Program handbook

Description

The early years of any child's life are crucial to their later education and life experience. To be entrusted with teaching and caring for young children is an enormous responsibility but also a great privilege. Early childhood teaching is a truly rewarding professional career where you can really make a difference.

The Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood and Primary) (Honours) program at the University of Newcastle aims to develop the knowledge, skills and dispositions necessary for a highly successful career in teaching. Graduates of this program will be able to seek employment as Preschool and Early Childhood teachers, and K-6 (Primary) teachers in and beyond the New South Wales Government, Catholic, and Independent school sectors. The program aims to develop graduates who are inspirational teachers with the capability to act professionally, knowledgeably and effectively in their educational destinations; insightful scholars with the capability to engage in rational enquiry into curriculum, policy and practice; and innovative leaders with the capability to play a constructive role in public discourse on and beyond education.

The Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood and Primary) (Honours) program places a special emphasis on preparing graduates who can critically evaluate education research, and have the capacity to design, implement and evaluate their own educational research project. For Honours graduates this degree is a pathway into higher degree research programs, such as the Master of Philosophy and Doctor of Philosophy. The Honours degree provides specific opportunities for graduates to pursue careers in educational research, education publication writing or editing, education policy analysis, as well as the typical professions for Education graduates including an Early Childhood Teacher, Early Childhood Centre Director, K-6 (Primary) school teacher, community educator, education consultant, curriculum developer, educational materials developer, curriculum evaluator, and educational administrator.


Program learning outcomes

On successful completion of the program students will have:

  • Coherent and advanced knowledge of the underlying principles and concepts in one or more disciplines and knowledge of research principles and methods
  • Cognitive skills to review, analyse, consolidate and synthesise knowledge to identify and provide solutions to complex problems with intellectual independence
  • Cognitive and technical skills to demonstrate a broad understanding of a body of knowledge and theoretical concepts with advanced understanding in some areas
  • Cognitive skills to exercise critical thinking and judgement in developing new understanding
  • Technical skills to design and use research in a project
  • Communication skills to present a clear and coherent exposition of knowledge and ideas to a variety of audiences
  • Demonstrated the application of knowledge and skills with initiative and judgement in professional practice and/or scholarship
  • Demonstrated the application of knowledge and skills to adapt knowledge and skills in diverse contexts
  • Demonstrated the application of knowledge and skills with responsibility and accountability for own learning and practice and in collaboration with others within broad parameters
  • Demonstrated the application of knowledge and skills to plan and execute project work and/or a piece of research and scholarship with some independence
  • Become inspirational teachers who act professionally, ethically, and effectively
  • Become insightful scholars who engage in rational enquiry into the theory and practice of education
  • Become innovative leaders who play a constructive role in public discourse on education

Details

Information correct as atApr 18, 2024 12:25 pm
Program code40109
AQF level

Level 8 Bachelor Honours Degree

Locations and UAC codes
Mode of delivery
  • Face to Face
Duration
  • Australian students - 4 years full-time or part-time equivalent.
  • International students - 4 years full-time.
Selection Rank
LocationSelection Rank
Callaghan CampusNANA
OurimbahNANA

This program is new for 2022, there is currently no commencing student profile available.

Find out more about Selection Ranks

Assumed knowledgeEnglish (any level) and Mathematics (any level)
Term typeSemesters
Fees
  • International students - AUD36,965 (indicative annual fee, 2024)
    Indicative annual fees are based on a full year full time load (80 units) Find out more about fees
Relevant University rules and policies
CRICOS Code095152J

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Admission information

Admission requirements

Eligibility for admission to this program is based on applicants having completed a Bachelor degree in a cognate area with a minimum GPA of 5.0 over the first two years (160 units) of the program, including 80 units of Education courses incorporating both EDUC1103 and EDUC2102.

In exceptional circumstances, an application which does not meet the above requirements may be considered.

English Language Requirements

All Applicants must demonstrate that they meet the University’s English proficiency requirement. Further information regarding English language proficiency requirements can be found at the English Language Proficiency for Admission Policy here.

  • IELTS Overall Minimum: 7.5
  • IELTS Sub Test (Listening): 8
  • IELTS Sub Test (Reading): 7
  • IELTS Sub Test (Speaking): 8
  • IELTS Sub Test (Writing): 7

Credit transfer

If you wish to apply for credit for studies completed at another institution, or if you are changing programs within the University and wish to transfer your credit to the new program, visit the University's credit website for more information on applying for credit.


