Overview 2020
Location
Commonwealth Supported places available
This course may not be available to international students. Please see the list of distance courses (i.e. online and taken outside Australia) that are offered to international students
In addition, the course will provide leaders in early childhood with competencies in teaching and leadership positions.
This degree program is available internally at Launceston and Cradle Coast campuses and externally/fully on-line from anywhere in the world, full-time or part-time.
Who should undertake this program?
- Child care and educational professionals who would be considering their future as senior staff or directors of child services
- Child care and educational professionals who wish to enhance their knowledge, skills and understandings and obtain a higher qualification directly relevant to their work
- School leavers and others who wish pursue a career in the field of early childhood
This degree program is designed and enacted in collaboration with relevant stakeholders and appropriate employing authorities. At the core of the degree program is the student who is educated to bring to their work:
- The capacity to work effectively in highly diverse contexts; and
- The capacity to be resilient professionals and lifelong learners.
For teachers, strong personal literacy and numeracy skills form an essential part of the attributes and skills needed to be effective in the classroom. They are also necessary to foster the development of these critical, fundamental skills in students, providing the building blocks for future learning.From 1 July 2016, all initial teacher education students will need to demonstrate that they have personal literacy and numeracy skills equivalent to the top 30 per cent of the adult population through meeting the benchmark set by the national literacy and numeracy test for initial teacher education students (the test) prior to graduation. The test has been determined, under the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership Accreditation of Initial Teacher Education Programs in Australia: Standards and Procedures, to be the means by which a student's personal literacy and numeracy skills are to be assessed..
While some higher education providers will require students to undertake the test during their course, other higher education providers may require successful completion of the test as a pre-requisite entry requirement. The Faculty of Education at the University of Tasmania requires students to meet the benchmark of the test prior to undertaking their final Professional Experience placement.
Course objectives
The Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood) qualifies students to work in early years' contexts from birth to age 8. The degree reflects recognition of the changing nature of early years' education and care. The early years of a child's life are crucial in their development and it is widely known that the quality of education and care that children receive in their early years makes a real difference to their developmental and later outcomes. Research shows that participating in a quality early childhood education program has ongoing benefits for children throughout their schooling and beyond, especially those from more disadvantaged backgrounds. The Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood), prepares professionals seeking to bridge the gap between childcare and school, thus ensuring that childhood programs are educationally and developmentally rigorous.
Learning outcomes
1. Exhibit the ethical, active and responsible professional practice which is central to Education as a discipline by:
- Demonstrating the necessary attitudes, dispositions and professional values to meet the needs of children, families and the education profession, including a commitment to care, social justice, indigenous reconciliation, inclusion, student engagement and achievement;
- Demonstrating that they know education theory and practice from a global perspective, with a commitment to celebrating cultural diversity and promoting education for a sustainable future.
2. Exhibit depth and breadth of educational knowledge by:
- Demonstrating pedagogical content knowledge across the range of disciplinary and cross-disciplinary curriculum areas and professional studies units;
- Following specialised core early childhood units and a teacher as reflective practitioner action research pathway, in their final year of study.
3. Demonstrate a critical understanding of Education by:
- Creating, planning, and justifying high quality learning experiences supported by well-developed pedagogical reasoning;
- Reflecting on and evaluating learning and teaching approaches and, and explaining why current educational knowledge is contestable and open to research and further enquiry;
- Articulating the transformative purpose and potential of education in society.
4. Apply their knowledge and teaching skills by:
- Incorporating insights from theory and research evidence into their developing teaching practice;
- Demonstrating graduate level proficiency in teaching settings – notably in teaching literacy and numeracy - and attaining the graduate professional standards relevant to Education.
5. Communicate effectively by:
- Demonstrating language and literacy across a broad range of communication modes and technologies in educational contexts;
- Demonstrating teacher education information literacy capabilities to identify, critically engage with, and communicate ideas in a structured, cohesive, and ethical manner;
- Engaging with a range of professional stakeholders;
- Collaborating and empowering families and communities.
6. Apply teacher education information literacy (TEIL) capabilities by:
- Identifying, critically engaging with, and communicating ideas in a structured, cohesive, and ethical manner.
7. Show their commitment to professional learning by:
- Being independent, open-minded, and critically reflective learners;
- Working responsibly in individual and collaborative contexts;
- Seeking out - and learning from - constructive feedback;
- Recognising the benefits of ongoing professional learning and refinement of their teaching practice.
Practical experience
Professional Experience Placements
An integral part of your learning in the Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood) are Professional Experience placements - putting into active practice the theory and knowledge you have been studying throughout your degree.
