Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood and Primary)
Why study the Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood and Primary) at UNE?
The Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood and Primary) is a unique teacher education course that offers two career options for graduates. It is an initial-teacher education qualification that encompasses working with children from birth to age 12 in both Early Childhood settings and Primary Schools.
Being a teacher is a rewarding career for those who enjoy being part of children's growth and learning. The professional understandings and abilities learned in the Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood and Primary) will be valued by the broader community. Students will have opportunities to develop their skills, knowledge and attitudes for being a successful early childhood and primary school teacher and become a member of one of the largest professions worldwide.
The Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood and Primary) is a fully prescribed (all core units) course in which students study both early childhood teacher education and primary teacher education. All students complete a Primary Specialisation in Literacy across Transition Years. Graduates develop a range of skills and values that prepare them for a variety of employment opportunities in either field of the education profession.
This course is accredited with the following bodies:
(1) NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) - the Jurisdictional teacher regulatory authority responsible for ensuring compliance and accreditation in conjunction with the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL);
and is pending reaccreditation with the following body:
(2) Australian Children's Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) - the national regulatory authority for the early childhood education and care sector.
IMPORTANT ADVICE
The NSW Government raised admission requirements for undergraduate teaching courses in 2016. The new requirements are considerably higher than before and specify a minimum of three Band 5 HSC results, including one in English, or bridging units or alternative pathway as approved by NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA). Further information is available via the NESA Teacher Accreditation website.
UNE offers pathways to teaching for those applicants who do not meet the new admission requirements:
You may complete an appropriate number/combination of NESA-approved bridging units or the first year of your undergraduate studies in a non-teacher education course such as the Bachelor of Educational Studies. You may then apply to transfer, with Advanced Standing (credit), to the Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood and Primary).
Career Opportunities
Primary Teaching; Early Childhood Teacher or Education related career choices e.g.: Director of children's service; Coordinator of family day care scheme; Teacher-director of a preschool; Children's services TAFE teacher or VET trainer; Early childhood consultant for non-profit organisations; Assistant Director of child and family services; or Early childhood specialist for family-oriented organisations.
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Degree Snapshot
DURATION
4 or 3.5 or 2.5 Years Full-time
Up to 10 years Part-time
FEES
Commonwealth Supported Place
2017 ATAR / OP
77.10 / 11
2018 STUDY OPTIONS
Armidale
Trimester 1, Online
Trimester 1, On Campus
Trimester 2, Online
Official Abbreviation | BEd(EC-Prim) | ||||||||||||
Course Type | Undergraduate | ||||||||||||
Commencing |
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Course Duration |
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2017 ATAR | 77.10 | ||||||||||||
2017 OP | 11 | ||||||||||||
Fees | Commonwealth Supported Place | ||||||||||||
Total Credit Points | 192 | ||||||||||||
Intensive Schools | Mandatory intensive schools may be a requirement of some of the units in this course. See Unit Catalogue for specific requirements. |
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Entry Requirements | A candidate shall be qualified for admission (see Admission Undergraduate and Postgraduate (Coursework) Rule and Admission Undergraduate and Postgraduate (Coursework) Procedures); and (a) have a minimum of three Band 5 and/or E3 HSC results including English; or (b) have completed at least a year (48 credit points) of discipline studies (non-Education units) in a higher education qualification; or (c) have completed a NESA-approved alternative entry pathway; or (d) (i) hold an AQF Level 5 Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care or equivalent, approved by the Australian Children's Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA); and (ii) have completed early childhood workplace experience comprising one year full-time (or equivalent) room leader experience after satisfying the above requirement or two years full-time (or equivalent) experience as a family day care accredited provider or an early childhood teacher assistant/aide or an accredited before and after school carer after satisfying the above requirement; or (e) hold a three-year AQF Level 7 Bachelor degree in Early Childhood recognised by the Australian Children's Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) with a conferral date of not more than 10 years prior to the proposed commencement in the Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood and Primary); or (f) hold a four-year AQF Level 7 Bachelor degree in Primary Education, or AQF Level 7 Bachelor degree and an AQF Level 9 two year pre-service primary teaching qualification, recognised by the NSW Education Standard Authority (NESA) or interstate equivalent body, with a conferral date of not more than 10 years prior to the proposed commencement in the Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood and Primary); and (g) satisfy the School of their suitability for teaching through the satisfactory completion of the Personal Statement for Initial Teacher Education Course Entry. A candidate shall comply with the University's English Language Requirements for Courses in Education Accredited by the NSW Education Standards Authority. Assumed knowledge is any two units of English, and any two units of Mathematics. |
