Students learn to immerse children in play and inquiry-based learning, literacy, numeracy and science education, and gain qualifications to teach in early childhood education settings such as long day care centres, kindergartens and primary schools.
Students focus on early childhood teaching practices for planning play and learning experiences for children aged from birth to eight years, and undertake Supervised Professional and Wider Field Experience in long day care, kindergarten and primary school contexts. Students also develop skills in leadership and administration and an understanding of policy in educational settings.
- Only a full-time option is available to international students on a Student visa. Online programs are not available to Student visa holders.
- * Estimated tuition fees are based on 2025 rates. Refer to international fees for more information.
- Not all majors/minors and elective options are available at every campus. You should refer to the What Can I Study tab, and the proposed study sequence for your chosen campus and intake for further information.
Students focus on early childhood teaching practices for planning play and learning experiences for children aged from birth to eight years, and undertake Supervised Professional and Wider Field Experience in long day care, kindergarten and primary school contexts. Students also develop skills in leadership and administration and an understanding of policy in educational settings.
Post-admission requirements
Students must complete 129 days of Supervised Professional Experience and 20 hours of Wider Field Experience. Students must undergo a criminal history check and obtain a Suitability Card (Blue Card CCYPCG) before the first professional learning experience.
Career opportunities
Early childhood teaching or leadership roles in long day care centres, kindergarten and primary school settings (from Prep to Year 3), integrated community services, government.
Membership
Early Childhood Australia.
Registration
Queensland College of Teachers.
Program structure
For students commencing Semester 1, 2014. All other students please refer to previous handbooks.
Program structure
Program requirements
In order to graduate you must:
- Complete 32 courses including 30 required courses and 2 elective courses.
- Complete no more than 12 introductory level courses, including core courses.
- Complete a minimum of 129 days of Supervised Professional Experience, with the majority completed as full-time blocks. One major Supervised Professional Experience must be completed in an Australian school.
- Complete 20 hours of Wider Field Experience.
- A Suitability Card is required, refer to Requirements for placements.
Program notes
- Completing this program within the specified (full-time) duration is based on studying 48 unit points per semester (normally 4 courses).
- Electives may be used to increase curriculum knowledge in Key Learning Areas.
- Courses within this program are assessed using a variety of assessment methods including essays, seminar presentations, reports, in-class tests and examinations. Not all courses will necessarily include all methods.
- Graduates from the Diploma in Children’s Services will be able to enter into the second year of the program via a negotiated credit transfer pathway. 96 units of credit will be awarded.
- As part of your USC program, you may apply to participate in the GO Program to undertake courses with an overseas higher education provider. It is advisable to contact your Program Advisor to discuss timing and course issues.
- This program is not available to international students on a Student Visa.
- When enrolling, refer to the Study Plan.
Introductory required courses
9 required courses:
COR109 Chemistry - Enabling your Future
EDU100 Discovering Science
EDU104 Animal Form, Function and Evolution
EDU107 Marine Vertebrates: Sharks, Seabirds, Fish, Turtles and Whales
EDU108 Biodiversity and Ecology
EDU109 Science Research Methods
EDU110 Academic and Professional Skills: Planning for success
EDU111 ICT for Academic and Professional Applications
EDU112 Chemistry - Enabling your Future
Advanced required courses
21 required courses:
EDU201 Biodiversity and Ecology
EDU203 Cell Biology
EDU206 Discovering Science
EDU207 Professional Practice of Psychology
EDU208 Ethical and Professional Issues In Psychology
EDU305 Group Research Project in Psychology A
EDU309 Advanced Statistics in Psychology
EDU316 Advanced Theoretical Issues in Psychology
EDU331 Group Research Project in Psychology B
EDU332 Communication and Thought
EDU333 Becoming a Teacher
EDU334 Foundation of English and Mathematics
EDU335 Science and Sustainability in Primary Schools
EDU336 The First Three Years of Life and Learning
EDU340 Professional Learning 1: A Holistic Approach to Learning
EDU341 Early Learning Environments and Curriculum
EDU343 Documenting Children's Learning
EDU344 Professional Learning 2: Early Learning Experiences
EDU407 Language and Literacies in Education
EDU408 Play and Inquiry Based Learning
EDU409 Sustainable Communities for Children and Families
Elective courses
Select 2 elective courses from either faculty (Arts and Business or Science, Health, Education and Engineering). It is strongly recommended that students select electives that develop a specific curriculum area.
Requirements for placements
As required by the Commission for Children and Young People and Child Guardian Act (2000), preservice teachers must undergo a criminal history check and be issued with a Suitability Card (Blue Card) by the Commission to allow them to undertake field experience in a school or centre where children under 18 years of age are present. It is now a requirement of all Queensland sites and most Australian sites that preservice teachers have obtained the Blue Card prior to starting professional workplace learning.
To avoid processing delays, you are encouraged to apply for a Blue Card as soon as you have accepted your offer. Blue Cards are free-of-charge for Education students when you apply through USC’s Professional Workplace Learning office (Level 2, C Building). Note: If you do not possess a current Blue Card, you will be unable to complete the professional experience component of your program and you will be unable to meet graduation requirements.
Visit the Commission's website for information on Blue Cards and how to apply.