As a student you will participate in a minimum of 90 days (18 weeks) of full-time Professional Experience. Placements are usually scheduled as continuous ‘blocks’ of time ranging from 10 to 35 days, and occur in a variety of educational settings.
Placements are designed to enable our students to become familiar with early childhood education learners and environments. Your placement will involve active observation, interaction, participation and engagement in a range of age-appropriate activities. For Early Childhood placements, students participate in Birth through to Grade 2 environments.
During your placement you will be supervised and managed by a tertiary qualified educator (your Colleague Teacher), and be assessed against Focus Areas within the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers.
Overseas Exchange
The Faculty of Education has a number of exchange partnerships with Universities whose curriculum and teaching our closely aligned with our own. A full list is available at Student Exchange – Outgoing.
Find out more about the University's Exchange Programs at Student Mobility.
Career outcomes
Graduates of Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood) are deemed to be qualified to teach in public and private sector schools in all states and territories of Australia by the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership.
Our graduates work in childcare and early learning centres, and in after-school care from birth through to age 8 throughout Australia and overseas.
Professional Recognition
The Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood) course is a professionally accredited Initial Teacher Education program approved by the Teachers Registration Board Tasmania.
The Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood) course is also recognised by the Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority.
Course structure
This Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood) consists of a total of 32 units (400 credit points) comprising:
- 8 units at Introductory (100) level
- 8 units at Intermediate (200) level
- 16 units at Advanced(300) level
Year 1
In addition to the below compulsory units, students are required to enrol in ESH107 Professional Experience 1 (zero weighted).
Compulsory Units
Semester 1
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Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Launceston | Semester 1 | ||||
| Launceston | Semester 2 | ||||
| Cradle Coast | Semester 1 | ||||
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Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Launceston | Semester 1 | ||||
| Launceston | Semester 2 | ||||
| Cradle Coast | Semester 1 | ||||
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Credit Points: 12.5
This unit is currently unavailable.
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Credit Points: 12.5
This unit is currently unavailable.
View all details for ESH120 Personal and Professional Numeracy
Semester 2
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Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Launceston | Semester 2 | ||||
View all details for ESH105 Curriculum and Pedagogy in Early Childhood
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Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Launceston | Semester 2 | ||||
| Cradle Coast | Semester 2 | ||||
View all details for ESH130 Arts Education: Music & Visual Arts
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Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Launceston | Semester 2 | ||||
| Cradle Coast | Semester 2 | ||||
View all details for ESH150 Introduction to Primary and Early Childhood Science Education
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Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Launceston | Semester 2 | ||||
View all details for ESP160 Growth and Motor Development Across the Lifespan
Year 2
In addition to the below compulsory units, students are required to enrol in ESH207 Professional Experience 2 (zero weighted).
Compulsory Units
Semester 1
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Credit Points: 12.5
This unit is currently unavailable.
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Credit Points: 12.5
This unit is currently unavailable.
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Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Launceston | Semester 1 | ||||
View all details for ESH241 Early Childhood Theories of Teaching and Learning
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Credit Points: 12.5
This unit is currently unavailable.
Semester 2
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Credit Points: 12.5
This unit is currently unavailable.
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Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Launceston | Semester 2 | ||||
| Cradle Coast | Semester 2 | ||||
View all details for ESH210 Developing Understandings of English
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Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Launceston | Semester 2 | ||||
| Cradle Coast | Semester 2 | ||||
View all details for ESH220 Primary and Early Childhood Mathematics Pedagogy
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Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Launceston | Semester 2 | ||||
| Cradle Coast | Semester 2 | ||||
View all details for ESH260 Introduction to Humanities and Social Sciences Education
Year 3
In addition to the below compulsory units, students are required to enrol in ESH307 Professional Experience 3 (zero weighted).
Compulsory Units
Semester 1
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Credit Points: 12.5
This unit is currently unavailable.
View all details for ESH303 Inclusive Practices in Education Settings
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Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Launceston | Semester 1 | ||||
| Cradle Coast | Semester 1 | ||||
View all details for ESH360 Advanced Humanities and Social Sciences Education
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Credit Points: 12.5
This unit is currently unavailable.
Semester 2
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Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Launceston | Semester 2 | ||||
| Cradle Coast | Semester 2 | ||||
View all details for ESH302 Education, Ethics and Professional Practice
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Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Launceston | Semester 2 | ||||
View all details for ESH304 Teachers as Reflective Practitioners and Action Researchers
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Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Launceston | Semester 2 | ||||
| Cradle Coast | Semester 2 | ||||
Cultural Awareness: The Non-indigenous and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander interface
Details…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Launceston | Semester 2 | ||||
Year 4
In addition to the below compulsory units, students are required to enrol in ESH308 Professional Experience 4 (zero weighted).
