Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Education)
Student type:
Quick facts
-
Duration
Full-time 4 years, Part-time 8 years -
Location
Bundoora -
Fees
Next intake
February
Entry score
Not applicable
Duration
Full-time 4 years Location
Bundoora
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 degree is designed to give aspiring teachers practical skills and deep knowledge about how young children learn and develop.
What you will gain through this degree
In this course, you will gain understanding about children’s creativity, develop problem solving skills and the ability to innovate when planning a quality curriculum to promote children’s learning.
Our professional placement degree allows you to experience life in the classroom and build confidence in linking theories into practice.
Why choose a Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Education) at RMIT?
Our courses 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 in Australia and overseas.
Scholarships through the Department of Education and Training are available to students undertaking studies in early childhood education.
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.
This course utilises a range of formative, summative and reflective assessment methods to evaluate learning. The aim of assessment is to develop pre-service teaching skills in critical thinking and reflective practice. Assessment components include formal assessments and informal self-assessments so that students can monitor their own learning. Assessments will be used to provide students with feedback on their progress.
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 teaching identity. These experiences involve problem-based learning and reflection on practice as you receive feedback from professional mentors.
Academics in the early childhood courses are encouraged to maintain their links with industry, and are active members of many key early childhood organisations.
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.
1 – 2 years full time.
Please note: this degree is only available to students transferring from other Bachelor of Education degrees, such as Primary teaching/ Primary Early Childhood, either from RMIT or other institutions. Currently there is no 4 year degree available.
The Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Education) is a four year degree which focuses on the education and care of children from birth to age eight, 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 knowledge of theoretical approaches and issues relevant to improving the quality of education.
The Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Education) aims to prepare teachers who:
have the professional knowledge to foster positive developments in early childhood
are able to develop partnerships with families and collaborate with other professionals in supporting children in their development
understand pedagogical approaches through professional development, projects and other learning experiences, linking with theory and practice
possess the skills to address children's needs, including those with special needs in inclusive settings
understand diversity, and have the ability to 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.
Choose a program structure
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 sought after in the international school network.
This field also offers membership, work and networking possibilities in a range of peak organisations, ranging from publications to projects and consultations.
Careers
As a trained teacher, you have the opportunity to work as:
an early childhood teacher
a kindergarten teacher
an early learning centre manager
a pre-prep teacher
a 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.
This course is accredited by the Australian Children's Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA).
Admissions
You must have successfully completed two years of study in a Bachelor of Education or Bachelor of Early Childhood Education (or overseas equivalent).
Prerequisites
None
Selection criteria by applicant type
Please select the highest level of education you have or will be completing in order to find out the selection criteria that applies to you:
Additional information
Applicants will be required to hold a valid Victorian Working with Children (WWC) Check (valid for 5 years) prior to undertaking professional placement as part of this program.
Note: For placments undertaken interstate a valid WWC Check is required for that state.
The following information outlines the tasks you will be required to undertake during professional experience placement and on-campus learning activities.
The non-academic abilities listed are provided for your information only and are not entry requirements.
If there are any activities outlined which may be difficult for you to undertake, there are a range of adjustments to your study conditions available to enable and support you to demonstrate these abilities. Please contact the Equitable Learning Service to discuss any adjustments you may require.
By understanding the types of activities you’ll participate in, 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
If you are living with disability, long-term illness and/or a mental health condition, we can 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 Equitable Learning Service
The University considers the wellbeing and safety of all students, staff and the community to be a priority in academic and professional experience settings.
*ATAR refers to the lowest selection rank to which an offer was made (including consideration of any adjustments) for current and recent Year 12 applicants.
RMIT is committed to providing transparency to the admissions process. In line with this commitment, we provide you with information that will help in making informed choices about your undergraduate study options. Find out more about RMIT’s commitment to admissions transparency.
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.
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 (Internet Based Test - IBT): minimum overall score of 79 (with minimum of 13 in Reading, 12 in Listening, 18 in Speaking and 21 in Writing)
- 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 English for Academic Purposes (EAP) Advanced Plus Certificate at RMIT English Worldwide.