Compulsory program requirements

This degree requires students to participate in placements in NSW Department of Education or other NSW school or service providers via the completion of teacher observations and small group participation, and 90 days of professional experience across three placements. During placement, students will be subject to the policies and procedures of the placement facility. Placements may extend beyond normal semester times and students must meet their own associated travel and accommodation costs, where applicable.

Students must meet all the Education Placement Requirements, including a NSW Working with Children clearance.

Students must check the Professional Experience Website for all placement information.

Post-admission requirements

Compulsory program requirements - Review of progress

In addition to meeting the University's overall requirements for academic progression, students must satisfactorily complete the following courses to progress in their program.

EDUC4147 - Early Childhood/Primary Professional Experience

EDUC2186 - Quality Teaching and Student Learning K-6

EDUC2066 - Teaching, Learning and Play in Early Childhood


Professional recognition

Australian Children's Education and Care Quality Authority

Graduates of this program will be recognised as having Australian Children's Education & Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) approved early childhood education and care qualification as Early Childhood Teachers (under the National Quality Framework (NQF)). Early childhood teachers can pursue careers as teachers in different early childhood settings, such as kindergarten, day care or preschool.

New South Wales Education Standards Authority

Graduates of this accredited initial teacher education program will be eligible for registration with the New South Wales Education Standards Authority (NESA), and can pursue careers as teachers or educators in both the NSW Department of Education and Communities, Catholic Education and Independent school systems; and in public and private sectors both nationally and internationally.


Academic requirements for program completion

Total units required

330 units

Program duration

4 years full-time or part-time equivalent up to 10 years maximum.

International students studying this program on campus are required to enrol full time to comply with their student visa requirements and complete their study in the standard minimum program duration. International students requiring enrolment advice should review the program plan corresponding to the semester and year of commencement and can contact their Program Advisor at ProgramAdvice@newcastle.edu.au

Program requirements

The program requires the successful completion of a total of 330 units.

Students are required to successfully complete:

  1. 330 units of Core Courses.

Students must complete a minimum of 40 units at each level (1000, 2000, 3000, 4000).  

Students must not exceed 120 units at 1000 level.  

Students must only complete courses that form part of the program.


Program planner

Current students program planner

Current students can plan their program using Program Planner.

Program Planner

Prospective student degree planner

If you're a prospective student considering studying this degree take a look at My Degree Planner to see what your study journey will look like.

Additional documents


Transition arrangements

2023 Program Revisions

This program was revised for implementation in Semester 1, 2023.

Core courses in the Graded Honours stream have been revised, EDUC4975 and EDUC4985 have been replaced with EDUC4975A and EDUC4975B. If you have already completed EDUC4975 and EDUC4985 you do not need to complete EDUC4975A and EDUC4975B.

Any further questions should be directed to your program advisor.


Program structure

Students can plan their program using Program Planner. It is recommended students review the program handbook in conjunction with using Program Planner.

Courses that are currently unavailable are hidden by default. You can show them by adjusting the advanced course filters above, or clicking the 'show all' links below each section.

Core

Complete the following core courses to fulfil the requirements of this program.