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Additional Requirements | Additional Requirements Prior to undertaking a professional experience placement in New South Wales, there are a number of mandatory requirements which must be fulfilled. Working with Children Check* All students intending to enrol in units of study involving a practical experience placement or otherwise requiring interaction with children, will be required to obtain and maintain a NSW Working with Children Check clearance (or equivalent, depending upon relevant State requirements). The student is required to provide the University with appropriate evidence of their clearance, which will be verified at UNE. Relevant Government agencies will advise the University of any bar that may be placed upon a student, and UNE will respond accordingly. Child Protection Awareness Training* All teacher education students must complete online Child Protection and Awareness Training prior to the commencement of their first professional experience placement. Anaphylaxis Training* All initial teacher education students must be trained in anaphylaxis management before they can undertake any professional experience placement. *These requirements are subject to change. Students are referred to the Office for Professional Learning - Professional Experience Placement webpage for current information (including requirements for other states). Fit for Practice/Informed Consent Information Prospective candidates should only accept an offer of a place in this course if they are able to meet the following "Fit for Practice" requirements: (i) abide by relevant UNE Rules and Procedures, for example, Student Behavioural Misconduct Rules, and any relevant School of Education Policies, for example, the Professional Experience Policy for professional placements; (ii) exercise sound judgement based on cognitive, mental and physical health and be able to respond appropriately to demands of teaching situations; (iii) demonstrate personal resilience and persistence to cope and maintain wellbeing under stressful situations; (iv) demonstrate satisfactory academic progression prior to professional placement; (v) safeguard the University's integrity and demonstrate duty of care to students/children while engaged in professional experience; (vi) show personal maturity to ensure that a professional relationship is established with students/children; (vii) communicate to students/children with clarity and in an appropriate manner that relates to their age/profile; (viii) possess and model the literacy and numeracy skills expected of teachers in interactions they have within the classroom and broader settings; (ix) be able to create, evaluate and reflect on the physical and emotional safety of students/children in a variety of situations and environments; and (x) be able to establish and maintain effective professional relationships with colleagues and the broader school/early childhood community. Candidates who have or who develop a disability that may or will prevent them from meeting the above professional experience requirements should contact Student Support to see if reasonable adjustments are practicable. Candidates who have difficulties meeting some of the above professional experience requirements will be required to contact the Office for Professional Learning to put in place remedial and/or counselling activities through a pro-active approach to improve their teaching practice. Professional Placements A requirement of accreditation is that primary school professional placements must be undertaken in a school using NSW Education Standards Authority syllabuses or equivalent Australian syllabuses and be assessing teaching proficiency against the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers. Students may only complete up to 10% (7.5 days) of the required primary professional experience (practicum) days in primary schools not using NSW Education Standards Authority syllabuses or equivalent Australian syllabuses. Limited placements can occur in non-Australian settings in accordance with the NESA policy regarding overseas placements. Early Childhood Education service professional placements must be undertaken in ACECQA- approved Early Childhood Education Services with a four year-qualified supervising teacher and using the Early Years Framework for Australia. Students are referred to the Office for Professional Learning - Professional Experience Placement webpage for further information. Students who are required to undertake professional experience placement must read, understand and adhere to the Professional Experience Policy of the School of Education. |
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Practical, Clinical or Work Experience | This course has 135 days of embedded professional experience of which 75 days of professional experience are in primary school settings and 60 days of professional experience in various early childhood settings. 22 Days of the early childhood professional experience are undertaken with children from birth to age two years in relevant settings and 33 days are with children aged from three to five years in relevant settings. The remaining five days of professional experience are adult-focused in terms of leadership/management. |
