Bachelor of Early Childhood Education (Birth to Five Years)

Upon successful completion, students should be able to:

1. Apply a broad and coherent theoretical and technical knowledge of the concepts and principles of Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) to guide and enable effective curriculum decision-making that supports successful teaching and learning experiences for all learners.  
2. Plan, implement and evaluate a range of contemporary teaching and learning strategies, including the design of positive learning environments, that are responsive to the capabilities and needs of all learners with varying characteristics. 
3. Apply evidence-based research and educational scholarship to evaluate and engage with the ECEC sector and facilitate professional learning and leadership for self and others. 
4. Plan and build positive relationships that enable safe and inclusive learning environments for diverse learners. 
5. Engage professionally with children, families, and stakeholders using a range of contemporary strategies and technologies.

Shape the moments that shape a lifetime. The Bachelor of Early Childhood Education (Birth to Five Years) prepares you for a rewarding career teaching and leading learning in early childhood settings, supporting children from birth to five years during a period that matters most for their growth, development and learning.  

You can apply for this course if you’re a Year 12 school leaver or if you’re an early childhood education and care diploma holder. Eligible diploma holders can apply for credit for first-year units, recognising your existing qualifications and professional experience.  

The Bachelor of Early Childhood Education (Birth to Five Years) is aimed at those students dedicated to a career teaching in a birth to five setting.

Developed in response to workforce needs in the early childhood sector, the course can be undertaken as a natural progression for graduates of the Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care or as a standalone course. Graduates of the course will have a strong grounding in early childhood curriculum and pedagogy.

Flexible study options 

• Streamlined summer and winter course maps are offered to get you into the workplace quicker, enabling diploma-qualified early childhood education and care applicants to complete the degree qualification in two years.  

Why ACU? 

• You will develop a strong foundation in early childhood curriculum, pedagogy and professional practice, while gaining the knowledge and skills needed to support children from birth to five years. We also recognise that an early childhood teacher is likely to teach a diverse range of students across the course of their career. Our students will be equipped with knowledge and skills to respond to this diversity. 
• Early childhood teachers are in strong demand across Australia and with a renewed focus on high quality early childhood education and care, this course provides graduates with the knowledge and skills that will lead to a rewarding career with our youngest learners. 

Recommended study pattern

To qualify for the award, a student must complete 320 cp from the Schedule of Unit Offerings, consisting of:

• 70 cp from Education Studies
• 60 cp from Effective Teaching Units
• 170 cp from Early Childhood Units
• 20 cp from Core Curriculum Units.

Award requirements

To complete the Bachelor of Early Childhood Education (Birth to Five Years), a student must complete 320 credit points (cp).

Open Universities Australia is a not-for-profit organisation. You will not pay any fees for using our services.

Indicative total fee $19,616

The amounts shown here are indicative for an Australian citizen studying full-time, which is typically 8 subjects per year.

Fees may vary depending on:

• the subjects you choose
• credit from previous work experience
• your eligibility for government funding loans or subsidies such as HECS-HELP or a Commonwealth supported place.

To learn more, go to Fees or contact a student advisor.

Australian Catholic University – So much more

An Australian Catholic University (ACU) education is grounded in the Catholic understanding of faith and reason working together in the pursuit of knowledge, promotion of human dignity, and advancement of the common good.

ACU aims to transform lives and communities. Students are challenged to look beyond the classroom, solve real-world problems, develop their own search for meaning and cultivate strong professional ethics. They are invited to stand up for people in need and causes that matter.

Opportunities for personal and professional growth are critical to ACU. It is a university of service – so much so that it is built into the curricula. All ACU courses offer work placements, internships or volunteering opportunities.

Learn more about Australian Catholic University

Explore Australian Catholic University courses

QS World University Ranking 2026, within Australia:

33

Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2026, within Australia:

27

You will need to meet the minimum entry requirements and subject prerequisites for your chosen course. 

If you have completed at least two units of AQF-recognised study at bachelor level or above, we’ll assign you with a new selection rank that reflects your study level, duration, and grade point average.

If your prior study or relevant work experience has provided you with knowledge, skills or experience aligned with the learning outcomes of units in your new course, you may be eligible to gain credit for study or have your prior learning recognised. This means you may be able to complete your ACU course in a shorter timeframe.

An applicant must also comply with the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy that includes meeting a minimum ATAR requirement.

To be eligible for admission to the course, an applicant must meet any additional prerequisite requirements imposed by state jurisdictions.

