How long is an early childhood education course?
By Joshua Paleologou
Joshua Paleologou, our student advisor specialising in education and teaching courses, shines a light on just how long you need to study to work in early childhood education. Over to you, Joshua.
How long does it take to complete an early childhood education course?
It can take anywhere from 6 months to 4 years, depending on the type of course you’re interested in and whether you intend to study full-time or part-time.
Course durations compared: from a Certificate III to a masters degree
The table below gives an indication of how long each qualification type takes at a full-time pace, and the purpose of each. Alternatively, you can always take your course part-time (more on this later).
Course type | Duration (full-time) | Why you would choose it |
Certificate III | From 6 months | To become an early childhood educator |
Diploma | Between 12 and 24 months | To become an early childhood educator with access to more opportunities |
Undergraduate certificate | 6 months | As an entry pathway into university study |
Bachelor degree | 3-4 years | To become a registered early childhood teacher |
Graduate certificate | 6 months | To upskill, or as a pathway into postgraduate study |
Graduate diploma | 12 months | To upskill, as a pathway, or to become a registered early childhood teacher in some states |
Masters degree | 2 years | To make a career change and become a registered early childhood teacher |
Bear in mind, though, that course duration is just one factor you should consider when choosing a course. Mapping out your career in early childhood education can help you decide which course is the best option for your circumstances. From there, we can find a pace that suits you best.
Full-time vs part-time: what works best for you?
One of the benefits of studying with leading Australian unis through Open Universities Australia, is that you can organise your studies around your life, rather than the other way around.
If you know the summer period is usually quiet at work, you may choose to increase your study load during that term to take advantage of your free time. Predicting a busy quarter coming around the bend? In this circumstance, you could drop the amount of subjects you take to adjust your commitment accordingly.
At Open Universities Australia, we measure whether you're studying full or part-time using EFTSL (Equivalent Full-Time Study Load). This is recognised by Centrelink, and it helps students report the correct amount of study when they need to.
Study load explained (EFTSL)
1.0 EFTSL represents a full year of full-time study
Full-time study is considered:
Studying subjects with a combined EFTSL of at least 0.250 per term (this is usually equivalent to two subjects)
Part-time study is considered:
Studying a single subject at a time
Some subjects carry a higher EFTSL value, which is why full-time study may also be met by one high-EFTSL subject, rather than two standard subjects.
Enrolment type | Study load per term (EFTSL) | Typical number of subjects per term | Approx. study hours per week |
Full-time | 0.250 EFTSL or more | Usually 2 subjects (or 1 high-EFTSL subject) | 20–24 hours |
Part-time | Below 0.250 EFTSL | Usually 1 subject | 10–12 hours |
Learn more: What's considered full-time study and what's part-time?
How long do I have to complete the entire degree?
Most universities let you have up to 10 years to complete your degree, though it's important to understand that this varies by institution. As long as you stick to this timeframe, you can make the pacing work for you.
If you’re anticipating needing longer to finish your degree, make sure you check in with the university you’re enrolling with through Open Universities Australia.
Should something unexpected pop up in your life, you can place your studies on hold by requesting a leave of absence. This lets you drop your studies entirely for up to 12 months without losing your spot. Book a consultation with one of my teammates, our dedicated student advisors. They’re really helpful when it comes to information on leave of absences.
Put simply, there’s usually always a way we can make completing your course fit into your lifestyle and needs.
Can I get my early childhood qualification faster online?
Studying online means you may be able to take on extra subjects in a study term, allowing you to finish your qualification slightly faster.
But this will depend on your university’s rules around how many subjects students can take at once, as well as when compulsory subjects such as placement subjects are offered. They may only be available at certain times throughout the year, and you won’t be able to graduate until you’ve completed them.
The universities that do offer an accelerated model allow you to take on an increased study load structure beyond that typically outlined for full-time students.
If you’re interested in pursuing an accelerated model, we recommend discussing your options with your university directly. They will have additional information on what’s required and whether your goals are achievable.
What happens after I finish my course?
As I often say to students I chat with, it’s time to celebrate! Whether that looks like a night on the town or a cosy afternoon in is up to you, but make sure you take the time to recognise your hard work.
Once that’s done, you’re just a few steps from being able to start looking for work in the field. Next, you’ll want to:
Apply for a Working with Children Check. These are mandatory for anyone working with children in Australia.
Attend a first aid course. This might not be compulsory for every job in early childhood education, but it certainly won’t hurt your job prospects to have a valid certificate.
If you studied to become an early childhood teacher, you’ll need to register with the relevant body in your state or territory. Find out exactly what to do in our guide to early childhood teacher registration.
Study with flexibility: Open Universities Australia online pathways explained
At Open Universities Australia, we believe study is for everyone, no matter your academic history. That’s why we offer a number of study pathways with leading universities that anyone can take to complete a degree.
Your pathway options include:
Open Access
Start small with single subjects which, once completed successfully, can allow you to gain entry into a full bachelor degree. These are sometimes called ‘open enrolment subjects’. Speak with one of my fellow student advisors to understand which ones can help you get into early childhood education.An undergraduate certificate
Enrol in an Undergraduate Certificate in Teaching Education Studies or similar. Not only will you finish with a recognised qualification in just 6 months, but completing it also serves as an entry pathway into a bachelor degree. Your successfully completed subjects can even shave time off your degree.
As always, it’s a pleasure to help the educators of tomorrow take steps towards their goals. If you’d like to chat further about early childhood education, I’m just a phone call away. Book a consultation with myself or a colleague today.
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FAQs about early childhood course duration
What is the typical duration of an early childhood education course in Australia?
An early childhood education course typically takes between six months and four years, depending on the type of qualification you’re pursuing.
What’s the shortest early childhood course you can complete?
You can complete an undergraduate certificate in as little as six months, but you will require further study to become a registered early childhood teacher.
You may become an early childhood educator instead of a teacher. However, daycare centres generally require at least 50% of their staff to be diploma qualified or higher, which is where progressing to a bachelor degree is worth it.
After all, once you start working, you’ll be influencing little hearts and minds every day, and you’ll want to ensure you have the skills and knowledge to give them the proper care and education.
How do online study pathways compare to on-campus?
Online pathways are similar to on-campus pathways in that their goal is to help you find a way to enter your desired course and career, no matter your study history. In particular, through Open Universities Australia, you have multiple pathway options at your fingertips, all from the comfort of home.
With online pathways, you may find it easier to fit study in with your existing commitments – such as working full time or taking care of kids.
I’d recommend speaking with one of my fellow student advisors for more information about just how flexible it can be.
You can also check out our online pathway options.
Can I work in early childhood while I study?
Possibly, depending on the employer and your study history. If you already hold a qualification, like an undergraduate certificate or diploma, then you may be able to work while you study towards a bachelor degree, for instance.
Check your state’s registering body for more information about what qualifications you need to be able to work while you study. Then chat with the employer you wish to work for.
