Bachelor of Education - The Early Years

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. You will learn about child development, establishing respectful and caring relationships with children and their families, cultural and social diversity, early intervention, leadership and advocacy.

Professional Experience is the heart of our early childhood educator training. Students complete professional experience placements each year of the four years of the degree in a diverse range of settings.

Entry Requirements

Academic requirements and English requirements are available from the Course Finder.

Course Learning Outcomes

Students graduating from the Bachelor of Education - The Early Years will demonstrate: 

1. A broad and coherent knowledge of Early Childhood Education and Care pedagogies, policies and professional practice. 
2. Ongoing analysis of and engagement with the philosophy, ethics and practice in Early Childhood Education and Care.
3. Developed cognitive, practical and communication skills to foster wellbeing in children and to collaborate respectfully with families, communities and educators.
4. An understanding of the theory-practice nexus, its role and theirs as the teacher as researcher.
5. Emerging skills in autonomous problem solving, adaptive and innovative approaches to planning, programming and evaluating for all learners in the Early Childhood Education and Care context.
6. A holistic understanding of socially inclusive practice; respect for culture, diversity and community in Australian society.

Course Structure

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

1. The successful completion of 192 credit points, comprising:
   1. 27 core subjects (168cp);
   2. 4 elective subjects (24cp); 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.

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.

A list of approved minor studies from other Faculties can be found listed in Appendix 3 – Schedule of Minor Studies in the General Course Rules policy.

Dean's Scholar

A Dean's Scholar program is available. More information can be found here.

Honours

An Honours program is available. More information can be found here.

Credit Arrangements

Credit and articulation arrangements are available from the Course Finder. Refer to UOW's credit arrangements for information on how to apply for credit.

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

Further information is available at:
UOW Course Finder
Email: ssc@uow.edu.au