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Advanced Standing | Candidates are referred to the University Policy on Advanced Standing. Candidates admitted under Rule (d) shall be granted a maximum of 42 credit points of Specified Advanced Standing based on their admission to candidature. Up to a further 84 credit points may be granted based on undergraduate Early Childhood units taken as part of an incomplete AQF Level 7 ACECQA-Approved Early Childhood Teaching qualification. Candidates admitted under Rule (e) shall be granted a maximum of 78 credit points of Specified Advanced Standing based on their admission to candidature. Up to a further 36 credit points may be granted based on units that were not part of the degree on which admission was based. Candidates admitted under Rule (f) shall be granted a maximum of 96 credit points of Specified Advanced Standing based on their admission to candidature. Up to a further 30 credit points may be granted based on units that were not part of the degree on which admission was based. |
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Scholarships | The University offers a number of Faculty/College and country scholarships available to Australian citizens and permanent residents. |
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Academic Colours | Violet (BCC-179) |
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Further Information |
You can find instant answers to many of your questions or contact UNE directly via AskUNE |
Admission to Candidature
A candidate shall be qualified for admission (see Admission Undergraduate and Postgraduate (Coursework) Rule and the Admission Undergraduate and Postgraduate (Coursework) Procedures); and
(a) have a minimum of three Band 5 and/or E3 HSC results including English; or
(b) have completed at least a year (48 credit points) of discipline studies (non-Education units) in a higher education qualification; or
(c) have completed a NESA-approved alternative entry pathway; or
(d) (i) hold an AQF Level 5 Diploma in Children’s Services approved by the Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA); and
(ii) have completed early childhood workplace experience comprising one year full-time (or equivalent) room leader experience after satisfying the above requirement or two years full-time (or equivalent) experience as a family day care accredited provider or an early childhood teacher assistant/aide or an accredited before and after school carer after satisfying the above requirement; or
(e) hold a three-year AQF Level 7 Bachelor degree in Early Childhood recognised by the Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) with a conferral date of not more than 10 years prior to the proposed commencement in the Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood and Primary); or
(f) hold a four-year AQF Level 7 Bachelor degree in Primary Education, or an AQF Level 7 Bachelor degree and an AQF Level 9 two-year pre-service primary teaching qualification, recognised by the NSW Education Standard Authority (NESA) or interstate equivalent body, with a conferral date of not more than 10 years prior to the proposed commencement in the Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood and Primary); and
(g) satisfy the School of their suitablility for teaching through the satisfactory completion of the Personal Statement for Initial Teacher Education Course Entry.
English Language Proficiency
A candidate shall comply with the University's English Language Requirements for Courses in Education Accredited by the NSW Education Standards Authority.
Additional Requirements
Prior to undertaking a professional experience placement in New South Wales, there are a number of mandatory requirements which must be fulfilled.
Working with Children Check*
All students intending to enrol in units of study involving a practical experience placement or otherwise requiring interaction with children, will be required to obtain and maintain a NSW Working with Children Check clearance (or equivalent, depending upon relevant State requirements). The student is required to provide the University with appropriate evidence of their clearance, which will be verified at UNE. Relevant Government agencies will advise the University of any bar that may be placed upon a student, and UNE will respond accordingly.
Child Protection Awareness Training*
All teacher education students must complete online Child Protection and Awareness Training prior to the commencement of their first professional experience placement.
Anaphylaxis Training*
All initial teacher education students must be trained in anaphylaxis management before they can undertake any professional experience placements.
*These requirements are subject to change. Students are referred to the Office for Professional Learning - Professional Experience Placement webpage for current information (including requirements for other states).
Fit for Practice/Informed Consent Information
Prospective candidates should only accept an offer of a place in this course if they are able to meet the following "Fit for Practice" requirements:
- abide by relevant UNE Rules and Procedures, for example, Student Behavioural Misconduct Rules, and any relevant School of Education Policies, for example, the Professional Experience Policy for professional placements;
- exercise sound judgement based on cognitive, mental and physical health and be able to respond appropriately to demands of teaching situations;
- demonstrate personal resilience and persistence to cope and maintain wellbeing under stressful situations;
- demonstrate satisfactory academic progression prior to professional placement;
- safeguard the University's integrity and demonstrate duty of care to students/children while engaged in professional experience;
- show personal maturity to ensure that a professional relationship is established with students/children;
- communicate to students/children with clarity and in an appropriate manner that relates to their age/profile;
- possess and model the literacy and numeracy skills expected of teachers in interactions they have within the classroom and broader settings;
- be able to create, evaluate and reflect on the physical and emotional safety of students/children in a variety of situations and environments; and
- be able to establish and maintain effective professional relationships with colleagues and the broader school/early childhood community.
