Study early childhood education online or on campus at UC.
Your free course brochure is ready to download. Discover everything from flexible study options, fast-tracking your degree to what you’ll learn, career outlook, course fees with CSP-supported places available and more.
Embrace the power of play-based learning and become a leader in the classroom, ready to make an impact on the lives of young children.
Whether you're already working in early childhood education or just beginning your journey, UC’s Bachelor of Early Childhood Education (Birth to Five) will equip you with comprehensive knowledge in child development to elevate your career into teaching and leadership positions. With a hands-on learning approach, you'll uncover the transformative power of play and creativity to unlock new opportunities and take the lead in the classroom and beyond.
Study with the ultimate in flexibility and convenience
If you can’t come to campus, study Online* and complete coursework and lectures virtually at your own pace.
ACECQA-accredited course with a real-world curriculum
Connect theory to practice in diverse early childhood educational settings by gaining expertise in:
- the latest in educational research and teaching practices
- creating engaging, interactive, play-based learning opportunities
- be an advocate of young voices by championing diversity and inclusion
- hands-on 80 days of practical placement in the Canberra region.
Accelerated study options
If you hold an ACECQA-accredited Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care, you may be eligible to receive a year of credit, fast-tracking your degree completion to two years of full-time study.
Graduate with an industry-recognised qualification, with transferable skills for various settings, boosting your confidence and employability while staying connected to the UC community. Be ready to take on senior leadership opportunities as a qualified educator.
*Online Plus is available for students in years 2 & 3.
Undergraduate
Online Plus
Blended
On campus
3 years, full-time
2 years, full-time accelerated*
3 Feb 2025
28 July 2025
Save on your course fees^
CSP supported course.
* Eligibility criteria applies.
^Commonwealth Supported Places available. Conditions apply.
Schedule a call with our friendly team to learn more about the Bachelor of Early Childhood Education (Birth to Five).
Study your way with Online Plus*, Blended and On Campus study modes to give you the ultimate work-life-study balance.
Take the steps towards leadership sooner if you're eligible to fast-track your degree^.
Gain extensive practical experience in various school settings, ensuring you’re prepared with the skills to succeed in a variety of early childhood education settings and roles.
Learn to create engaging and interactive learning experiences, incorporating play, imagination and exploration into the curriculum.
Grow your confidence and advocate for young people, fostering a sense of trust to build a supportive network.
Learn to provide an enriching, solid educational base to set the stage for lifelong learning and academic achievement.
Experience future-focused study, created with the education industry to ensure relevancy and longevity.
*Online Plus is available for students in years 2 & 3.
^Eligibility criteria apply.
Curious about what your future study pattern might look like? Explore your course in detail with the option to view your typical pattern based on your chosen intake and study mode below.
Fast-track your degree
Do you already hold an ACECQA-accredited Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care or higher? You may be eligible to accelerate your degree to two years of full-time study via our Online Plus study mode.
To find out more book in a consult with our friendly team.
Qualified early childhood educators are among the most in-demand professionals in Australia. As the Australian Government places greater emphasis on early childhood education, new programs are being initiated to support this growth. These initiatives range from encouraging parents to send their children to preschool to developing new infrastructure and upskilling ECE workers.
Whether you are looking for a great starting point or a stepping stone to further your career seeking out leadership roles, an education degree from UC can open the doors to a wide range of career opportunities in the education sector. UC graduates could find themselves in a future role such as:
- Director in an early childhood setting
- Early childhood education leader
- Early childhood teacher
- Policy advisor
- Curriculum development
- Educational program advisor
- Play therapist
- Early learning centre director
Admission for the Bachelor of Early Childhood Education (Birth to Five) is based on an entrance rank. A rank can be achieved by the following means:
- Year 12 ATAR of 60 or above
- Other Australian Qualification
- Work experience
- Overseas qualification
If you didn’t get an appropriate ATAR for your preferred course, we also offer a number of initiatives that give you the opportunity to gain entry through alternate pathway programs and admissions schemes. For ACECQA-approved Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care diploma holders, an accelerated pathway is available.
Please see the course page for more information.
Study your course with reduced fees.
A course with Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP) means the Australian Government has subsidised a portion of your degree, reducing the total balance you are required to pay (known as the student contribution amount).
The CSP amount is determined by the course you are undertaking and the industry you'll be working in after graduation.
