Bachelor of Education - The Early Years | 2020

Overview

The Bachelor of Education – The Early Years is an exciting approach to professional preparation of teacher qualified professionals in the Early Childhood Education and Care sector, recognising the increasingly expanding and rewarding role of the Early Education Teacher.

The course recognises the significance of enriched educational opportunities and experiences for all children in the early years necessary to ensure their present and future health, development and wellbeing. It focuses on extending and enriching young children’s learning from birth through to five years and transition to school, providing children with opportunities to maximise their potential and develop a foundation for future success in learning.

The Bachelor of Education – The Early Years focuses on the development of very young children being connected to family, community, culture and place. Students will learn about child development, establishing respectful and caring relationships with children and their families, cultural and social diversity, early intervention, leadership and advocacy.

Students will have the opportunity to gain sector experience and professional connections through the Professional Partners in Practice (PPP) program in which students are paired with an early childhood education and care centre for continuous professional mentoring. Students will also spend up to 16 weeks in early childhood education and care centres as part of the Professional Experience Program.

Entry Requirements and Credit Arrangements

Information on academic and English language requirements, as well as eligibility for credit for prior learning, is available from the Course Finder.

Course Learning Outcomes

Course Learning Outcomes are statements of learning achievement that are expressed in terms of what the learner is expected to know, understand and be able to do upon completion of a course. Students graduating from this course will be able to:

Course Structure

 The Bachelor of Education – The Early Years requires the following:

1. The successful completion of 192 credit points, comprising:
   1. core subjects to the value of 174 credit points;
   2. elective subjects to the value of 18 credit points from Education or the General Schedule with approval from the Academic Program Director as outlined below; and
   3. No more than 60 credit points may be at 100 level.
2. The successful completion of the Professional Experience components embedded in the course.     

For information regarding timetables, tutorials, and classes please the visit the Timetables and Classes page.

Minors

Students in the Bachelor of Education – The Early Years can undertake a minor study from another Faculty. A minor consists of an approved combination of subjects which have a minimum value of 24 credit points offered by one or more academic units, of which 12 credit points should be at least 200 level or higher. The cross-counting of subjects towards majors, minors and core degree requirements is limited to one subject.

Students should check that there is room within their degree structure to accommodate a minor study and still meet their degree requirements; and that the subjects are able to be studied in line with PEx requirements. If in doubt, students should seek academic advice before undertaking a minor study.

Students should also note that some subjects listed for minor studies may require other subjects as pre/co-requisites and that due to demand or space limitations, some subjects may have quotas. Students are advised to check for specific subject information in the online subject database before selecting subjects.

Compulsory Work Placement / Online Component 

This course contains a total of 630 hours or approximately 90 days of compulsory work-based placements, completed over 34 weeks throughout the degree. This course may also contain compulsory components to be completed online.

Dean's Scholar

A Dean's Scholar program is available for high achieving students. For more information refer to the Bachelor of Education - The Early Years (Dean's Scholar).

Honours

Students who have achieved a high level of academic performance in the first three years of the degree may complete the fourth year at Honours level. For more information refer to the Bachelor of Education - The Early Years (Honours).

Professional Recognition/Accreditation

This degree is recognised by the Australian Children's Education and Care Quality Authority and is an approved early childhood teaching qualification for the purpose of the Education and Care Services National Law and Regulations.

Other Information

For further information email: askuow@uow.edu.au