Candidates who have or who develop a disability that may or will prevent them from meeting the above professional experience requirements should contact Student Support to see if reasonable adjustments are practicable.
Candidates who have difficulties in meeting some of the above professional experience requirements will be required to contact the Office for Professional Learning to put in place remedial and/or counselling activities through a pro-active approach to improve their teaching practice.
Professional Placements
A requirement of accreditation is that primary school professional placements must be undertaken in a school using NSW Education Standards Authority syllabuses or equivalent Australian syllabuses and be assessing teaching proficiency against the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers. Students may only complete up to 10% (7.5 days) of the required primary professional experience (practicum) days in primary schools not using NSW Education Standards Authority syllabuses or equivalent Australian syllabuses. Limited placements can occur in non-Australian settings in accordance with the NESA policy regarding overseas placements. Early Childhood Education service professional placements must be undertaken in ACECQA-approved Early Childhood Education Services with a four year-qualified supervising teacher and using the Early Years Framework for Australia. Students are referred to the Office for Professional Learning - Professional Experience Placement webpage for further information. Students who are required to undertake professional experience placements must read, understand and adhere to the Professional Experience Policy of the School of Education.
Advanced Standing
Candidates are referred to the University Policy on Advanced Standing.
Candidates admitted under Rule (d) shall be granted a maximum of 42 credit points of Specified Advanced Standing based on their admission to candidature. Up to a further 84 credit points may be granted based on undergraduate Early Childhood units taken as part of an incomplete AQF Level 7 ACECQA-Approved Early Childhood Teaching qualification.
Candidates admitted under Rule (e) shall be granted a maximum of 78 credit points of Specified Advanced Standing based on their admission to candidature. Up to a further 36 credit points may be granted based on units that were not part of the degree on which admission was based.
Candidates admitted under Rule (f) shall be granted a maximum of 96 credit points of Specified Advanced Standing based on their admission to candidature. Up to a further 30 credit points may be granted based on units that were not part of the degree on which admission was based.
Period of Candidature
For candidates admitted under Rules (a) or (b) or (c), the period of candidature shall be:
(a) four years as a full-time candidate;
(b) up to ten years as a part-time candidate.
For candidates admitted under Rules (d), the period of candidature shall be:
(a) three and a half years as a full-time candidate;
(b) up to seven years as a part-time candidate.
For candidates admitted under Rules (e), the period of candidature shall be:
(a) two and a half years as a full-time candidate;
(b) up to five years as a part-time candidate.
For candidates admitted under Rule (f), the period of candidature shall be:
(a) two years as a full-time candidate;
(b) up to four years as a part-time candidate.
Due to academic qualification requirements this course cannot be completed in less than three years unless the period of candidature has been reduced for advanced standing granted.
Course Requirements
To qualify for the award a candidate must pass units to the value of 192 credit points which includes 135 days of embedded professional experience.
With the exception of candidates admitted under Rule (f), who already have an approved Initial Teacher Education qualification, all candidates must pass the National Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education Students to qualify for the award. The test must be passed before the final professional experience placement.
With the exception of candidates admitted under Rule (f), who already have an approved Initial Teacher Education qualification, all candidates must pass a Teaching Performance Assessment (TPA) during the final professional experience placement.
Program of Study
Candidates shall complete an approved program of study as outlined in the Course Schedule comprising:
For candidates admitted under Rules (a) or (b) or (c)
Course Structure | Credit Points |
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Core Units (including 135 days embedded Professional Experience) | 192 cps |
National Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education Students | - |
Teaching Performance Assessment | - |
Total | 192 cps |
To view complete Program of Study click here
Articulation Program
This program is articulated with the following ACECQA-approved programs:
For candidates admitted under Rule (d)
Diploma in Children's Services or equivalent. Candidates must pass units to the value of 150 credit points.
See the ACECQA website for ACECQA-approved Diploma-level qualifications.
