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Bachelor of Early Childhood and Primary Education (326JA.4)
Please note these are the 2026 details for this course
| Selection rank | Delivery mode | Location | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60 | On campus |
Bruce, Canberra |
4.0 years |
| Faculty | Discipline(s) | Available teaching periods | UAC code |
| Faculty of Education | Academic Program Area - Education |
View teaching periods | 364103 |
| Fees | English language requirements | ||
|
|
View requirements | ||
English language requirements
There are non-standard English language requirements for this course. To be eligible you must have an overall IELTS Academic score (or equivalent) of 7.5, a score of not less than 8.0 in both speaking and listening, and no band score below 7.0. For alternate/equivalent ways of meeting the English requirements for this course please view the English Proficiency Requirements document on the university website.
Delivery mode
Blended: Mixture of online and on campus units are available.
On campus: Units are delivered on campus.
Online: All units are online.
Online Plus: Units are available online, except where attendance at a physical location is required for placement or professional accreditation.
Location
All course material is developed and delivered via the location listed. Online units do not require on campus attendance.
Selection rank
The selection rank is the minimum ATAR plus adjustment factors required for admission to the program in the previous year. This is an indicative guide only as ranks change each year depending on demand.
Fees disclaimer
Annual fee rates
The fees shown are the annual fee rates for the course. The annual rate is the fee that applies to standard full-time enrolment, which is 24 credit points. The final fee charged is based on the proportion of 24 credit points in which a student enrols. Students enrolled in a Commonwealth Support Place (CSP) are required to make a contribution towards the cost of their education, which is set by the Commonwealth Government. Information on Commonwealth Supported Places, HECS-HELP and how fees are calculated can be found here.
Please note: Course fees are assessed annually and are subject to change.
| Academic entry requirements | Delivery mode | Location | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| On campus |
Bruce, Canberra |
4.0 years | |
| Faculty | Discipline(s) | Available teaching periods | CRICOS code |
| Faculty of Education | Academic Program Area - Education |
View teaching periods | 088695C |
| Fees | English language requirements | ||
|
|
View requirements | ||
Fees disclaimer
Annual fee rates
The fees shown are the annual fee rates for the course. The annual rate is the fee that applies to standard full-time enrolment, which is 24 credit points. The final fee charged is based on the proportion of 24 credit points in which a student enrols. Information on how fees are calculated can be found here.
Please note: Course fees are assessed annually and are subject to change.
Delivery mode
Blended: Mixture of online and on campus units are available.
On campus: Units are delivered on campus.
Online: All units are online.
Online Plus: Units are available online, except where attendance at a physical location is required for placement or professional accreditation.
English language requirements
There are non-standard English language requirements for this course. To be eligible you must have an overall IELTS Academic score (or equivalent) of 7.5, a score of not less than 8.0 in both speaking and listening, and no band score below 7.0. For alternate/equivalent ways of meeting the English requirements for this course please view the English Proficiency Requirements document on the university website.
Location
All course material is developed and delivered via the location listed. Online units do not require on campus attendance.
Academic entry requirements
To study at UC, you’ll need to meet our academic entry requirements and any admission requirements specific to your course. Please read your course admission requirements below. To find out whether you meet UC’s academic entry requirements, visit our academic entry requirements page.
Nurture children from birth to Year Six
If your ambition is to work as a teacher in a preschool, early learning centre or primary school, then UC’s Bachelor of Early Childhood and Primary Education will provide you with a broad and innovative education degree which prepares you for a future-focused career.
During your first year of study, you’ll undertake professional teaching placements in early childhood and preschool settings.
Pedagogical Content Knowledge (PCK) units across your remaining three years are taught on-site in schools, providing you with ongoing opportunities to engage with children of all ages and embrace your course learnings first-hand. Whether you choose to launch your career in an early childhood or primary school environment, you’ll graduate classroom-ready and keen to inspire the next generation of children aged 0 to 12.
