessible. The curriculum is designed to ensure you get the most out of your studies. If you wish to go further with your studies, you can move into the 4-year Bachelor of Early Childhood Education and Leadership.
Need some advice?
Request a call back from one of our experienced VUHQ course advisers to get your questions answered.
Request a call back
We view children as capable contributors to the education process.
Careers
Childcare job openings are expecting massive growth (ACECQA).
Thanks to the essential experience you’ll get from working in childcare and teaching in a kindergartens during your placement, you’ll be work-ready before you even graduate.
Typically, our students find work in kindergartens and childcare centres, in jobs such as:
- kindergarten teacher
- early childhood teacher.
Salaries
Check the salary for early-childhood teachers in Australia (Labour Market Insights).
Course structure
To attain the Bachelor of Early Childhood Education students will be required to complete:
- 288 credit points of Core studies
Students also undertake practical placements that include 80 days supervised professional experience.
Course structure and units
Year 1
-
- Unit code
- AEK1106
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- EEC1101
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- EEC1112
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- EEC1113
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- ECE1001
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- ECE1002
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- ECE1003
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- ECE1004
- Credits
- 12
Year 2
-
- Unit code
- ECE2001
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- ECE2002
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- ECE2003
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- ECE2004
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- ECE2005
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- ECE2006
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- ECE2007
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- ECE2008
- Credits
- 12
Year 3
-
- Unit code
- ECE3001
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- ECE3002
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- ECE3003
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- ECE3004
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- ECE3005
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- ECE3006
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- ECE3007
- Credits
- 24
Achieve more with the VU Block Model
We are the first Australian university to use a 'block' model of learning, where you study one unit at a time rather than juggling several at once.
Introduced in 2018, the VU Block Model has improved our student results and achievements, and has won awards for innovation and excellence. Initially for first-year students, it now applies to all students studying at our Melbourne campuses.
You'll study in short bursts, called blocks, of three 2-3 hour face-to-face teaching sessions per week.
Each block focuses on one unit (subject) and is only four weeks long, with up to four days between. Our two semesters have four blocks each, and there are optional blocks over winter and summer where you can catch up on a missed unit.
Some courses have labs and pracs too, and these are generally scheduled on the same days as teaching sessions. There are also workshops where you'll develop your study skills and prepare for your future career.
Find out more about the VU Block Model.
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
| 1. | Initiate teaching and learning practices that foster learner engagement in complex contexts and foreground Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander standpoints in early childhood education. | ||
| 2. | Critically reflect on different ways of knowing, being, and doing founded on the view of children and families as capable contributors to conceptual and pedagogical decision-making in learning and teaching. | ||
| 3. | Design teaching practices that reflect an ability to contextualise, question, resist, rethink, and act towards equity and the public good. | ||
| 4. | Exhibit a broad and coherent body of knowledge of pedagogy, curriculum and assessment in relation to the changing nature of education in a rapidly-evolving global context. | ||
| 5. | Critically review and articulate a range of oral and written communication techniques, including in the use of Information and Communication Technologies, to engage and connect with students, their parents/carers and the wider community, | ||
| 6. | Design learning opportunities that embrace a rich and varied curriculum, ensure that learning and teaching approaches are based on sound ethical principles and foster reciprocal relationships in early childhood settings. |
What's a unit?
A unit or 'subject' is the actual class you'll attend in the process of completing a course.
Most courses have a mixture of compulsory 'core' units that you need to take and optional elective units that you can choose to take based on your area of interest, expertise or experience.
Credits
Each unit is worth a set amount of study credits based on the amount of time you study. Generally, 1 credit is equal to 1 hour of study per week.
Fees & scholarships
Fee type for this course: Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
Fee type definitions
The amount you pay for your course depends on whether you’re offered a Commonwealth supported place (CSP) or a full fee-paying place.
Students who enrol in a:
- Commonwealth supported place pay tuition fees that are partly subsidised by the Australian government
- full fee-paying place need to pay the full amount for all enrolled units before census each study period.
In addition to your tuition fees, you may also be charged a Student Services & Amenities Fee (SSAF).
Scholarships & assistance
Apply for a scholarship to help with your study costs.
We can help with fee assistance and advice.
Admissions
Victoria University is committed to providing a transparent admissions process. Find out more about how to apply for our courses, and our commitment to admissions transparency.
Applicants for this course will need to have met the academic requirements and prerequisites for this course outlined below.
Meeting the minimum admission criteria does not guarantee entry into this course. Past academic performance may be considered.
Admission criteria
The minimum criteria for admission varies depending on your education background. If you’re not sure which criteria applies to you, use the help tool on this page or make an enquiry and we can assist.
Applicants with recent secondary education (within the last 2 years)
- Australian Senior Secondary Certificate (e.g. VCE) or
- an Australian or overseas equivalent or
- an International Baccalaureate (IB).
