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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) 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.

Career opportunities include: Early Childhood Teacher, Early Childhood Centre Director, Primary school teacher, specialist teacher in primary school, community educator, educational researcher, education publication writer or editor, education policy analyst, education consultant, curriculum developer, educational materials developer, curriculum evaluator, and educational administrator.


Program learning outcomes

On successful completion of the program students will have:

  • A broad and coherent body of knowledge, with depth in the underlying principles and concepts in one or more disciplines as a basis for independent lifelong learning
  • Cognitive skills to review critically, analyse, consolidate and synthesise knowledge
  • Cognitive and technical skills to demonstrate a broad understanding of knowledge with depth in some areas
  • Cognitive and creative skills to exercise critical thinking and judgement in identifying and solving problems with intellectual independence
  • Communication skills to present a clear, coherent and independent exposition of knowledge and ideas
  • Demonstrated the application of knowledge and skills with initiative and judgement in planning, problem solving and decision making 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 professional practice and in collaboration with others within broad parameters
  • 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 atMar 29, 2024 3:40 am
Program code40105
AQF level

Level 7 Bachelor 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 Campus65.00-

Find out more about Selection Ranks

Assumed knowledgeEnglish (any level) and Mathematics (any level)
Term typeSemesters
Fees
  • International students - AUD36,980 (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 Code095151K

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Admission information

Admission requirements

Eligibility for admission to this program is based on applicants meeting the minimum selection rank, or satisfying the requirements for an approved admission scheme.

The University of Newcastle accepts a range of qualifications to determine eligibility for admission. These include, but are not limited to, Australian or overseas senior secondary qualifications (such as the HSC), prior tertiary studies, prior TAFE/VET studies, and completed enabling programs.

For further information on the pathways that are available to you, please refer to:

 

 

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 Minimum: 7
  • IELTS Sub Test (Listening): 8
  • IELTS Sub Test (Speaking): 8

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 Childrens 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:

  • 320 units of Core Courses; and
  • 10 units of Electives.

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

Students must not exceed 100 units at 1000 level.

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

This program is accredited by the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) with a sequential course enrolment pattern.  Core and compulsory courses are sequenced to provide foundational knowledge as students move through each year of study.  This sequence is detailed in the relevant program plan.

Students must successfully complete the previous course or courses in sequence.

Students are also required to meet additional academic and non-academic admission requirements in the first year of the program to ensure progression into second year education courses.

Students have the option to apply for admission to transfer to the Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood and Primary) (Honours) program at the end of the second year.  Admission to the Honours program is based upon a minimum GPA of 5.0 in the first 160 units of the Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood and Primary) 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.

Program structure

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

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Core Courses

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
EDUC3065Culture, Diversity and Inclusion in Early Childhood and Primary School Settings
  • 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
EDUC4035Inquiry into Early Childhood Philosophy and Practices
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Callaghan)
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Central Coast)
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
EDUC4182Research as Practice
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Callaghan)
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Central Coast)
10 units

Electives

Electives 10 unit requirement

Complete 10 units of electives to fulfil the requirements of the program. Electives can be used to extend and complement your core studies with more courses in the same field of study, or from areas that might be of interest to you. Electives can be chosen from all courses available at the University that do not have any other conditions (such as a course requisite) applied to them.

10 units

Suggested electives

A full list of courses that are available to study as an elective can be found in the course handbook.

CodeTitleUnits
EDUC3800Intercultural Understanding for Educators10 units
EDUC3802Applied Learning in Diverse Contexts10 units
EDUC6000Understanding Aspirations for Greater Equity10 units

Honours

Students have the option to apply for admission to transfer to the Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood and Primary) (Honours) program at the end of the second year.  Admission to the Honours program is based upon a minimum GPA of 5.0 in the first 160 units of the Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood and Primary) program.


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)

UAC Code , Program Code 40105

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

CRICOS Code , Program Code 40105

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

Selection rank

Duration (FT)(PT)

Next start date

UAC Code

Program Code 40105

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.

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Indicative fee1

Duration (FT)

Next start date

English proficiency requirements IELTS overall minimum -
IELTS section minimum -

CRICOS Code

Program Code 40105

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.

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