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Some students (such as Australian citizens or holders of an Australian permanent humanitarian visa) may be eligible to apply to defer payment of their tuition fees via the Commonwealth Government's FEE-HELP and HECS-HELP schemes.
Visit our fees page for useful information about eligibility and how to apply and pay. You can apply for FEE-HELP or HECS-HELP once you have enrolled in a course.
“My UC experience has been rewarding. The flexibility UC offers has been a significant advantage, allowing me to balance my studies with a young family and a full-time job.”
Laura Briguglio
Bachelor of Education (Birth to Five) student
UC offers flexible study options for the Bachelor of Early Childhood Education (Birth to Five) to give students the ultimate study-work and life balance which include:
Online Plus
Online Plus is all online and self-paced, except where attendance of school-based experiences is required within the Canberra region. Online Plus study mode is only available to students commencing in the second and third year of their degree.
Blended
Blended learning is a combination of online lectures with some in-person requirements like tutorials, presentations or group work. Students will also be required to complete school-based experiences in the Canberra region.
On Campus
All in-person study via our UC Bruce Campus, with in-person school-based experiences in the Canberra region.
There is also an On Campus study option available at UC Sydney Hills.
Your future study schedule for the Bachelor of Early Child Education (Birth to Five) will vary depending on your chosen delivery mode, and whether you choose to study full-time or part-time. To give you the ultimate flexibility, you can change your study mode and switch from part-time or full-time study at any point during your course.
A common question students ask is if it’s possible to work full-time and study full-time. The answer is yes, but you’ll need to be organised and ensure your workplace is flexible regarding exam periods and in-person placement requirements.
Our Online Plus study option is designed to accommodate full-time workers and those who prefer a flexible study schedule with self-paced learning options and on-demand lectures.
Online study at the University of Canberra will include recorded lectures, live webinars and online discussions. You will have assignments, readings, and group projects with set deadlines, allowing you to manage your time flexibly.
It’s worth noting that your study time will differ from your course completion date, as you’ll have breaks between semesters.
Some students may be eligible to complete an accelerated Bachelor of Early Childhood Education (Birth to Five) degree at UC.
If you already hold a completed ACEQA-accredited Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care or higher, you may be eligible to receive a credit upon application for up to a year, shortening your degree to just two years of full-time study.
Want to find out more? Book a call with our friendly team to have your questions answered.
There are plenty of online resources available at the University of Canberra. These include virtual library access, academic support services, IT support, financial support, employment and professional assistance with Careers UC. You’ll also have access to student welfare services, an online orientation and our interactive online learning platform.
Additionally, UC online students can access study materials and discussion forums and participate in webinars and virtual workshops to enhance their learning experience.
With an increasing focus on improving the quality of educators nationally, there are several great incentives you may qualify for to help you take the steps towards becoming a qualified teacher.
Early Learning Connection
The ACT Government’s Early Learning Connection program is designed to support women in the ACT to gain a flexible career pathway into early childhood education. You may be eligible for financial assistance to help balance your work, study and life commitments, secure an education coach or receive help facilitating future employment opportunities.
You may be eligible for financial assistance and scholarships to help with living expenses, relocation, and study costs.
At UC, we’re here to help you succeed! Once your ready to apply to UC, our process depends on your student type and course. You can find all the requirements, criteria, and processes through the UC application portal.
If you have further questions or would like assistance with your application, we encourage you to book a consult to receive personalised guidance and support.
Australia’s recent pay rise for early childhood educators, announced in August 2024, is a significant boost for those passionate about shaping young minds. This increase not only acknowledges the critical role educators play but also makes a career in early childhood education more rewarding than ever. With competitive wages on offer, there's never been a better time to start a fulfilling career where you can truly make a difference in children's lives.
Whether you’re interested in an undergraduate certificate, bachelor’s degree or a master’s degree, UC has a variety of 100% online study options to suit your lifestyle and elevate your career aspirations. With fully remote, self-paced learning options for undergraduate and postgraduate study levels, you can build your knowledge when and where it suits you.
When you join our online community, you’ll get all the benefits of being a UC student, including access to resources, support and guidance. You’ll be able to connect with academics, tutors and other students to share skills, insights and make professional connections.
Ready to start learning? Download a brochure, or speak to our staff via email or over the phone.
We can answer any questions including:
- Matching the course to you
- How studying online works
- How to apply
- Tuition cost and fees