Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Education)
Student type:
Quick facts
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Entry score
Not applicable
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Duration
Full-time 4 years, Part-time 8 years
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Location
Bundoora
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Fees
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Next intake
February, July
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Entry score
IELTS 6.5
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Duration
Full-time 4 years
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Location
Bundoora
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Fees
AU$24,960 (2018 annual)
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Next intake
February, July
Program brochure
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Overview
Gain a globally recognised qualification to teach children in the most critical years of their development and growth
RMIT’s Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Education) equips you with the skills and qualifications you need to teach in early childhood settings across Australia and overseas.
This program is designed to give aspiring teachers practical skills and deep knowledge on how young children learn.
What you will gain through this program
In this program you will gain understanding about children’s creativity, develop problem solving skills and ability to innovate when planning quality curriculum to promote children’s learning.
Our professional placement program allows you to experience life in the classroom and build confidence in linking theories into practice.
Why a Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Education) at RMIT?
By choosing RMIT, you’ll be studying at an institution that has over 50 years of experience and a reputation for excellence in the area of teacher education.
Our programs combine hands-on experiences with leading research, exposing you to the rich and engaging tasks that are directly linked to the teaching profession.
Graduates are qualified to teach in all early childhood settings both here and overseas.
Details
You will experience a wide variety of teaching and learning approaches, including:
- interactive seminars
- self-directed research
- group-based learning
- reflection on visual materials
- excursions
- online discussions.
Class sizes are small so that you can develop a connection with fellow students and teachers.
This program utilises a range of formative, summative and reflective assessment methods to evaluate learning. The aim of assessment is to develop pre-service teacher’ skills in critical thinking and reflective practice. Assessment components include formal assessments and informal self-assessments so that students can monitor their own learning. Assessment will be used to provide students with feedback on their progress.
All programs are delivered in English. You will have access to online and digital resources through the myRMIT student portal.
You will complete 80 days of supervised professional placement in different early childhood settings in the second, third and fourth years of the degree.
RMIT has an established reputation with many schools, communities and enterprises, which assists students in finding quality and rewarding professional placements.
Through these placements you will learn and develop your own teacher identity. These experiences involve problem-based learning and reflection on practice as you receive feedback from professional mentors.
Academics in the early childhood programs are strongly encouraged to maintain their linkages with industry and are active members of many key early childhood organisations both in Australia and in international forums.
RMIT University is committed to providing you with an education that strongly links formal learning with professional or vocational practice.
You have the opportunity to undertake international student exchange programs for a semester in Canada, England, the USA, Sweden and more.
There are also opportunities for students to complete alternative work placements in the Cook Islands, Nepal or in remote indigenous communities in the Northern Territory.
Teaching is a globally transferable qualification that will always be in demand.
4 years full-time or 8 years part-time
3 years full-time or 6 years part-time for graduates of the Diploma of Children's Services or equivalent.
The Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Education) is a two year program which focuses on the education and care of children from birth to 8 in a range of early childhood settings.
The Early Childhood Education award plan is designed to prepare pre-service teachers for work with children in early childhood settings. It aims to develop and enhance students’ professional teaching skills as well as develop sound knowledge of theoretical approaches and issues relevant to improving the quality of education in the early childhood sector.
The Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Education) aims to prepare teachers who:
- Are capable and have the professional knowledge to teach and foster positive developments in early childhood
- Are able to develop partnerships with families of young children and collaborate with other professionals in supporting young children in their development and learning;
- Understand pedagogical approaches through professional development, projects and other practical learning experiences, making links with theory and practice;
- Have the skills to address children's developmental and learning needs, including those with special needs in inclusive settings
- Understand children and diversity, and who are able to collaborate with colleagues, families and community.
- Use a range of approaches to understand and acknowledge historical, sociocultural, Aboriginal and Torres Island perspectives and other educational contexts
- Are able to develop professional identity and engage in ethical practices
- Are competent advocators, researchers and communicators in Early Childhood Education
- Are able to plan, assess, manage and lead quality education program for young children and families.
Eligible for employment in a diverse range of Early Childhood Organisations.
