Bachelor of Early Childhood Education - University of South Australia

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Aim

To prepare graduates to work in a diverse and changing range of services for the education and care of children from birth to eight years of age.

Entry requirements

Applicants are required to have one of the following qualifications:

Qualified for the SACE:

• recorded achievement in five SACE subjects taken at Stage 2 level; and 
• included at least four Stage 2 subjects which are approved Higher Education Selection Subjects (HESS); and  
• obtained a competitive TER;

Completed the equivalent secondary education qualifications as required for University entry under SACE and fulfilled any prerequisite requirements;

Completed the International Baccalaureate Diploma and fulfilled any prerequisite requirements;

Completed or partly completed a recognised higher education program at a recognised higher education institution and fulfilled any prerequisite requirements;

Completed at least four Open Universities Australia (OUA) courses at the appropriate level and fulfilled any prerequisite requirements;

Completed an award from TAFE or from another registered training organisation at AQF Certificate IV or above and fulfilled any prerequisite requirements; 

Qualified for Special Entry and fulfilled any prerequisite requirements;

Completed the University Foundation Studies program.

Applicants are advised that a successful criminal history screening clearance is required for all students prior to their undertaking any professional experience/practicum placement that involves contact with minors (under 18 years of age). Information on the procedure to be followed for obtaining clearance will be provided with the letter of offer. These placements form a compulsory part of the program. A successful clearance may also be required for other courses, eg to enter any school, pre-school or childcare centre for any reason, including on placement, observation or visits, unless the students are already registered teachers.

English language entry requirements

For international applicants for whom English is a second language, the minimum English language requirements are:

International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic): Minimum score of 6.0 in Reading and Writing subscores and minimum overall score of 6.5 obtained within the last two years or corresponding results from an equivalent test such as TOEFL or the appropriate Academic English language level delivered at CELUSA; or

Successful completion of a secondary qualification in Australia within the last two years; or

Successful completion of at least one year of tertiary study in Australia within the last two years; or

Successful completion of one year of secondary or tertiary study conducted and completed in English within the last two years in a country in which:

• English is an official language; or
• English is commonly used, as determined by the University.

Content/structure

The award has a simple conceptual structure consisting of three compulsory professional strands of equal length: 'Practicum', 'Curriculum', 'Child Development'. Courses which are related to the professional studies aspects of the award are referred to as 'Communication, context and contrast' courses.

Professional recognition

Graduates of the Bachelor of Early Childhood Education will meet the academic requirement for registration as teachers in South Australia. However, applicants should note that there are other criteria determining eligibility for registration by the Teachers Registration Board of South Australia, which are outlined in the Teachers Registration and Standards Act 2004 and Teachers Registration and Standards Regulations 2005. The qualification is recognised throughout Australia as appropriate for employment in early childhood services.

Honours

This degree may be awarded with honours for meritorious performance in the program. Students will be selected on academic merit at the end of their third year in accordance with University policy.

Fee information

Fees for International students: $AU 16,000 per 1.0 EFTSL for students commencing in 2010.
Fees are calculated on a per Unit basis with 1.0 EFTSL = 36 Units.
Fees for International students are determined one year in advance and are subject to variation.

Program requirements

Rules

1. To gain entry into the with Honours strand students must maintain a high Credit average in graded courses and successfully complete all Practicum requirements across the first three years of the program, and achieve a Credit in EDUC 1012 Research with Young Children.
2. To receive the degree with Honours, selected students must achieve a Credit in EDUC 4080 Honours 1 (ECE) and EDUC 4088 Honours 2 (ECE) and maintain a Credit average in graded courses in the fourth year of the award.
3. Students who study EDUC 4080 Honours 1 (ECE) and EDUC 4088 Honours 2 (ECE) courses will be exempt from EDUC 1039 Early Childhood Practitioner Research and one elective course.

Notes

1. The award is available at both ordinary and 'with honours' levels in accordance with University policy. Students who wish to graduate 'with honours' are required to maintain an overall credit standard in graded courses in their first three years and, specifically, in the course EDUC 1012 Research with Young Children. For honours students, the Honours 1 course will take the place of one 4.5 unit elective course. The Honours 2 course will take the place of EDUC 1039 Early Childhood Practitioner Research, as this course is intended for students who are not in the Honours strand.
2. Students who have successfully completed a TAFE Diploma of Children's Services (Childcare) are eligible for 36 units of credit. Credit is also available for two courses in Child Development successfully completed through Open Universities Australia. This credit arrangement may be extended as other relevant courses become available. Credit applications must be made in writing on the appropriate form to the program director.
3. Some courses have prerequisites and assumed knowledge requirements. These can be met by recognition of prior knowledge (from school or elsewhere) or by taking an appropriate BUGE/Elective Study course. Students will be required to check details of assumed knowledge requirements and prerequisites prior to enrolment in courses in their first year. Students should note that BUGE/Elective Study courses are available in the first two years to assist students who do not meet these requirements.
4. The importance of study in depth is recognised by the provision of a sequential 36 units of study both in child development and curriculum.
5. Two sequential research courses are offered: EDUC 1012 Research with Young Children and EDUC 1039 Early Childhood Practitioner Research.
6. Prior to EDUC 1044 Childcare Practicum, students will need to have obtained a current First Aid certificate. The approved certificate is 'First Aid for Centres and Schools'.
7. 9 units of contrasting Broadening Undergraduate Electives must be studied during the program: one compulsory 4.5 unit Indigenous Issues course selected from the following courses offered by The Unaipon School: HUMS 1035 Aboriginal Cultures, HUMS 1034 Contemporary Aboriginal Issues A, HUMS 2010 Aborigines, History and Colonialism, LANG 2007 Australian Society, Aboriginal Voices; plus one 4.5 unit course chosen from contrasting BUGE courses 
8. Students can choose EDUC 2050 Brain Development in the Early Years (offered online only) as their elective study, or any other 4.5 unit elective courses offered by the University. Students have the opportunity to select from other Schools and campuses and/or other universities. Flexibility also exists for students to enrol in some courses externally. Examples of the subject areas available at Magill campus are listed below:
   Children's Literature; Drama; French Studies; Gender Studies; Italian Studies; Japanese Studies; Interactive Multimedia; Music Media; ; Physical Education; Sport and Play Studies. Students may also chose from courses at other campuses if they can develop a workable timetable.
   If a student does not meet the assumed knowledge requirements for the Maths and Science curriculum areas they should enrol in either one of the following courses as their elective: EDUC 1032 The Context of Mathematical Competency (Early Childhood elective); EDUC 1011 Background for General Science (Early Childhood elective).
9. This program is available in external mode to the following students only: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students in university enclaves; and students who have completed the TAFE Diploma of Children's Services (Childcare) or equivalent.