Study a Bachelor of Early Childhood and Primary Education at UC and you will:
- gain appropriate scientific, literacy and numeracy knowledge
- learn the theories and principles that are the foundation for educational issues and practice in primary and early childhood settings
- demonstrate understanding of student needs and differences, and the relevance of these to learning in inclusive, indigenous, English as an Additional Language or Dialect (EALD) and mainstream settings
- plan and develop appropriate teaching activities for students from a diverse range of backgrounds
- develop and implement effective assessment strategies and carry out evaluation of teaching programs, resources and your own teaching
- apply the required content knowledge for all primary school curriculum areas to teaching, assessment and reporting methods, alternate/enhanced literacy and numeracy strategies, and the effective use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) in teaching and learning
- reflect on your practice and experiences and engage in a process of continual improvement.
Work Integrated Learning (WIL)
A teaching degree, by its very nature, is the embodiment of Work Integrated Learning (WIL), with its focus on compulsory professional teaching practice.
During this course, you’ll undertake a minimum of 120 days of practical placement within schools and educational facilities, including at least 40 days in an early childhood environment and 80 days across a range of primary school settings.
In addition to this, the course content is developed by early childhood and primary education professionals, and kept relevant and up-to-date through consistent monitoring of, and engagement with, the industry.
You’ll undertake authentic assessment tasks which are highly relevant to the day-to-day practice of teaching, and will take part in regular professional development activities, field trips to educational sites, lectures hosted by guest speakers from a range of education and teaching backgrounds, and more.
Career opportunities
- Early childhood teacher
- Early learning centre director
- Educational leader
- Early childhood policy adviser
- Early childhood advocator
- Early intervention teacher
- Primary school teacher
- Principal
- Deputy principal
- Executive teacher
- Special needs teacher
- Gifted and talented teacher
- Relief teacher
- Private tutor
- Schools policy adviser
- Children’s services manager
- OSHC coordinator (Out of School Hours Care)
- Schools engagement coordinator.
Course specific information
There is a pathway into this course for applicants who have completed a Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care.
Students must obtain a Working with Vulnerable People Check before their first placement.
This course requires external accreditation from two independent regulatory authorities. The early childhood profession is regulated by ACECQA and is accredited by ACECQA in order for graduates to be employed in early childhood settings. The Primary profession in the ACT is regulated by the ACT Teacher Quality Institute (TQI) and is accredited by ACT TQI in order for graduates to be employed in primary schools.
On graduating, students must register with the appropriate state teaching body in order to teach.
Professional accreditation
This course requires external accreditation from two independent regulatory authorities. The Early Childhood profession is regulated by ACECQA and is accredited by ACECQA in order for graduates to be employed in Early Childhood settings. The Primary profession in the ACT is regulated by the ACT Teacher Quality Institute (TQI) and is accredited by ACT TQI in order for graduates to be employed in Primary Schools.
Admission to this course is based on an entrance rank. A rank can be achieved by the following means:
- Year 12 ATAR
- other Australian Qualification
- work experience
- overseas qualification
We also offer a number of entry initiatives that give you the opportunity to gain entry to the University via alternate pathway programs and admissions schemes.
More information is available on our Alternative Entry page: http://www.canberra.edu.au/future-students/applications/apply-now/alternative-entry
In addition there is a pathway into this course for applicants who have completed an ACECQA-accredited Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care. Credit for 8 units (24 credit points) of this course will be granted to applicants who have completed an ACECQA accredited Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care. The 24 credit points will be based upon credit being granted for:
- 11990 Child Development | 3 credit points - Level 1
- 11991 Relationships in Early Childhood Education | 3 credit points - Level 1
- 11992 The Arts: Visual Arts and Media in the Early Years | 3 credit points - Level 1
- 11993 The National Quality Framework | 3 credit points - Level 1
- 11994 Health and Wellbeing in the Early Years | 3 credit points - Level 1
- 11995 Infant and toddler Learning and Care | 3 credit points - Level 1
- 11996 Planning and the Early Years Learning Framework | 3 credit points - Level 1
- 11997 Partnerships in Early Childhood Education | 3 credit points - Level 1
Where an applicant does not have a completed Diploma (ACECQA approved), NO credit will be granted.