Compulsory units
Semester 1
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Credit Points: 12.5
This unit is currently unavailable.
View all details for ESH215 Languages and Language Acquisition
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Credit Points: 12.5
This unit is currently unavailable.
View all details for ESH320 Pedagogical Content Knowledge for Teaching Mathematics
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Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Launceston | Semester 1 | ||||
View all details for ESH347 Documenting Learning and Portfolios for Young Children
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Credit Points: 12.5
This unit is currently unavailable.
View all details for ESH350 Planning and Assessing in Primary and Early Childhood Science
Semester 2
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Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Launceston | Semester 1 | ||||
| Launceston | Semester 2 | ||||
| Cradle Coast | Semester 2 | ||||
…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Launceston | Semester 2 | ||||
…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Launceston | Semester 2 | ||||
…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Launceston | Semester 2 | ||||
View all details for ESH348 Leadership and Management in Early Childhood Services
Need help choosing your first year units? Try the Unit Selection Guide.
Entry requirements
Eligibility
We encourage you to apply for the courses you most want to study. If you’re not eligible to enter your chosen course right now, the UTAS admissions team will work with you to find the best pathway option.
Enquire online for advice on the application process and the available pathways to study at UTAS.
Domestic applicants
Domestic applicants who have recently completed secondary education (completed in the past two years)
To be eligible for an offer, you must:
- Have an ATAR of 65 or above. This is the minimum ATAR needed for your application to be considered. Applicants are ranked by ATAR and offers made based on the number of places available; and
- Complete the Non-Academic Capability Assessment Tool (NACAT). This includes a personal statement and a small number of multiple-choice questions.
If you do not receive the minimum ATAR please refer to Alternative entry pathways below.
In 2019, the lowest ATAR to receive an offer into this course was 65.65. The lowest ATAR to receive an offer may change from year to year based on the number of applications we receive.
Applicants who have completed prior study at a recognised tertiary institution:
To be eligible for an offer, you must have:
- Completed a course at Associate Degree level or higher at any Australian higher education provider (or an equivalent overseas qualification); or
- Completed at least two units of study (equivalent to 25 UTAS credit points) of a course at Associate Degree level (or an equivalent overseas qualification). If you have failed any units your application may be subject to further review before an offer is made; or
- Completed four units of study in the UTAS Associate Degree (Education Support) in a single semester of enrolment; or
- Completed the UTAS Diploma of University Studies (Education Specialisation); or
- Competed the UTAS University Preparation Program, or an equivalent enabling program offered by another Australian university.
All applicants must also complete the Non-Academic Capability Assessment Tool (NACAT). This includes a personal statement and a small number of multiple-choice questions
Applicants who have completed TAFE or other Vocational Education and Training (VET)
To be eligible for an offer, you must have To be eligible for an offer, you must have completed a Certificate IV, Diploma or Advanced Diploma (or an equivalent qualification). All applicants must also complete the Non-Academic Capability Assessment Tool (NACAT).. This includes a personal statement and a small number of multiple-choice questions.
Domestic applicants with work and life experience
If you have not successfully completed senior secondary, tertiary or TAFE/VET study, but have relevant work and life experience you can complete a personal competency statement. All applicants must also complete the Non-Academic Capability Assessment Tool (NACAT). This includes a personal statement and a small number of multiple-choice questions.
Normally, applicants are required to have at least a Certificate IV in order to be eligible for an offer. If you apply based on your previous work and life experience and your application is not successful, we will work with you to find an alternative pathway into your chosen course of study.
Special consideration
If your ability to access or participate in education has been affected by circumstances beyond your control, you can apply for special consideration as part of your application. We will consider a range of factors, including economic hardship, serious medical condition or disability.
We can only approve applications for special consideration where we are confident that you have the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in your studies. If your application is not approved, the UTAS admissions team will work with you to find the best alternative pathway to your chosen course. Special consideration is not available for international applicants.
International applicants
Admissions information for international applicants, including English language requirements, is available from the International Future Students site. You can also enquire online to check your eligibility.
Course participation requirements
This course includes compulsory work placements. All students must meet the course’s Safety in Practice Requirements before their first placement. This includes external clearances to work with children and vulnerable people. The safety in practice requirements are completed separately to the course application.
Non-Academic Capability Assessment Tool (NACAT)
All applicants are required to provide a non-academic personal statement which is used to assist in the selection of students into all Initial Teacher Education (ITE) courses at the University of Tasmania.