Choose a program structure
| Title | Location | Duration | Plan code | CRICOS | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Education) | Bundoora Campus |
Equivalent to FOUR (4) years Full Time or EIGHT (8) years Part Time
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Equivalent to FOUR (4) years Full Time
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BP260 | 075101G | |
| Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Education) | Bundoora Campus |
Equivalent to FOUR (4) years Full Time or EIGHT (8) years Part Time
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Equivalent to FOUR (4) years Full Time
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BP260P17 | 092365J |
Choose a program structure
Program code: BP260
Career
New government initiatives to increase provision of early childhood services have ensured the availability of many exciting career paths. As a 4-year trained teacher you can work as a teacher or director in childcare, kindergarten, pre-prep and integrated services. There are also related early childhood positions in local councils and public organisations.
Management opportunities exist in family day care schemes, government support services and in the private sector. Skilled early childhood teachers are also much sought after in the international school network.
The early childhood field also offers membership, work and networking possibilities in a range of peak organisations, ranging from publications to projects and consultations.
Careers
- early childhood teacher
- kindergarten teacher
- early learning centre manager
- pre-prep teacher
- preschool field officer.
All our early childhood qualifications are accredited by the Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA).
As recognised 4-year qualified early childhood teachers, graduates can work in all fields of early childhood.
All our early childhood qualifications are accredited by the qualifications committee of Early Childhood Australia Inc. (Victorian Branch), which advises the accrediting bodies of the Department of Human Services and the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development.
Admissions
You must have successfully completed two years of study in a Bachelor of Education or Bachelor of Early Childhood Education (or overseas equivalent).
RMIT is committed to admissions transparency. View the 2018 ATAR distribution information for our degrees and information about how admissions work at RMIT:
You must have successfully completed two years of study in an Australian Bachelor Degree in Education or Bachelor Degree in Early Childhood Education (or equivalent overseas qualification).
Equivalent qualifications may also include completion of a recognised post secondary diploma in the relevant discipline with the required grades.
Successful applicants
You will be required to complete a Working with Children Check prior to commencing the program.
Entry requirements
Non-academic abilities you’ll need to complete this program
To complete this program, you will need to meet its inherent requirements. These are the non-academic abilities you will need to participate in and complete your studies.
Some inherent requirements for this program include:
- reading, writing and number skills for demonstrating to students accurate reading, spelling and numeracy
- vision and hearing to accurately gain information and monitor students
- physical skills to perform student care
- managing your behaviour and emotions to provide safe and competent teaching
- time-based problem-solving when working with students
Visit the Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Education) inherent requirements:
Who are they for?
Inherent requirements apply to every applicant and may be worth considering if you are living with disability, long-term illness and/or a mental health condition.
Why do you need to know?
By understanding the types of activities you’ll participate in, and the non-academic abilities you may need in this program, you can:
- understand more about the program
- determine if you may need support during your studies
- make an informed decision about whether the program is suitable for you.
What support is available?
If there are any activities that may be difficult for you to undertake, please discuss this with RMIT program staff or Equitable Learning Services (ELS).
If you are living with disability, long-term illness and/or a mental health condition, we may be able to support you by making adjustments to activities in your program so that you can participate fully in your studies.
To receive learning adjustments, you need to register with ELS.
To study this program you will need to complete one of the following English proficiency tests:
- IELTS (Academic): minimum overall band of 6.5 (with no individual band below 6.0)
- TOEFL (Paper Based Test): minimum score of 580 (TWE 4.5)
- TOEFL (Internet Based Test - IBT): minimum overall score of 92 (with minimum of 20 in all sections)
- Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE (A)): minimum score of 58 (with no communication band less than 50)
- Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): minimum of 176 with no less than 169 in any component.
For detailed information on English language requirements and other proficiency tests recognised by RMIT, visit English language requirements and equivalency information.
Don't meet the English language test scores? Complete an Advanced Plus Certificate at RMIT English Worldwide.
Non-academic abilities you’ll need to complete this program
Some inherent requirements for this program include:
- reading, writing and number skills for demonstrating to students accurate reading, spelling and numeracy
- vision and hearing to accurately gain information and monitor students
- physical skills to perform student care
- managing your behaviour and emotions to provide safe and competent teaching
- time-based problem-solving when working with students
Visit the Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Education) inherent requirements:
Who are they for?