Additional admission requirements
All applicants will be required to complete a written statement in response to questions designed to assess their suitability for the teaching profession. Applicants' responses to these questions must be deemed satisfactory for them to be admitted to this course. You can find the questions in the 'resources' section of the online application portal when you are applying. You can upload your responses in PDF format as part of your application. https://www.canberra.edu.au/about-uc/faculties/education/docs/UG-Teacher-Education-questionnaire.pdf
Students must obtain a Working with Vulnerable People Check.
Assumed knowledge
ACT: English & Maths (T with C minimum pass) NSW: Higher School Certificate English and Maths minimum
Periods course is open for new admissions
| Year | Location | Teaching period | Teaching start date | Domestic | International |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Bruce, Canberra | Semester 1 | 02 February 2026 | ||
| 2026 | Bruce, Canberra | Semester 2 | 27 July 2026 |
Credit arrangements
A credit transfer arrangement is available for this course for the following institutions:
Other Australian Tafe
Bachelor of Early Childhood and Primary Education (326JA) | 96 credit points
- The 21 credit point Major is for students enrolled in 326JA Bachelor of Early Childhood & Primary Education. All other students should complete the 24 credit point Major.
In addition to course requirements, in order to successfully complete your course you must meet the inherent requirements. Please refer to the inherent requirements statement applicable to your course
UC - Canberra, Bruce
Year 1
Semester 1
Year 2
Semester 1
Year 3
Semester 1
Year 4
Semester 1
Year 1
Year 2
Semester 1
Year 3
Semester 1
Year 4
Semester 1
Course duration
Standard 4 years full time or part-time equivalent. Maximum 10 years from date of enrolment to date of course completion.
Learning outcomes
| Learning outcomes | Related graduate attributes |
|---|---|
| Demonstrate knowledge of theories and principles that are the foundation for educational issues and practice in early childhood and primary settings. | UC graduates are professional: Employ up-to-date and relevant knowledge and skills; communicate effectively; use creativity, critical thinking, analysis and research skills to solve theoretical and real-world problems; work collaboratively as part of a team, negotiate, and resolve conflict; display initiative and drive, and use their organisational skills to plan and manage their workload; take pride in their professional and personal integrity. UC graduates are global citizens: Think globally about issues in their profession; adopt an informed and balanced approach across professional and international boundaries; understand issues in their profession from the perspective of other cultures; communicate effectively in diverse cultural and social settings; make creative use of technology in their learning and professional lives; behave ethically and sustainably in their professional and personal lives. UC graduates are lifelong learners: Reflect on their own practice, updating and adapting their knowledge and skills for continual professional and academic development; be self-aware; evaluate and adopt new technology. |
| Demonstrate knowledge of the theoretical frameworks that underpin a comprehensive understanding of early childhood and primary school learners. | UC graduates are professional: Employ up-to-date and relevant knowledge and skills; communicate effectively; use creativity, critical thinking, analysis and research skills to solve theoretical and real-world problems; work collaboratively as part of a team, negotiate, and resolve conflict; display initiative and drive, and use their organisational skills to plan and manage their workload; take pride in their professional and personal integrity. UC graduates are global citizens: Think globally about issues in their profession; adopt an informed and balanced approach across professional and international boundaries; understand issues in their profession from the perspective of other cultures; communicate effectively in diverse cultural and social settings; make creative use of technology in their learning and professional lives; behave ethically and sustainably in their professional and personal lives. UC graduates are lifelong learners: Reflect on their own practice, updating and adapting their knowledge and skills for continual professional and academic development; be self-aware; adapt to complexity, ambiguity and change by being flexible and keen to engage with new ideas; evaluate and adopt new technology. UC graduates are able to demonstrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ways of knowing, being and doing: Use local Indigenous histories and traditional ecological knowledge to develop and augment understanding of their discipline; communicate and engage with Indigenous Australians in ethical and culturally respectful ways; apply their knowledge to working with Indigenous Australians in socially just ways. |