CodeTitleTerm / Location Units
EDUC1048Becoming a Teacher: Primary and Early Childhood Context
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Callaghan)
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Central Coast)
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Callaghan)
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Central Coast)
10 units
EDUC1055Foundations of Child Development
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Callaghan)
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Central Coast)
10 units
EDUC1070Foundation of Creative Arts for Early Childhood and Primary Teachers
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Callaghan)
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Central Coast)
10 units
EDUC1103Schooling, Identity and Society
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Callaghan)
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Central Coast)
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Online)
10 units
HIST1051The Australian Experience
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Callaghan)
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Central Coast)
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Online)
10 units
LING1000Foundations of Language - Primary and Early Childhood contexts
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Callaghan)
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Central Coast)
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Online)
10 units
MATH1900Elementary Mathematics
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Callaghan)
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Central Coast)
10 units
PUBH1020Foundations of Early Childhood Health and Well-Being
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Callaghan)
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Central Coast)
10 units
SCIM1040Foundations of Science and Technology
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Callaghan)
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Central Coast)
10 units
EDUC2066Teaching, Learning and Play in Early Childhood
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Callaghan)
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Central Coast)
10 units
EDUC2102Educational Psychology: Learners and the Learning Process
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Callaghan)
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Central Coast)
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Online)
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Callaghan)
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Central Coast)
10 units
EDUC2186Quality Teaching and Student Learning K-6
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Callaghan)
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Central Coast)
10 units
EDUC2200The Future of Teaching and Learning
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Online)
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Online)
10 units
EDUC2744K-6 Science and Technology
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Callaghan)
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Central Coast)
10 units
EDUC2746K-6 Society and Environment
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Callaghan)
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Central Coast)
10 units
EDUC2747K-6 PDHPE
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Callaghan)
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Central Coast)
10 units
EDUC2748K-6 Literacy 1
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Callaghan)
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Central Coast)
10 units
EDUC2749K-6 Numeracy
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Callaghan)
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Central Coast)
10 units
ABOR3500Aboriginal Education, Policies and Issues
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Callaghan)
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Central Coast)
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Callaghan)
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Central Coast)
10 units
EDUC3055Pedagogies of Numeracy from Birth to 12 Years
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Callaghan)
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Central Coast)
10 units
EDUC3066Early Childhood Education and Care: Children's places
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Callaghan)
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Central Coast)
10 units
EDUC3075Multiliteracies, Communication and the Young Child
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Callaghan)
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Central Coast)
10 units
EDUC3103Inclusive Education in Early Childhood and Primary Settings
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Callaghan)
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Central Coast)
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Online)
10 units
EDUC3745K-6 Creative Arts
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Callaghan)
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Central Coast)
10 units
EDUC4025Leadership, Advocacy and Administration in EC Settings
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Online)
10 units
EDUC4147Early Childhood/Primary Professional Experience
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Callaghan)
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Callaghan)
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Central Coast)
30 units
EDUC4175Pedagogies of Reading and Writing: Birth to 12 Years
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Callaghan)
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Central Coast)
10 units
EDUC4955Education Honours I: Introduction to Education Research
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Callaghan)
10 units
EDUC4965Education Honours II: Research Design and Methods
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Callaghan)
10 units
EDUC4975Honours III - Thesis ANot currently offered10 units
EDUC4985Honours IV - Thesis BNot currently offered10 units

Additional information

Through the Pathways and Academic Learning Support Centre, students can access a free suite of NUPrep preparation courses as well as Academic Learning Support.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students can draw on the assistance and support provided by the Indigenous Student Support and Development service through the Wollotuka Institute.


International students

All International Students enrolled in the program will be provided with an orientation to familiarise them with the rules, expectations, facilities and services offered by the University. Please visit our International Students website to find out more about the support services available to international students.


Additional support

AccessAbility provides advice and reasonable adjustments to Students with a medical or health condition or disability. If you require adjustments to undertake your program, contact the Student Support Advisors - AccessAbility before semester or early in the semester. They will work with the College or School to ensure that this happens in a timely manner.

Please note: All students must fulfil the inherent requirements of the programs and courses they are undertaking. While reasonable adjustments can be made, these adjustments cannot compromise academic integrity. It is the student's responsibility to check all the requirements of courses, and consider the effects of any medical condition or disability on their ability to complete course requirements. More information is available online.

Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood and Primary) (Honours)

UAC Code , Program Code 40109

Selection rank
Duration (FT)(PT)
Next start date

CRICOS Code , Program Code 40109

Indicative fee1
Duration (FT)
Next start date
Select your study options
Student type
Degree duration
Study location
Admission info

Selection rank

Duration (FT)(PT)

Next start date

UAC Code

Program Code 40109

This criteria is based on a full-time domestic student attending Callaghan campus. Please select your criteria to personalise your study options and your circumstances.

Apply via UAC

Indicative fee1

Duration (FT)

Next start date

English proficiency requirements IELTS overall minimum -
IELTS section minimum -

CRICOS Code

Program Code 40109

This criteria is based on a full-time international student attending Callaghan campus. Please select your criteria to personalise your study options and your circumstances.

Apply now

How to apply

Admission to the Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood and Primary) (Honours) program is via Direct Honours Application. Admission is not available through UAC or Internal Program Transfer.

Eligible applicants must achieve a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 5.0 (Credit grade average) over the first two years (160 units) of the program, including 80 units of Education courses incorporating both EDUC2102 and EDUC1103.

Download the Honours program application form.

Please submit the completed application form to the Bachelor of Education (Honours) Program Convenor for assessment of eligibility. Applications must be submitted by the Friday of Week 13, Semester 2, Year 2.

Download the Honours manual for more information. Please also refer to the Bachelors Honours Policy for further information.