To be eligible for admission to the course, an applicant must have completed at year 12 level, or equivalent:

Australian Capital Territory

• Prerequisites: Nil
• Assumed Knowledge: Major in English (T), Major in Mathematics (T)

New South Wales

• Prerequisites: Nil
• Assumed knowledge: Two units of English (Any), Two units of Mathematics (Any)

Queensland

• Prerequisites: English (Units 3 & 4, C)
• Assumed Knowledge: General Mathematics

Victoria

• Prerequisites: English: Units 3 and 4 – a study score of at least 30 in English (EAL) or 25 in any other English
• Recommended Studies: Mathematics: Two units of Mathematics (any)

If you can’t meet the ATAR requirement for your choice of course and you’re currently completing Year 12 or finished Year 12 in the two years previously, we have entry programs to get you where you want to be. 

Alternatively, you may be able to complete a diploma or bridging course relevant to your desired course: 

• ACU Diploma in Educational Studies (Tertiary Preparation).

You’ll need to meet the minimum entry requirements and subject prerequisites for your chosen course. 

For non-school leavers 

If you’ve completed, or are completing a competency-based AQF Certificate IV or AQF diploma you will be assigned a selection rank by your local Tertiary Admission Centre (TAC). This is an entry score based on your individual qualifications and achievements. 

ACU has partnerships with TAFE and many private education providers. If you have completed a qualification with one of these partners or with ACU College, you may be eligible for guaranteed entry and/or credit into a related ACU degree. Please apply through your local TAC and then submit a credit application for your previous study.

If your selection rank isn’t enough to meet the requirements for your desired course you still have a number of options to help you achieve your study goals. 

If you’re over 21, you can sit the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) , or you can complete a diploma or bridging course relevant to your desired course. 

• ACU Diploma in Educational Studies (Tertiary Preparation).

You’ll need to meet the minimum entry requirements and subject prerequisites for your chosen course.

If you have no formal education qualifications you may be eligible for a selection rank based on your work, life or service experience.

• If you’ve been in paid employment, relevant to the course you’re applying for, for a minimum of six months full-time (or equivalent), this work may be assessed for your selection rank.
• If you’re 21 years or older you can sit the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) through your local TAC.
• You can apply for an ACU bridging course. Our bridging courses allow you to transition back into studying and can give you a head start on the relevant undergraduate degree.
• If you have served in the defence force, your rank and time in service may contribute to your selection rank.

If your selection rank isn’t enough to meet the requirements for your desired course you still have a number of options to help you achieve your study goals. 

If you’re over 21, you can sit the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) , or you can complete a diploma or bridging course relevant to your desired course. 

• ACU Diploma in Educational Studies (Tertiary Preparation).

International applicants need to refer to the English Language Requirements section.

• International English Language Testing System (IELTS): Academic: Overall score- 6.5. Individual score of 6.5 in all bands.
• PTE Academic : 58 with a minimum of 58 in all four communicative skills.
• TOEFL: Internet based total of 79, with a minimum of 24 in writing, 19 in reading, 20 in listening and speaking.
• C1 Advanced : A minimum score of 176 with a minimum of 176 in all tests.
• ACU English Language test; or ACU EAP: B (65-74%)

If your prior study or relevant work experience has provided you with knowledge, skills or experience aligned with the learning outcomes of units in your new course, you may be eligible to gain credit for study or have your prior learning recognised. This means you may be able to complete your ACU course in a shorter timeframe. Students who hold a Diploma of Children’s Services (or equivalent) may be granted credit for one year of the course (80 credit points), enabling them to commence directly into the second year of the course. This means diploma holders will enter into the second year of the course.

Supervised professional experience is at the heart of all our pre-service teacher education courses and the faculty will find appropriate placements to suit the needs of your course. You’ll be placed in relevant prior-to-school settings at different stages of your course to ensure your practical experience evolves alongside your theoretical knowledge base. Our placement program also gives you diverse educational experiences, so you’ll be in a better position to choose your future career path.

You will be required to complete 80 days. year 2= 20 days; Year 3= 20 days; Year 4=20 days and 20 days.

Professional Experience and Working with Children Requirements

To successfully complete their studies, students must pass all professional experience components, including those embedded within individual units.

Requirements for Working with Children:

All enrolled students must obtain the necessary approvals before entering a classroom. These approvals include:

• Queensland: Blue Card
• ACT, NSW, and Victoria: Working with Children Check
• Other states and territories: Equivalent requirements.

International students must provide police check documentation from their home country. Additionally, to meet requirements for working in non-school settings, a National Police Check may be necessary.

Students who have lived in another country for 12 months or more must also provide a police check covering their stay in that country.