| Reflect effectively on their practice and on their experiences within their profession and use that reflection to engage in a process of continual improvement. | UC graduates are professional: Employ up-to-date and relevant knowledge and skills; communicate effectively; use creativity, critical thinking, analysis and research skills to solve theoretical and real-world problems; work collaboratively as part of a team, negotiate, and resolve conflict; display initiative and drive, and use their organisational skills to plan and manage their workload; take pride in their professional and personal integrity. UC graduates are global citizens: Think globally about issues in their profession; adopt an informed and balanced approach across professional and international boundaries; understand issues in their profession from the perspective of other cultures; communicate effectively in diverse cultural and social settings; make creative use of technology in their learning and professional lives; behave ethically and sustainably in their professional and personal lives. UC graduates are lifelong learners: Reflect on their own practice, updating and adapting their knowledge and skills for continual professional and academic development; be self-aware; adapt to complexity, ambiguity and change by being flexible and keen to engage with new ideas; evaluate and adopt new technology. UC graduates are able to demonstrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ways of knowing, being and doing: Use local Indigenous histories and traditional ecological knowledge to develop and augment understanding of their discipline; communicate and engage with Indigenous Australians in ethical and culturally respectful ways; apply their knowledge to working with Indigenous Australians in socially just ways. |
| Demonstrate that they possess the appropriate scientific, literacy and numeracy knowledge to properly inform their teaching, communication and administrative responsibilities. | UC graduates are professional: Employ up-to-date and relevant knowledge and skills; communicate effectively; use creativity, critical thinking, analysis and research skills to solve theoretical and real-world problems; work collaboratively as part of a team, negotiate, and resolve conflict; display initiative and drive, and use their organisational skills to plan and manage their workload; take pride in their professional and personal integrity. UC graduates are global citizens: Think globally about issues in their profession; adopt an informed and balanced approach across professional and international boundaries; understand issues in their profession from the perspective of other cultures; communicate effectively in diverse cultural and social settings; make creative use of technology in their learning and professional lives; behave ethically and sustainably in their professional and personal lives. UC graduates are lifelong learners: Reflect on their own practice, updating and adapting their knowledge and skills for continual professional and academic development; be self-aware; adapt to complexity, ambiguity and change by being flexible and keen to engage with new ideas; evaluate and adopt new technology. UC graduates are able to demonstrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ways of knowing, being and doing: Use local Indigenous histories and traditional ecological knowledge to develop and augment understanding of their discipline; communicate and engage with Indigenous Australians in ethical and culturally respectful ways. |
| Develop and implement effective assessment strategies and carry out evaluation of teaching programs, resources and their own teaching. | UC graduates are professional: Employ up-to-date and relevant knowledge and skills; communicate effectively; use creativity, critical thinking, analysis and research skills to solve theoretical and real-world problems; work collaboratively as part of a team, negotiate, and resolve conflict; display initiative and drive, and use their organisational skills to plan and manage their workload. UC graduates are global citizens: Think globally about issues in their profession; adopt an informed and balanced approach across professional and international boundaries; understand issues in their profession from the perspective of other cultures; make creative use of technology in their learning and professional lives. UC graduates are lifelong learners: Reflect on their own practice, updating and adapting their knowledge and skills for continual professional and academic development; be self-aware; evaluate and adopt new technology. UC graduates are able to demonstrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ways of knowing, being and doing: Communicate and engage with Indigenous Australians in ethical and culturally respectful ways; apply their knowledge to working with Indigenous Australians in socially just ways. |
| Plan and develop appropriate teaching activities for students from a diverse range of backgrounds. | UC graduates are professional: Employ up-to-date and relevant knowledge and skills; communicate effectively; use creativity, critical thinking, analysis and research skills to solve theoretical and real-world problems; work collaboratively as part of a team, negotiate, and resolve conflict; display initiative and drive, and use their organisational skills to plan and manage their workload; take pride in their professional and personal integrity. UC graduates are global citizens: Think globally about issues in their profession; adopt an informed and balanced approach across professional and international boundaries; understand issues in their profession from the perspective of other cultures; communicate effectively in diverse cultural and social settings; make creative use of technology in their learning and professional lives; behave ethically and sustainably in their professional and personal lives. UC graduates are lifelong learners: Reflect on their own practice, updating and adapting their knowledge and skills for continual professional and academic development; be self-aware; adapt to complexity, ambiguity and change by being flexible and keen to engage with new ideas; evaluate and adopt new technology. UC graduates are able to demonstrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ways of knowing, being and doing: Use local Indigenous histories and traditional ecological knowledge to develop and augment understanding of their discipline; communicate and engage with Indigenous Australians in ethical and culturally respectful ways. |