Importance of ATAR for this course
We consider both ATAR and other criteria
ATAR is not a consideration. We use other criteria
Admission criteria
Completion of an Australian Senior Secondary Certificate (VCE or equivalent) including Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 30 in English (EAL) or 25 in any other English.
Why is ATAR not applicable?
You will not need an ATAR score to meet the admission requirements for this course. Only the successful completion of your secondary school studies, and any additional prerequisites. Our courses and support programs are designed to prepare students from diverse cultures for success, regardless of their prior experience, ATAR, age, socioeconomic or educational background.
Applicants with vocational education and training (VET/TAFE) study
This information is for people who have completed an accredited award at an Australian Registered Training Organisation.
Admission criteria
Completion of an Australian Advanced Diploma or Diploma (or equivalent).
OR:
Completion of the Certificate IV in Tertiary Preparation (or equivalent)
OR:
22451VIC Diploma of Teacher Education Preparation.
Applicants with higher education study
This information is for people whose highest level of study since leaving secondary education is a higher education course.
Admission criteria
Full or partial completion of an Australian Higher Education award (or equivalent).
OR:
Completion of two units of Higher Education studies.
OR:
Completion of a bridging or enabling course eg. Foundation course or equivalent.
Applicants with work & life experience
This information is for applicants who left secondary school more than two years ago and who have not undertaken VET or higher education study since then.
Admission criteria
Five years (minimum) work/life experience in Training & Development, Education, Child Care or similar.
OR:
Applicants that completed an Australian Senior Secondary Certificate more than two years ago.
PLUS:
Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 30 in English (EAL) or 25 in any other English (or equivalent).
Additional information
Students will require a Working with Children Check to be eligible to undertake and participate in workplace visits, placements or projects. Use the following site link to obtain additional information:
http://www.workingwithchildren.vic.gov.au/
First Year students will be able to study in Online Real Time (ORT), the Online Self-Paced option (OSP) will be available from Year 2.
Pathways & credits
There are many ways you can start your education journey at VU. Pathways offer an easy transition between courses at different levels, so that you can start with a certificate and progress right through to postgraduate study.
Pathways from VU courses
If you have completed any of the following course(s), you will be guaranteed a place in this course. In some cases you may receive credit for your previous study, reducing the time it takes to complete your course.
You will be credited for up to 96 credit points of study.
You will be credited for up to 96 credit points of study.
You will be guaranteed entry only.
You will be guaranteed entry only.
Find out more about pathways and credits.
Pathways from other institutions
If you have completed any of the following course(s), you will be guaranteed a place in this course. In some cases you may receive credit for your previous study, reducing the time it takes to complete your course.
Bendigo Kangan Institute, Australia
You will be credited for up to 96 credit points of study.
Melbourne City Institute of Education, Australia
You will be credited for up to 96 credit points of study.
The Gordon, Australia
You will be credited for up to 96 credit points of study.
Bendigo Kangan Institute, Australia
You will be credited for up to 96 credit points of study.
Melbourne City Institute of Education, Australia
You will be credited for up to 96 credit points of study.
SEDA Group, Australia
You will be guaranteed entry only.
Find out more about pathways and credits.
Credit for skills and past study
Use our credit calculator to find out how much credit you could get towards your course, based on your previous study.
If you have completed study with another university or institution and believe you are eligible to receive credit for skills and past study, you can apply for advanced standing.
Applications for advanced standing can be made after a discussion with your course chair or academic adviser.
How to apply
Available start dates:
- 1 May 2023
Before you apply
Before applying, you should consider whether you also want to apply for:
- Special admission programs: Depending on your life circumstances you may be eligible for special consideration of your application.
- Advanced standing: If you have significant experience or studies elsewhere you may be eligible for credit for some units of your course and not have to undertake them.
Find out more about applying for our courses.
Apply direct to VU
Direct applications are due on 23 April 2023 for our next intake which starts on 1 May 2023.
Already a VU student?
If you are already a VU student, apply direct to VU using our Admissions centre to transfer into this course. Remember it’s best to be accepted into your new course before withdrawing from your current one.
After you apply
- It’s important to check for emails from us (which may go to your spam/junk folder).
- Complete any requests for information by the given dates, otherwise your application may not be considered
Enquire now
Please fill out the form below, and we'll get back to you shortly.
Get help
- Visit a student service centre
- 1300 VIC UNI (1300 842 864)
- Request a call back
- Visit the glossary
At Victoria University, we aim to display accurate and complete course information online. However, we are unable to guarantee that every course change is currently displayed. You may contact the University directly on +61 3 9919 6100 to confirm the most up-to-date course fees, pathways and credit transfer, recognition of prior learning, admission and enrolment procedures, examinations and services available to our students.