The following information outlines the tasks you will be required to undertake during professional experience placement and on-campus learning activities.
The non-academic abilities listed are provided for your information only and are not entry requirements.
If there are any activities outlined which may be difficult for you to undertake, there are a range of adjustments to your study conditions available to enable and support you to demonstrate these abilities. Please contact the Equitable Learning Service to discuss any adjustments you may require.
By understanding the types of activities you’ll participate in, 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
If you are living with disability, long-term illness and/or a mental health condition, we can 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 Equitable Learning Service
The University considers the wellbeing and safety of all students, staff and the community to be a priority in academic and professional experience settings.
Pathways
Even though there are no formal pathways into this program, there are often other ways you can gain entry.
Depending on the program, this may include completing a certificate, diploma, advanced diploma or associate degree or undertaking recognised professional experience.
For more information, use our Pathways finder or contact Study@RMIT to discuss your options.
Credit and recognition of prior learning
Credit, recognition of prior learning, professional experience and accreditation from a professional body can reduce the duration of your study by acknowledging your earlier, relevant experience. Find out if you might be eligible.
Fees
2021 indicative fees
In 2021, the annual student contribution amount (tuition fee) you will pay for a standard year of full-time study is between AU$3,700 to AU$14,500*.
Additional expenses
- Student services and amenities fee (SSAF): AU$313 maximum fee for 2021.
- Other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment.
Annual fee adjustment
Amounts quoted are indicative fees per annum, and are based on a standard year of full-time study (96 credit points). A proportionate fee applies for more or less than the full-time study load.
Fees are adjusted on an annual basis and these fees should only be used as a guide.
Defer your payment
You may be eligible to apply for a HECS-HELP loan, which can be used to defer payment of up to the full amount of your student contribution fees. You may also be eligible to apply to defer payment of your SSAF through the SA-HELP loan scheme.
Learn more about fees for undergraduate study.
Paying your fees and applying for refunds
For information on how to pay your fees or how to apply for a refund, please see Paying your fees and applying for refunds.
All undergraduate and honours degrees have Commonwealth supported places (CSP) available.
In a CSP, your tuition fees are subsidised by the Australian Government. Your share of the fee (student contribution) is set each year by the Australian Government and is determined by the discipline areas (bands) of the courses in which you enrol, not the overall program.
How much can I expect to pay for my Commonwealth supported place?
The Australian Government has announced amendments to university funding and student contribution fees under its Job-ready Graduates Package.
The fees in the table below apply to students commencing their program in 2021 and are subject to the passage of legislation. Fees for continuing students are available at fees for Commonwealth supported students.
Each course (subject) falls into a band. 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 2021
Student contribution band by course (subject) |
Maximum annual student contribution amount in 2021 |
Agriculture, english, languages, mathematics, nursing, postgraduate clinical psychology, teaching |
$3,700 per standard year $462 per standard (12 credit point) course |
Architecture, creative arts, engineering, environmental studies, health, information technology, science |
$7,700 per standard year |
Dental, medical and veterinary science |
$11,300 per standard year |
Arts, commerce, communications, economics, humanities (excluding languages), law, management |
$14,500 per standard year |
HECS-HELP Loans
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 the full amount of their student contribution.
SA-HELP Loans
You may be eligible to apply to defer payment of the Student services and amenities fee (SSAF) through the SA-HELP loan scheme. If you use SA-HELP, the amount will be added to your accumulated HELP debt.
How does a HELP loan work?
If your FEE-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 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 2021 is $313.
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.
Plan BP260
- The annual 2021 tuition fee for BP260 (4 years full-time) is AU$28,800.
- The total indicative tuition fee for 2021 commencement is AU$120,960.
Plan BP260P17
- The annual 2021 tuition fee for BP260P17 (2 years full-time with prior credit) is AU$28,800.
- The total indicative tuition fee for 2021 commencement is AU$58,560.
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.
Applying for refunds
Find information on how to apply for a refund as a continuing international student.
Looking for answers or more general infomation?
For frequently asked questions or how to find more information regarding applications and enrolments, fees, student support services, university policies and more, please visit our Frequently Asked Questions.