Early childhood education courses

Guide young children during their first years of education

Introduction to Early childhood education

Did you know 90% of a child’s brain development happens before they turn five?

As an early childhood educator, you can help young learners get the best start in life. 

Gain the skills you need to flourish in this career. Explore online early childhood education courses that will qualify you to work in childcare centres, kindergartens or primary schools.

We make it easy to compare your options with different universities so you can choose the right path for your future.    

postgraduate-education-teaching-nikki
Nikki studied postgraduate teaching with Macquarie University, through Open Universities Australia

What to study to be a teacher

To become a qualified teacher you need a bachelor or postgraduate degree in education.

So what’s the right option for you?

Bachelor degree

Best suits you if:
You have an ATAR of 70 or higher or have done VET studies

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Don’t have the right ATAR? No worries

View pathways

Masters degree

Best suits you if:
You have already completed a bachelor degree in any discipline

View masters degrees

Pathways to becoming a teacher

You don't have to put your future on hold if you didn't finish high school, or get the right ATAR.

Start uni with a study pathway today.

No entry requirements

Two options to start

Most popular

Undergraduate certificates

  • Begin your path to becoming a teacher candidate straight away
  • Best for aspiring teachers who are domestic students
  • Flexibly upskill in as little as six months to open up career opportunities
  • Gain a qualification and four subjects to credit toward a bachelor degree
  • Access student loans to support your journey
View undergraduate certificates

Single subjects

  • Best for students who want to start small and try out study
  • Flexibly upskill a specific area in as little as 13 weeks
  • Earn credit with each subject to count towards a bachelor degree
  • Access student loans to support your journey
View single subjects

Continue to a degree with full credits

Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Education)

  • 100% online study with a flexibly located placement
  • Graduate directly from the university
  • Become a qualified teacher anywhere in Australia
Find out more

Discover early childhood education courses

Online early childhood education graduate diploma

Start with no entry requirements, and gain a certificate qualification on the way to completing your degree.

Curtin University

Work towards your future in early childhood teaching

Study 4 core subjects in teaching children—and get entry and credit in Curtin’s Bachelor Degree. Topics include language, literacy, and curriculum. Start thinking about your career as a professional early childhood or primary educator.

100% online

6 months full time or part time equivalent

No ATAR required. Start with a subject.

Online early childhood education subjects and short courses

Start small with no entry requirements, and gain entry into a Bachelor of Education.

Curtin University

100% online

No ATAR required. Start with a subject.

Starts 27 May 2024, 25 Nov 2024

Curtin University

UndergraduateCUR-EDC140

Exploring and Contesting Curriculum

100% online

No ATAR required. Start with a subject.

Starts 27 May 2024, 25 Nov 2024

Curtin University

UndergraduateCUR-EDC145

The Numerate Educator

100% online

No ATAR required. Start with a subject.

Starts 27 May 2024, 25 Nov 2024

Curtin University

UndergraduateCUR-EDC175

Educators Inquiring About the World

100% online

No ATAR required. Start with a subject.

Starts 27 May 2024, 25 Nov 2024

Curtin University

100% online

No ATAR required. Start with a subject.

Starts 26 Aug 2024

Curtin University

UndergraduateCUR-EDC135

Child Development for Educators

100% online

No ATAR required. Start with a subject.

Starts 26 Aug 2024

Curtin University

UndergraduateCUR-EDC153

Performing Arts for Educators

100% online

No ATAR required. Start with a subject.

Starts 26 Aug 2024

Curtin University

100% online

No ATAR required. Start with a subject.

Starts 26 Aug 2024

Online early childhood education degrees

Get ready to make a difference in people's lives and become a teacher by studying a bachelor degree.

Curtin University

Comprehensive pre-service teaching preparation

Enter the valued profession of early childhood teaching and child care. Study core subjects, professional studies and electives to be qualified to teach children aged 0-8 years in early learning centres and in junior school settings.

Online & on-campus

4 years full time or part time equivalent

No ATAR required. Start with a subject.

Swinburne University of Technology

Teach children aged between 6 weeks and 12 years old

Study teaching online to work in childcare centres, kindergartens, and primary schools. You’ll explore theories of teaching and learning, and build practical skills in real learning environments. Teach maths, English, art, music, PE and more.

100% online

4 years full time or part time equivalent

Southern Cross University

Double your options to work with young learners

From play to personal development, subjects in this degree prepare you to teach young and school aged children. Study the fundamentals of literacy and numeracy. Delve into science and art. Professional placements help you put theory into practice.

Online & on-campus

4 years full time or part time equivalent

University of Southern Queensland

UndergraduateUSQ-BEC-DEG

Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood)

Swinburne University of Technology

Teach art, music, English and maths in early learning

Guide young children through the basics before primary school. Study online and gain experience in work placements. You’ll build practical skills to manage the learning environment. Nurture curious, healthy, and active children. Shape young minds. 

100% online

4 years full time or part time equivalent

Southern Cross University

UndergraduateSCU-ECE-DEG

Bachelor of Early Childhood Education

There’s great career prospects for trained early childhood teachers

Work in childcare centres, preschools and more. You’ll learn how to educate children aged six-weeks-old to six-years-old. Cover literacy, language, and pedagogical approaches. Capture their curiosity. Create healthy learning environments.

