Bachelor of Early Childhood Education (Birth to Five)

Curious about what your future study pattern might look like? Explore your course in detail with the option to view your typical pattern based on your chosen intake and study mode below.

Fast-track your degree

Do you already hold an ACECQA-accredited Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care or higher? You may be eligible to accelerate your degree to two years of full-time study via our Online Plus study mode.

To find out more book in a consult with our friendly team.

Qualified early childhood educators are among the most in-demand professionals in Australia. As the Australian Government places greater emphasis on early childhood education, new programs are being initiated to support this growth. These initiatives range from encouraging parents to send their children to preschool to developing new infrastructure and upskilling ECE workers.

Whether you are looking for a great starting point or a stepping stone to further your career seeking out leadership roles, an education degree from UC can open the doors to a wide range of career opportunities in the education sector. UC graduates could find themselves in a future role such as:

• Director in an early childhood setting
• Early childhood education leader
• Early childhood teacher
• Policy advisor
• Curriculum development
• Educational program advisor
• Play therapist
• Early learning centre director

Admission for the Bachelor of Early Childhood Education (Birth to Five) is based on an entrance rank. A rank can be achieved by the following means:​

• Year 12 ATAR of 60 or above​
• Other Australian Qualification​
• Work experience​
• Overseas qualification
  

If you didn’t get an appropriate ATAR for your preferred course, we also offer a number of initiatives that give you the opportunity to gain entry through alternate pathway programs and admissions schemes. For ACECQA-approved Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care diploma holders, an accelerated pathway is available.

Please see the course page for more information. 

UC offers flexible study options for the Bachelor of Early Childhood Education (Birth to Five) to give students the ultimate study-work and life balance which include:

Online Plus 

Online Plus is all online and self-paced, except where attendance of school-based experiences is required within the Canberra region. Online Plus study mode is only available to students commencing in the second and third year of their degree.

Blended

Blended learning is a combination of online lectures with some in-person requirements like tutorials, presentations or group work. Students will also be required to complete school-based experiences in the Canberra region.

On Campus

All in-person study via our UC Bruce Campus, with in-person school-based experiences in the Canberra region.

There is also an On Campus study option available at UC Sydney Hills. 

Your future study schedule for the Bachelor of Early Child Education (Birth to Five) will vary depending on your chosen delivery mode, and whether you choose to study full-time or part-time. To give you the ultimate flexibility, you can change your study mode and switch from part-time or full-time study at any point during your course.

A common question students ask is if it’s possible to work full-time and study full-time. The answer is yes, but you’ll need to be organised and ensure your workplace is flexible regarding exam periods and in-person placement requirements.

Our Online Plus study option is designed to accommodate full-time workers and those who prefer a flexible study schedule with self-paced learning options and on-demand lectures.

Online study at the University of Canberra will include recorded lectures, live webinars and online discussions. You will have assignments, readings, and group projects with set deadlines, allowing you to manage your time flexibly. 

It’s worth noting that your study time will differ from your course completion date, as you’ll have breaks between semesters. 

Some students may be eligible to complete an accelerated Bachelor of Early Childhood Education (Birth to Five) degree at UC.

If you already hold a completed ACEQA-accredited Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care or higher, you may be eligible to receive a credit upon application for up to a year, shortening your degree to just two years of full-time study.

Want to find out more? Book a call with our friendly team to have your questions answered.

UC’s Bachelor of Early Childhood Education (Birth to Five) students are required to complete 80 days of practical placement across various early childhood education settings in the Canberra region throughout their degree. This helps you apply your theoretical knowledge in real-world settings while exploring the latest research and teaching methods. If your workplace is an approved provider with an ACECQA-qualified teacher to support you, you may be able to complete one of your required placements there. We recommend doing this during one of your final-year placements, as these tend to be longer. To find out if your current employer is an approved placement provider or to learn more about becoming one, please contact our friendly team at education.student@canberra.edu.au.

Please note that you will also need to complete the required statutory checks to work in early childhood settings.

There are plenty of online resources available at the University of Canberra. These include virtual library access, academic support services, IT support, financial support, employment and professional assistance with Careers UC. You’ll also have access to student welfare services, an online orientation and our interactive online learning platform.

Additionally, UC online students can access study materials and discussion forums and participate in webinars and virtual workshops to enhance their learning experience.

With an increasing focus on improving the quality of educators nationally, there are several great incentives you may qualify for to help you take the steps towards becoming a qualified teacher.

Early Learning Connection

The ACT Government’s Early Learning Connection program is designed to support women in the ACT to gain a flexible career pathway into early childhood education. You may be eligible for financial assistance to help balance your work, study and life commitments, secure an education coach or receive help facilitating future employment opportunities.

You may be eligible for financial assistance and scholarships to help with living expenses, relocation, and study costs.

At UC, we’re here to help you succeed! Once your ready to apply to UC, our process depends on your student type and course. You can find all the requirements, criteria, and processes through the UC application portal.

If you have further questions or would like assistance with your application, we encourage you to book a consult to receive personalised guidance and support. 

Australia’s recent pay rise for early childhood educators, announced in August 2024, is a significant boost for those passionate about shaping young minds. This increase not only acknowledges the critical role educators play but also makes a career in early childhood education more rewarding than ever. With competitive wages on offer, there's never been a better time to start a fulfilling career where you can truly make a difference in children's lives.