Build skills to secure a career as an effective early childhood educator
Early childhood lays the foundations for lifelong learning, making high-quality education at this stage crucial. As research continues to unveil improved teaching and learning strategies for young children, professionals who embrace change will be in high demand.
To become an early childhood teacher, you will need to complete an accredited teaching degree such as our Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Education and Care), or our combined teaching degree, the Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood and Primary).
Our Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Education and Care) is designed to upgrade your previous early childhood qualification to become four-year qualified. If you are looking to get started in early childhood teaching, our Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood and Primary) has a variety of admission rules including those with no experience or qualifications in early childhood teaching.
Our Teaching Solution Finder can help you find the best pathway to becoming an Early Childhood Teacher — just answer a few quick questions to find your pathway.
Most of our students choose to study online and become members of a community of adults who bring their life and work experience together to develop real-world networks for the future. On-campus learners can enjoy campus accommodation, sporting and support services. Whether online or on-campus, you can choose to study full-time or part-time over three trimesters.
With UNE, you’ll graduate feeling prepared to meet the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for early childhood educators. By choosing UNE, you’ll be studying with an industry leader in the provision of online lifelong learning. Year after year, students award us the maximum 5-star ratings for Overall Experience and Student Support in The Good Universities Guide.
Explore the early childhood education courses on offer at UNE.
Courses by study level
If you are a Pacific Islander looking to become a teacher in your island home with your family and community, UNE’s Associate Degree in Teaching (Pacific Focus) is your ideal course. You’ll gain the knowledge and skills to become a qualified early…
- 2 years full-time
- Up to 6 years part-time
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
- Online
Develop the knowledge and skills to work with children from birth to 12 years with UNE's Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood and Primary). This is the degree for you if you have a commitment towards educating and inspiring children and want a …
- 2.5 or 3.5 or 4 years full-time
- Up to 10 years part-time
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
- Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
- Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
- Online
- On Campus
If you are an experienced early childhood educator looking to become a four-year qualified teacher, UNE’s Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Education and Care) is the course for you. This degree is accredited with the Australian Children’s…
- 1 or 2 years full-time
- Up to 8 years part-time
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
- Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
- Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
- Online
Whether you are looking to re-train to become a Primary or Secondary school teacher, teach different subjects or upgrade your teaching accreditation, the UNE Bachelor of Education (In-Service Conversion) provides a flexible pathway to pivot and grow …
- 1.5 years full-time
- Up to 6 years part-time
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
- Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
- Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
- Online
If you are a Pacific Islander looking to build on your teaching skills with a high-level qualification, UNE’s Bachelor of Education (Pacific Focus) is the degree for you. Gain the knowledge and skills to teach early childhood, inclusive education,…
- 2 years full-time
- Up to 8 years part-time
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
- Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
- Online
Broaden your career horizons with the UNE Graduate Certificate in Digital Learning, a flexible course providing advanced knowledge and skills for professional educators in web-based teaching and learning. Choose from a variety of subjects to match…
- 0.5 years full-time
- Up to 2 years part-time
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
- Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
- Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
- Online
Neuroscience is one of the fastest-growing areas of human physiology today, and it plays an increasingly vital role in guiding educational practices. With UNE's Graduate Certificate in Neuroscience and Education, you will deepen your…
- 1 trimester full-time
- Up to 2 years part-time
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
- Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
- Online
Adapt to an evolving workplace and open the door to new career opportunities with UNE's Graduate Certificate in Professional Practice. Whether you want to create more career choices, hone your specialist skills, or take a new…
- 0.5 years full-time
- 2 years part-time
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
- Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
- Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
- Online
There is a close connection between how the brain works and how we learn. As a result, neuroscience and education are becoming increasingly intertwined, and employers are looking for graduates with skills and knowledge in both areas. UNE’s…
- 1 year full-time
- Up to 4 years part-time
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
- Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
- Online
Design a bespoke course and prepare for a rapidly evolving workplace with the UNE Graduate Diploma in Professional Practice. Whether you want to advance your career, hone your skills or embark on a new career direction, we'll work …
- 1 year full-time
- Up to 4 years part-time
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
- Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
- Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
- Online
Upgrade your skills in educational practice with the post-graduate UNE Master of Education (Coursework). In addition to a flexible program pathway with a wide range of curriculum options, you can build your expertise with one of four…
- 1 or 1.5 years full-time
- Up to 6 years part-time
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
- Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
- Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
- Online
- On Campus
The field of neuroscience is one of the fastest growing in human physiology, and there is increasing interest in applying neuroscience to learning processes within the educational field. As a Master of Neuroscience and Education student at UNE, you…
- 1.5 years full-time
- Up to 6 years part-time
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
- Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
- Online
A Doctor of Philosophy is the pinnacle of academic study. Using rigorous and systematic research, combined with critical analysis, you will add to society's understanding of complex issues at the cutting-edge of your discipline or profession.…
- 4 years full-time
- 8 years part-time
- Research Period 1
- Research Period 2
- On Campus
- Online
Expand your knowledge of contemporary education while making a substantial and original contribution to an academic field of knowledge. With a focus on the challenges and opportunities facing the education profession today, UNE’s Master of Education …
- 2 years full-time
- Up to 4 years part-time
- Research Period 1
- Research Period 2
- On Campus
- Online
High quality research and analysis allows us to better understand the complex issues we face in industry and society. With UNE's Master of Philosophy by research, your original findings and insights will add to the body of knowledge and inform…
- 2 years full-time
- Up to 4 years part-time
- Research Period 1
- Research Period 2
- On Campus
- Online
If you are enrolled at another university, you can choose to study subjects at UNE that will count towards your course. Apply as a cross institutional student directly and complete one or several individual subjects (units) from the full scope of…
- 1 trimester full-time
- 1 trimester part-time
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
- Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
- Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
- Online
- On Campus
The world is full of possibilities, with so much to discover and learn. There are endless opportunities to enrich your knowledge to prepare for the future, but what if you don’t want to undertake a full degree? And how can you zero-in on the…
- 1 trimester full-time
- 1 trimester part-time
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
- Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
- Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
- Online
- On Campus
- Bespoke Graduate Certificate: design your own 4 unit postgraduate course and have your work experience recognised in the process.
- ‘Fundamental’ Bespoke Course: choose two, three or four fundamental units from a traditional degree. If you are planning a new direction, or adding a new set of skills to your portfolio, you may want to start with this option. These units provide a foundation, or a ‘base camp’, to return to if you want to later progress to a full degree.
- ‘Advanced’ Bespoke Course: choose two, three or four advanced units from a full degree. This is a great strategy for staying current in your field, or advancing your knowledge.
- ‘Critical Content’ Bespoke Course: choose two, three or four units any of the available units in a degree to create a Critical Content Bespoke Course. This option lets you get the knowledge you need without the time and cost of a full degree.
- ‘Mix and Match’ Bespoke Course: combine two, three or four units from different degrees and disciplines to design your mix and match Bespoke Course. This option lets you diversify your knowledge.
What our students say
The course not only prepares you for life within the classroom, but also has a strong focus on the holistic development of students in and outside the classroom.
Anna Fraser, Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood) studentFind the right major or specialisation for your studies in Early Childhood Education
With the education system regularly changing rules and regulations, UNE’s courses and majors will help you develop the classroom and admin skills needed for a successful and fulfilling career as an early childhood educator. Ensure your future as a professional teacher. Explore the study options now.
- Undergraduate
- Bachelor Honours
- Postgraduate
- Major
- Minor
- Specialisation
- Teaching Area
- Specialist Course
Benefit from UNE's expertise in community services and develop the analytical, planning and evaluation skills to work in the field of community care. Prepare practically for your career and develop strategies for working with children and young…
Benefit from UNE's expertise in community services and develop the analytical, planning and evaluation skills to work in the field of community care. Prepare practically for your career and develop strategies for working with children and young people in a caring profession.
| Courses | Type | Level of Study |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Community Services | Minor | Undergraduate |
| Bachelor of Social Work | Specialist Course | Undergraduate |
| Undergraduate Certificate in Youth and Community Work | Specialist Course | Undergraduate |
- Undergraduate
- Bachelor Honours
- Postgraduate
- Major
- Minor
- Specialisation
- Teaching Area
- Specialist Course
Ensure you are future-fit with practical teaching skills in anticipation of advancing education technology and an expanding emphasis on inclusivity and diversity. UNE’s expertise in web-based teaching and learning will help you safeguard your place…
Ensure you are future-fit with practical teaching skills in anticipation of advancing education technology and an expanding emphasis on inclusivity and diversity. UNE’s expertise in web-based teaching and learning will help you safeguard your place in a dynamic education sector.