Inherent requirements apply to every applicant and may be worth considering if you are living with disability, long-term illness and/or a mental health condition.
Why do you need to know?
By understanding the types of activities you’ll participate in, and the non-academic abilities you may need in this program, you can:
- understand more about the program
- determine if you may need support during your studies
- make an informed decision about whether the program is suitable for you.
What support is available?
If there are any activities that may be difficult for you to undertake, please discuss this with RMIT program staff or Equitable Learning Services (ELS).
If you are living with disability, long-term illness and/or a mental health condition, we may be able to support you by making adjustments to activities in your program so that you can participate fully in your studies.
To receive learning adjustments, you need to register with ELS.
Pathways
Fees
All undergraduate and honours degrees have Commonwealth supported places (CSP) available.
In a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP), your tuition fees are subsidised by the Australian Government. Your share of the fee (student contribution) is set each year by the government and is determined by the discipline areas (bands) of your individual enrolled courses, not the overall program.
As a CSP student, you may be eligible to apply for a HECS-HELP loan, which allows you to defer payment of up to 100% of your student contribution.
Learn more about fees for undergraduate study.
How much can I expect to pay for my Commonwealth supported place?
Courses (subjects) fall into one of three bands. The band determines the student contribution amount for the course.
Amounts listed in the table below are based on a standard, full-time study load (96 credit points per year) with all courses in the same band. A proportionate fee applies for more or less than the full-time study load or for enrolment in courses (subjects) from a combination of bands.
You can learn how to calculate your exact tuition fees for units from different bands at Fees for Commonwealth supported students.
Maximum student contribution amount for Commonwealth supported places in 2018
| Student contribution band by course (subject) | Maximum annual student contribution amount in 2018 |
|---|---|
| Band 1: humanities, behavioural science, social studies, clinical psychology, foreign languages, visual and performing arts, education, nursing | $6,444 per standard year $805 per standard (12 credit point) course |
| Band 2: mathematics, statistics, computing, built environment, other health, allied health, science, engineering, surveying, agriculture | $9,185 per standard year $1,148 per standard (12 credit point) course |
Band 3: law, accounting, administration, economics, commerce, dentistry, medicine, veterinary science |
$10,754 per standard year $1,344 per standard (12 credit point) course |
HECS-HELP
The Australian Government provides financial assistance via the HECS-HELP loan scheme, which allows eligible students (such as Australian citizens or holders of an Australian permanent humanitarian visa) to defer payment of up to 100% of their student contribution.
How does a HELP loan work?
If your HECS-HELP and/or SA-HELP loan application is successful, the Australian Government will pay RMIT, on your behalf, up to 100% of your fees. This amount will become part of your accumulated HELP debt.
You will only start repaying your accumulated HELP debt to the Australian Government once you earn above the minimum income threshold for repayment, which is set each year by the Australian Government (this also applies if you are still studying).
The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) will calculate your compulsory repayment for the year and include this on your income tax notice.
For more information about loan repayment options see Commonwealth assistance (HELP loans) or Study Assist.
In addition to tuition fees, you will be charged an annual student services and amenities fee (SSAF), which is used to maintain and enhance services and amenities that improve your experience as an RMIT student.
The SSAF is calculated based on your enrolment load and the maximum fee for 2018 is $298.
You may be eligible to apply to defer payment of the SSAF through the SA-HELP loan scheme. If you use SA‑HELP, the amount will be added to your accumulated HELP debt.
For more information about calculating your actual SSAF see Paying SSAF.
You may also be required to purchase other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment. These additional fees and expenses vary from program to program.
The annual 2018 tuition fee for BP260 (4 years full-time) is AU$24,960. The total indicative tuition fee for 2018 commencement is AU$108,480.
The annual 2018 tuition fee for BP260P17 (2 years full-time with prior credit) is AU$24,960. The total indicative tuition fee for 2018 commencement is AU$51,840.
In addition to tuition fees you also need to pay for:
- Student services and amenities fee (SSAF) in each calendar year.
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) - Student visa holders must have cover for the total duration of their visa.
- Some programs incur additional expenses.
You also need to account for your living expenses. Estimate the cost of living in Melbourne.