Online & on-campus

3 years full time or part time equivalent

La Trobe University

UndergraduateLAT-ECE-DEG

Bachelor of Early Childhood Education

Formalise and build on your early childhood education experience

This degree offers a recognised pathway to qualified work in the kindergarten. Get up to speed with the current theory and technology for teaching early years. And through work-based learning, bring it all together in your classroom placements.

Online & on-campus

Approx. 2.5 years full time or part time equivalent

Edith Cowan University

Become a professional educator in early learning environments

Meet children’s educational needs in kinder, pre-primary school, and childcare settings. This nationally accredited teaching degree includes the opportunity to pick up a specialisation during Year 4, including Catholic Studies and Special Education.

Online & on-campus

4 years full time or part time equivalent

Online early childhood education master degrees

Deepen your understanding of education with postgraduate study.

Australian Catholic University

Bring your love of learning to the classroom

Focus on creating a great environment to support childhood learning. Become a passionate advocate for the rights of children. Explore the ways that you can help children to build knowledge, skills and positive attitudes.

Online & on-campus

2 years full time or part time equivalent

Curtin University

Master the art of teaching children

Master advanced critical skills for teaching the needs of 21st century learners. Consider culture and diversity and draw on theory and research. Learn to lead and practice professionally in schools. Manage early childhood education and care centres.

Online & on-campus

2 years full time or part time equivalent

Southern Cross University

PostgraduateSCU-MTE-MAS

Master of Teaching

Specialise in and teach early childhood or secondary education

Become an unforgettable teacher. Start by choosing your specialisation, then explore the relevant learning environment and curriculum. Professional placements develop your classroom confidence. Advanced theoretical knowledge gives you an employment edge.

Online & on-campus

2 years full time or part time equivalent

University of Southern Queensland

Teach children in supportive learning environments

Add this approved early childhood teacher qualification to your bachelor degree–and become a registered teacher in just 18 months! Discover how to teach children from birth to eight years. Explore how they learn. Create supportive environments.

Online & on-campus

2 years full time or part time equivalent

Australian Catholic University

Spread the world of God in the classroom.

Combine your passion for education with a specialisation in teaching religion. Build on your knowledge and skill in teaching children with the basic certification and fundamental knowledge you need to engage children in religious education.

Online & on-campus

2 years full time or part time equivalent

Discover 101 ways to study early childhood education with leading Australian universities.

Explore early childhood education courses

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Early childhood education study FAQs

Am I suited to early childhood education?

Cast your mind back to the people who guided you through your early years. What did they do that shaped you?

There are a few key qualities that are ideal if you’re looking into an early childhood education and care course.

  • Do you have a love of learning?
    To inspire a love of learning in others, you must love learning yourself. During an early childhood degree, and throughout your career, you’ll be tasked with understanding the psychology behind young minds so that you can help them develop.
  • Are you patient and calm?
    Being able to keep cool as a cucumber in a variety of classroom situations is key. Children feed off the energy of those around them. If you’re a patient person by nature, this could be the place for you to shine.
  • Do you enjoy organisation and planning?
    Planning activities and lessons that inspire young minds is important in this profession. Complete an early childhood education online course, and you could put your knack for organisation to good use.

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5 inclusive teaching strategies to know

Start practising these strategies in your classroom now, or bookmark them for your learning journey. Inclusive school communities equal inclusive societies, period.

What is inclusive education?

Inclusive education is about students of all abilities, backgrounds and identities learning and growing together. Read more about the positives, negatives and practicalities here. 

Why teaching is a good career choice

Teaching could help you find purpose and make a genuine difference in the lives of young people. Here’s how. 

We’re here to guide you to the right uni course

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Over 515,000 students have enrolled in university through us since 1993.

How we can help you

Studying through Open Universities Australia means we take care of the guesswork and administration of university study, so you can focus on learning.

You don't need a strong academic history to go to uni

We make it possible for everyone to start university through single subjects, regardless of ATAR or study experience. These subjects are covered by government loans, and can be used to upskill or gain entry into a qualification.

You have the flexibility to start at multiple points during the year

We’re not restricted by a traditional academic calendar, so you can enrol when it suits your life. You also have total control over how you study. You can scale up (or down) your study load and even pause your course if you need to.

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As a not for profit, we have your best interests at heart. Our advisors are here 7 days a week to guide and support you. It’s our priority to get you qualified with the university of your choice.

Enrol in courses from 25 of Australia's leading universities

Curtin University logoUniversity of Adelaide logo
Macquarie University logoJames Cook University Australia logo
Murdoch University logoUniversity of New England logo
The University of Queensland logoEdith Cowan University logo
Flinders University logoSwinburne University logo
Torrens University Australia logoCharles Sturt University logo
Southern Cross University logoGriffith University logo
RMIT University logoUniversity of the Sunshine Coast logo
The University of Notre Dame Australia logoThe University of Newcastle logo
University of South Australia logoUniversity of Tasmania logo
Australian Catholic University logoUniversity of Southern Queensland logo
Australian National University logoBond University logo
La Trobe University logo

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