Edith Cowan University
We shape study around you, so you can take the next step with confidence.
About Edith Cowan University
Real impact starts with real learning. The kind of learning that fits around your life while helping you build skills you can put into practice straight away. Whether you're looking to grow in your current role, change direction, or take the first step towards a new career, ECU gives you the confidence to move forward.
With courses designed alongside industry and learning experiences grounded in real-world challenges, you'll graduate with practical skills that employers value. And through industry partnerships, internships and work-integrated learning opportunities, you'll build connections that can help open new doors.
ECU offers a student experience that’s shaped around you. We know there's no single path into higher education, which is why we offer flexible ways to get started, including entry pathways such as UniPrep. Alongside dedicated support services and wellbeing programs, we're here to help you navigate study with confidence, wherever you're starting from and wherever you want to go.
Explore ECU courses
Edith Cowan University rankings
How does ECU stack up against other universities in Australia and worldwide?
Best overall educational experience
Rated #1 public university for overall experience (Good Universities Guide 2026).
5-star support
Rated #1 in Australia for student support (Good Universities Guide 2026).
Discover online courses from Edith Cowan University
Degrees
Bachelor of Psychology and Counselling
UndergraduateECU-PSC-DEG
Analyse, listen, and respond to people with empathy
Begin to explore people’s behaviour and gain the confidence to help them change. Complement your growing knowledge of psychology with introductory counselling skills. By exploring your own values, you’ll be prepped to work with groups and individuals.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Duration
- 3 years full time or part time equivalent
Bachelor of Psychology, Criminology and Justice
UndergraduateECU-PCJ-DEG
Prepare for a fascinating career in the criminal justice system
Learn how to use psychology to understand criminal behaviour. Explore the theories of criminology and get to know the major institutions of criminal justice in Australia. Graduate ready for meaningful roles in justice, police, and human services.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Duration
- 3 years full time or part time equivalent
Graduate Diploma in Mental Health Nursing
PostgraduateECU-MHN-GDI
Explore modern, evidence-based mental health nursing care
Learn to assess and support patients in a variety of mental health settings. You’ll work on skills to make confident care decisions. This diploma opens doors to roles in community mental health, drug and alcohol services, and mental health services.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Duration
- 1 year full time or part time equivalent
Graduate Certificate in Midwifery Diagnostics and Prescribing
PostgraduateECU-MDP-GCE
Use tests and medicines to extend your care of childbearing women
Learn how to include scheduled medicines and diagnostics in your holistic care plans. Explore applied pharmacology. Unpack antenatal screening and diagnostics tests. You’ll study current professional guidelines and work towards endorsement as a prescriber.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Duration
- 6 months full time or part time equivalent
Bachelor of Community and Human Services
UndergraduateECU-CHS-DEG
Empower communities, champion diversity, and create meaningful change
Connect with and support people, families and communities. You’ll explore social change, cultural diversity, and human rights. Build real-world experience and networks through field placements. Graduate ready to make a lasting difference to people’s lives.
- Study method
- Online & on-campus
- Duration
- 3 years full time or part time equivalent
Graduate Certificate in Contemporary Care of the Older Person
PostgraduateECU-CCO-GCE
Specialise in caring for older adults in various settings
Open doors to roles in residential aged care, hospitals, and home care settings. You’ll learn to support older persons’ holistic well-being. Unpack the complexities of caring for the aged and working with their families. Explore current policies and standards.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Duration
- 6 months full time or part time equivalent
UndergraduateECU-COU-DEG
Gain knowledge and skills in the foundations of counselling
Explore your own values, assumptions, and views to understand how people define themselves and how you might help them. Communicate, reflect, negotiate, and resolve conflict. Specialise in family and child support or professional youth work.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Duration
- 3 years full time or part time equivalent
UndergraduateECU-PSY-DEG
An accredited pathway to becoming a psychologist
Understanding feelings, thoughts and behaviours builds your awareness of why people act and interact—making you a highly valued employee. Work towards a professional psychologist practice, or unlock careers in mental health, business, and policy.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Duration
- 3 years full time or part time equivalent
Why ECU?
ECU offers an unmatched online experience, making it easy for you to balance study with other life commitments. Learn the skills you need to make an impact with our world-class learning resources, and make the most of our dedicated academic support, student services and IT to help you succeed. If you live nearby, you can also enjoy full access to any of our incredible campuses, including cutting-edge technology and inspiring study spaces.
Wherever you’re starting from, we’re excited to be part of your journey.
Edith Cowan University FAQs
Why should I study at ECU?
ECU is one of Australia's highest-rated universities for teaching quality, with a 5-star rating for undergraduate teaching in the Good Universities Guide for 19 consecutive years. ECU offers flexible study options to help you balance study with work, family and other commitments. As an ECU student, you'll also have access to academic support, learning resources and student services throughout your studies.
What is it like to study online with ECU?
Online study with ECU gives you flexibility to learn when and where it suits you. You'll access lectures, learning materials, assessments and unit information through Canvas, the university's online learning platform. As a guide, most students spend around 10–12 hours per week per unit, depending on course and study load.
What support is available to me as an online student?
As an online student, you’ll have access to support throughout your studies. This includes help from lecturers, tutors and unit coordinators, as well as academic skills support, library services, technical assistance and student wellbeing resources. Most support services can be accessed online, so you’ll be well supported wherever you’re based.
How much time should I set aside for online study?
Plan for around 10–12 hours per week per unit, depending on your enrolment and unit requirements. This includes lectures, learning activities, readings and assessments. Online study offers flexibility through Canvas, so you can study around your schedule.
I don't meet the entry requirements. What pathways are available?
If you don’t meet the entry requirements, you still have options. Open Universities Australia offers a variety of unique avenues towards further education, no matter your study history. Our student advisors can help you find the best option for your situation and work out a plan to get you in to ECU.
Can I get help choosing the right course?
If you need help choosing an ECU course, get in touch with one of our friendly student advisors. They’re here to help you explore your options based on your interests, experience and goals. They can guide you through ECU courses available through Open Universities Australia and help you find the right fit.
How do I apply to study with ECU?
If you find an ECU degree you’re interested in, select ‘Enquire now’ on the course page and fill out the form. A representative from ECU will then get in touch with you. They will be able to guide you on the application process, and answer your questions around entry requirements, your eligibility for course credit, and HELP loans.
For your peace of mind, an Open Universities Australia student advisor will contact you after you speak with the university to see how you went. We can steer you in another direction if you haven’t quite found the course for you.
Need help choosing the right university?
Our student advisors are here to answer your questions about courses, universities and online study.
They can help you:
Compare universities, course structures and entry requirements
Map pathways into your course and explore specialisations
Understand fees and funding options, including HELP loans
Get unbiased advice at no cost today.
Looking for other ways to start the conversation? Contact us
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