This statement is submitted through the Non-Academic Capability Assessment Tool (NACAT) after you have completed your application and is used in conjunction with your ATAR score (or equivalent alternative entry). All applicants must satisfactorily complete the NACAT before they will be provided with an offer into the course.
Instructions on submitting your statement and completing the NACAT are provided during the application process.
*From 2017, all Initial Teacher Education (ITE) courses in Australia will be required to select entrants on basis of both cognitive and non-cognitive skills and abilities.
Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teaching Education
Prior to undertaking their final Professional Experience placement, Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood) students are required to complete the Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teaching Education (LANTITE).
Credit transfer
Credit for appropriate studies completed at another Australian or overseas University or TAFE may be granted.
Please contact us to discuss your credit options, and how applying for credit can fast-track your study and career in Early Childhood.
Articulation from
Students who have undertaken an appropriate course at another Australian or overseas institution of higher education or TAFE college may apply to receive credit for such study. Applications for credit can be made upon application to the Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood) course.
Articulation to
Honours, Postgraduate Coursework.
Students wishing to exit the Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood) degree after three years can receive a Bachelor of Educational Studies qualification. The program will be offered internally at Launceston and Cradle Coast campuses, full time or part time, and by distance/on-line Hobart, Launceston, Cradle Coast, Interstate Isolated and Offshore. The Bachelor of Educational Studies is not a professional teaching qualification.
Alternative entry pathways
If you do not meet the school leaver or non-school leaver entry requirements for the Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood), you should consider enrolment in the Diploma of University Studies (Education Specialisation) (21A) as the alternative pathway to your preferred degree and career.
Students, on successfully completing the Diploma of University Studies (Education Specialisation) can then re-apply for admittance to the Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood),and may apply for credit for the units undertaken.
Detailed Admissions Information
Detailed admissions information and advice for all undergraduate courses, including comprehensive, course-level student profiles, is available from UTAS Admissions.
Fees & scholarships
Domestic students
Domestic students enrolled in a full fee paying place are charged the Student Services and Amenities Fee but this fee is incorporated in the fees you pay for each unit you enrol in. Full fee paying domestic students do not have to make any additional SSAF payments.
Detailed tuition fee information for domestic students is available at the Domestic Student Fees website, including additional information in relation to a compulsory Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF).
International students
2020 Total Course Fee (international students): $130,452 AUD*.
Course cost based on a rate of $30,950 AUD per standard, full-time year of study (100 credit points).
* Please note that this is an indicative fee only.
International students
International students are charged the Student Services and Amenities Fee but this fee is incorporated in the annual rate. International students do not have to make any additional SSAF payments.
Scholarships
Domestic Students
Each year, the University offers more than 900 awards, worth an estimated $4 million, to students from all walks of life, including those who have achieved high academic results; those from low socio-economic backgrounds; students with sporting ability; students undertaking overseas study; and students with a disability.
For information on all scholarships available at the University of Tasmania, please visit Scholarships and Bursaries.
Applications for most awards commencing in Semester 1, open at the beginning of August and close strictly on 31 October in the year prior to study.
Domestic Students – HECS Fee Waivers
Fee waivers waive the student contribution amount payable on a Commonwealth Supported Place.
They are sometimes referred to as a HECS Scholarship or HECS wavier.
A Fee Waiver can apply to an individual unit, a semester, a year of study, or the entire degree, dependent on the arrangements agreed to by the University of Tasmania with employers, State government departments, or as offered by the University in specific degree programs.
Education students are encouraged to review their eligibility for the following Fee Waiver programs, whether for personal or professional development:
- Tasmanian Education Sector
- Tasmanian Institute of Sport
- Redundancy Support Fee Waiver Program
- University of Tasmania Alumni
Refer Fee Waivers for the complete range of Fee Waivers and your eligibility.
For all new students, the Fee Waiver application is completed as part of finalising your enrolment, after you have completed your online application for your course.
The closing date for fee waiver applications is the census date applicable to your enrolment.
International Students
There is a large range of scholarships, bursaries and fee discounts available for international students studying at the University of Tasmania. For more information on these, visit Tasmanian International Scholarships.
Additional costs
In addition to course costs, students may be subject to other costs related to study at university including:
- Text books and stationery
- Accommodation
- Student Services and Amenities Fee
- LANTITE
How can we help?
Do you have any questions about choosing a course or applying? Get in touch.
- Domestic
- 1300 363 864
- International
- +61 3 6226 6200
- Course.Info@utas.edu.au
- Online
- Online enquiries