| Courses | Type | Level of Study |
|---|---|---|
| Master of Education | Specialisation | Postgraduate |
| Graduate Certificate in Digital Learning | Specialist Course | Postgraduate |
- Undergraduate
- Bachelor Honours
- Postgraduate
- Major
- Minor
- Specialisation
- Teaching Area
- Specialist Course
Extend your professional knowledge using evidence-based practice and learn to work effectively with Indigenous Australians. Develop your skills amid advancing education tech to help students succeed and future-proof your own career.
| Courses | Type | Level of Study |
|---|---|---|
| Master of Education | Specialisation | Postgraduate |
- Undergraduate
- Bachelor Honours
- Postgraduate
- Major
- Minor
- Specialisation
- Teaching Area
- Specialist Course
UNE's leadership experts will help you develop practical skills to manage staff, communicate with students and parents and respond to stakeholders to improve student learning outcomes using data-informed decision-making strategies. Future-fit…
UNE's leadership experts will help you develop practical skills to manage staff, communicate with students and parents and respond to stakeholders to improve student learning outcomes using data-informed decision-making strategies. Future-fit your career in the education sector.
| Courses | Type | Level of Study |
|---|---|---|
| Master of Education | Major | Postgraduate |
- Undergraduate
- Bachelor Honours
- Postgraduate
- Major
- Minor
- Specialisation
- Teaching Area
- Specialist Course
Ensure you are future-fit with practical teaching skills in anticipation of advancing education technology and an expanding emphasis on inclusivity and diversity. Develop your technical and interpersonal skills to secure your future in teaching…
Ensure you are future-fit with practical teaching skills in anticipation of advancing education technology and an expanding emphasis on inclusivity and diversity. Develop your technical and interpersonal skills to secure your future in teaching English as a second or other language.
| Courses | Type | Level of Study |
|---|---|---|
| Master of Education | Specialisation | Postgraduate |
| Graduate Certificate in Education Studies | Specialist Course | Postgraduate |
- 1
Why study with us?
Australian Universities
Public NSW Universities
NSW Universities
Careers in Early Childhood Education
By studying early childhood education with UNE, you will have the future-proof skillset to secure positions in a wide range of areas relating to the field of early childhood education. With the need for those with expertise set to rise, professionals with skillsets in early childhood education can find work in a variety of settings.
- Preschool or kindergarten teacher
Work with children aged 3-5, helping them develop social, cognitive, and emotional skills. - Early childhood educator
Work with children from birth to age 8, focusing on their overall development. Plan and implement age-appropriate curriculum, assess children's progress and collaborate with parents. - Childcare centre director
Oversee the daily operations of childcare facilities. - Parent educator
Provide guidance and support to parents in promoting their child's development. - Early childhood education consultant
Provide guidance on curriculum development, program evaluation, policy implementation, and professional development for teachers and staff. - Early childhood education administrator
Oversee early childhood education programs in schools, government agencies, or non-profit organisations. - Early childhood education advocate
Work to improve policies and promote the importance of early childhood education. - Researcher
Study various aspects of child development, curriculum effectiveness, and teaching methods.
A five-star experience
Five Stars,
18 Years in a Row
UNE is the only public uni in Australia awarded 18 straight years of five stars for Overall Experience
Good Universities Guide 2007-2024
No.1 in NSW for
Student Experience
QILT (government-endorsed) ranks UNE as the top public NSW uni for Student Experience
QILT Student Experience Survey
Five Stars for
Teaching Quality
UNE rates among the top 20 per cent of universities in Australia for Teaching Quality
Good Universities Guide 2024Browse other disciplines within Education and Teaching
What happens next?
Got any questions about a course you would like to study? Don’t hesitate to contact us, our Future Student team is standing by to help.
2024 applications are now open. The application process only takes 20 minutes to complete. Don’t delay, apply now!
Your start date is based on the study period you choose to apply for.