Course Structure | Credit Points |
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Specified Advanced Standing | 42 cps |
Core Units (including 110 days embedded Professional Experience) | 150 cps |
National Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education Students | - |
Teaching Performance Assessment | - |
Total | 192 cps |
To view complete Program of Study click here
For candidates admitted under Rule (e)
Three Year AQF Level 7 ACECQA approved Bachelor Degree in Early Childhood Teaching (ECT) with a conferral date of not more than ten years prior to the proposed commencement of studies in the Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood and Primary). Candidates must pass units to the value of 114 credit points.
See the ACECQA website, Qualification Level "ECT".
Course Structure | Credit Points |
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Specified Advanced Standing | 78 cps |
Core Units (including 90 days embedded Professional Experience) | 114 cps |
National Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education Students | - |
Teaching Performance Assessment | - |
Total | 192 cps |
To view complete Program of Study click here
For candidates admitted under Rule (f)
Four-year AQF Level 7 Bachelor degree in Primary Education, or AQF Level 7 Bachelor degree and an AQF Level 8 or Level 9 one or two year pre-service primary teaching qualification, recognised by the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) or interstate equivalent body, with a conferral date of not more than 10 years prior to the proposed commencement in the Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood and Primary). Candidates must pass units to the value of 96 credit points.
Course Structure | Credit Points |
---|---|
Specified Advanced Standing | 96 cps |
Core Units (including 60 days embedded Professional Experience) | 96 cps |
Total | 192 cps |
To view complete Program of Study click here
Award of Degree
Candidates who meet the course requirements shall be awarded the Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood and Primary).
Exit Pathways
Candidates who discontinue their studies in the course may be eligible to exit with the non-accredited, non-teaching qualification, Diploma in Educational Studies, on completion of 48 credit points at 100-level or above.
Candidates who discontinue their studies in the course may be eligible to exit with the non-accredited, non-teaching qualification, Bachelor of Educational Studies, on completion of 144 credit points including at least 36 credit points at 300-level or above.
Candidates who apply to discontinue their studies must apply for re-admission and will be subject to current course requirements of the Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood and Primary). This may mean that they will not receive full recognition for their previous studies should the course structure have changed in response to University or external body requirements.
Academic Progress
Candidates admitted under Rules (a) to (e) who have not passed the National Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education Students before their final professional placement may be asked to show cause why their candidature should not be discontinued and they be transferred to another course.
Candidates admitted under Rules (a) to (e) who are unable to pass the Teaching Performance Assessment will be transferred to another (non-teacher education) course.
Appeals
Candidates are referred to the Academic Assessment Appeals Policy and the Academic Assessment Appeals Procedures.
Course Progression
Candidates are referred to the Course Progression Rule and the Course Progression Procedures.
Improper Conduct
Candidates are referred to the Student Coursework Academic Misconduct Rule and the Student Coursework Academic Misconduct Procedures.
Course Aims |
On completion of this course, students will be Early Childhood teachers (Australian Children's Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) requirements) and Primary teachers who satisfy the seven standards prescribed by the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership. |
Learning Outcomes |
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
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Graduate Attributes |
Knowledge of a DisciplineGraduates will have the broad and coherent knowledge to effectively plan and deliver education in early childhood and primary school settings and will understand the cultural contexts and global perspectives of early childhood and schooling in general and the diversity of the family and student population. They will be able to demonstrate intercultural competence by responding flexibly to the needs of young children, students, colleagues, families and community members. Communication SkillsGraduates will be able to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with young children, students, colleagues, parents and other stakeholders. Problem SolvingGraduates will be able to exercise critical thinking and judgement in identifying and solving problems with intellectual independence. Information LiteracyGraduates will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of digital resources and tools and their safe, legal and ethical use, and be able to apply this knowledge in the early childhood and primary school settings. Ethical Conduct and Social ResponsibilityGraduates will have developed responsibility for others and an understanding that personal beliefs and actions impinge on others. They will demonstrate this through ethical conduct and by being sensitive and responsive to the needs of children, students, colleagues, families and the community in the provision of a safe and supportive environment. Lifelong LearningGraduates will understand the importance of life-long learning and will be equipped with the skills to pursue professional and personal development. Independence and CollaborationGraduates will be able to work independently and collaboratively with others to achieve educational and professional goals. |
How to Apply
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