| Apply the requisite content knowledge for all Early Childhood and Primary School Curriculum areas to teaching, assessment and reporting methods, alternate/enhanced literacy and numeracy strategies and the effective use of ICT in teaching and learning. | UC graduates are professional: Employ up-to-date and relevant knowledge and skills; communicate effectively; use creativity, critical thinking, analysis and research skills to solve theoretical and real-world problems; work collaboratively as part of a team, negotiate, and resolve conflict; display initiative and drive, and use their organisational skills to plan and manage their workload; take pride in their professional and personal integrity. UC graduates are global citizens: Think globally about issues in their profession; adopt an informed and balanced approach across professional and international boundaries; understand issues in their profession from the perspective of other cultures; communicate effectively in diverse cultural and social settings; make creative use of technology in their learning and professional lives; behave ethically and sustainably in their professional and personal lives. UC graduates are lifelong learners: Reflect on their own practice, updating and adapting their knowledge and skills for continual professional and academic development; be self-aware; adapt to complexity, ambiguity and change by being flexible and keen to engage with new ideas; evaluate and adopt new technology. UC graduates are able to demonstrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ways of knowing, being and doing: Use local Indigenous histories and traditional ecological knowledge to develop and augment understanding of their discipline; communicate and engage with Indigenous Australians in ethical and culturally respectful ways; apply their knowledge to working with Indigenous Australians in socially just ways. |
| Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of student needs and differences and the relevance of these to learning in inclusive, indigenous, EALD and mainstream settings within early childhood centres and primary schools. | UC graduates are professional: Employ up-to-date and relevant knowledge and skills; communicate effectively; use creativity, critical thinking, analysis and research skills to solve theoretical and real-world problems; work collaboratively as part of a team, negotiate, and resolve conflict; display initiative and drive, and use their organisational skills to plan and manage their workload; take pride in their professional and personal integrity. UC graduates are global citizens: Think globally about issues in their profession; adopt an informed and balanced approach across professional and international boundaries; understand issues in their profession from the perspective of other cultures; communicate effectively in diverse cultural and social settings; make creative use of technology in their learning and professional lives; behave ethically and sustainably in their professional and personal lives. UC graduates are lifelong learners: Reflect on their own practice, updating and adapting their knowledge and skills for continual professional and academic development; be self-aware; adapt to complexity, ambiguity and change by being flexible and keen to engage with new ideas; evaluate and adopt new technology. UC graduates are able to demonstrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ways of knowing, being and doing: Use local Indigenous histories and traditional ecological knowledge to develop and augment understanding of their discipline; communicate and engage with Indigenous Australians in ethical and culturally respectful ways; apply their knowledge to working with Indigenous Australians in socially just ways. |
Placements requirements
All students enrolled in programs of initial teacher education are required to complete the statutory checks for working in the school environment that exist in any state or territory where they undertake school based activity. Please note that all students commencing or continuing an initial teacher education course are required to successfully complete both components of the Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Education Students (LANTITE) during their degree. More information about the LANTITE can be found at: https://teacheredtest.acer.edu.au/ All students enrolled in an initial teacher education course are also required to successfully complete all components of a Teacher Performance Assessment (TPA) tool integrated into final-level school-based placements and associated units of study.
Majors
Awards
| Award | Official abbreviation |
|---|---|
| Bachelor of Early Childhood and Primary Education | B EC & Prim Ed |
Honours
None.
Alternative exits
205JA Bachelor of Education Studies
Enquiries
| Student category | Contact details |
|---|---|
| Prospective International Students | Email international@canberra.edu.au or Phone +61 2 6201 5342 |
| Current and Commencing Students | Please contact the University Student Centre by Email estem-courseadvice@canberra.edu.au or Phone 1300 301 727 |
| Prospective Domestic Students | Email study@canberra.edu.au or Phone 1800 UNI CAN (1800 864 226) |
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