Overview
Gain specialised knowledge for teaching young children, with an Undergraduate Certificate in Early Childhood Education from Victoria University.
This early childhood teaching course gives you a recognised qualification within six months – letting you upskill quickly, and providing a fast track towards a new career.
Covering essential aspects of early-childhood education – such as learning theory and national frameworks – the certificate provides professional-development opportunities, and a stepping stone to a bachelor qualification.
By the end of the Undergraduate Certificate in Early Childhood Education course, you will understand:
- learning concepts
- education practices, settings and social influences
- teachers' role in play, and how play is part of development
- researching and writing using academic conventions
- the National Quality Framework, and other rights-based and ethical charters.
If you decide to keep studying to aim for higher roles, you may progress to the Bachelor of Early Childhood Education, or the Bachelor of Education Studies.
Qualify within six months
Undergraduate certificates are a recent addition to our courses. They let you graduate with a recognised qualification in as little as half a year.
Take advantage of the new certificates to begin an entry-level career sooner, or to take your first step towards further study and a bachelor degree.
Study in convenient four-week blocks
This course is delivered in the VU Block Model, which means you study one unit (subject) at a time over four weeks, rather than juggling several units at once.
With its focused timetables and smaller, collaborative classes, VU’s Block Model gives you more time to connect with your peers, lecturers and industry partners, helping you to build strong professional networks.
The VU Block Model has improved our student results and engagement, and has won multiple international awards for innovation and excellence.
Learning advice & support
VU’s Learning Hubs are welcoming spaces where you can improve your study and employability skills.
We offer maths, writing, careers and English-language advice, and show you effective ways to study and manage your time.
Our programs include:
- workshops
- drop-in sessions
- peer mentoring
- maths and writing resources
- resume and career guidance.
We also have accessibility support services and counselling services available to all students.
Careers in early-childhood teaching
The knowledge gained in this course is valuable professional development for those who work in:
- childcare organisations
- holiday programs
- kindergartens or primary schools as teacher aides
- afterschool programs
- creative learning programs for children
- management, leadership or administrative roles in childcare settings.
For those seeking to work as early-childhood teachers, the course provides credits towards the Bachelor of Early Childhood Education. It also provides a pathway to the Bachelor of Education Studies.
Course structure
To attain the Undergraduate Certificate in Early Childhood Education students will be required to complete:
- 48 credit points Core units
Course structure and units
-
- Unit code
- EEC1101
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- EEC1112
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- ECE1001
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- ECE1002
- Credits
- 12
Achieve more with the VU Block Model
We are the first Australian university to use a 'block' model of learning, where you study one unit at a time rather than juggling several at once.
Introduced in 2018, the VU Block Model has improved our student results and achievements, and has won awards for innovation and excellence. Initially for first-year students, it now applies to all students studying at our Melbourne campuses.
You'll study in short bursts, called blocks, of three 2-3 hour face-to-face teaching sessions per week.
Each block focuses on one unit (subject) and is only four weeks long, with up to four days between. Our two semesters have four blocks each, and there are optional blocks over winter and summer where you can catch up on a missed unit.
Some courses have labs and pracs too, and these are generally scheduled on the same days as teaching sessions. There are also workshops where you'll develop your study skills and prepare for your future career.
Find out more about the VU Block Model.
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
| 1. | Understand the role that play and exploration have in Early Childhood Education | ||
| 2. | Apply curriculum documents such as the Early Year Learning Framework, to experiences designed to stimulate learning for young children | ||
| 3. | Analyse the significance of Early Childhood Education in the context of life-long learning. | ||
| 4. | Articulate the importance of Early Childhood Education in the social and emotional development of children. |
What's a unit?
A unit or 'subject' is the actual class you'll attend in the process of completing a course.
Most courses have a mixture of compulsory 'core' units that you need to take and optional elective units that you can choose to take based on your area of interest, expertise or experience.
Credits
Each unit is worth a set amount of study credits based on the amount of time you study. Generally, 1 credit is equal to 1 hour of study per week.
Fees & scholarships
Fee type definitions
The amount you pay for your course depends on whether you’re offered a Commonwealth supported place (CSP) or a full fee-paying place.
Students who enrol in a:
- Commonwealth supported place pay tuition fees that are partly subsidised by the Australian government
- full fee-paying place need to pay the full amount for all enrolled units before census each study period.
In addition to your tuition fees, you may also be charged a Student Services & Amenities Fee (SSAF).
Scholarships & assistance
Apply for a scholarship to help with your study costs.
We can help with fee assistance and advice.
Admissions
Victoria University is committed to providing a transparent admissions process. Find out more about how to apply for our courses, and our commitment to admissions transparency.
Applicants for this course will need to have met the academic requirements and prerequisites for this course outlined below.
Meeting the minimum admission criteria does not guarantee entry into this course. Past academic performance may be considered.
Admission criteria
The minimum criteria for admission varies depending on your education background. If you’re not sure which criteria applies to you, use the help tool on this page or make an enquiry and we can assist.
Applicants with recent secondary education (within the last 2 years)
- Australian Senior Secondary Certificate (e.g. VCE) or
- an Australian or overseas equivalent or
- an International Baccalaureate (IB).
Importance of ATAR for this course
We consider both ATAR and other criteria
ATAR is not a consideration. We use other criteria
Admission criteria
Completion of an Australian Senior Secondary Certificate (VCE or equivalent) including Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 30 in English (EAL) or 25 in any other English.
Why is ATAR not applicable?
You will not need an ATAR score to meet the admission requirements for this course. Only the successful completion of your secondary school studies, and any additional prerequisites. Our courses and support programs are designed to prepare students from diverse cultures for success, regardless of their prior experience, ATAR, age, socioeconomic or educational background.
Applicants with vocational education and training (VET/TAFE) study
This information is for people who have completed an accredited award at an Australian Registered Training Organisation.
Admission criteria
Completion of an Australian Advanced Diploma or Diploma (or equivalent).
OR:
Completion of the Certificate IV in Tertiary Preparation (or equivalent)
OR:
22451VIC Diploma of Teacher Education Preparation.
Applicants with higher education study
This information is for people whose highest level of study since leaving secondary education is a higher education course.
Admission criteria
Full or partial completion of an Australian Higher Education award (or equivalent).
OR:
Completion of two units of Higher Education studies.
OR:
Completion of a bridging or enabling course eg. Foundation course or equivalent.
Applicants with work & life experience
This information is for applicants who left secondary school more than two years ago and who have not undertaken VET or higher education study since then.
Admission criteria
Five years (minimum) work/life experience in Training & Development, Education, Child Care or similar.
OR:
Applicants that completed an Australian Senior Secondary Certificate more than two years ago.
PLUS:
Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 30 in English (EAL) or 25 in any other English (or equivalent).
Pathways & credits
There are many ways you can start your education journey at VU. Pathways offer an easy transition between courses at different levels, so that you can start with a certificate and progress right through to postgraduate study.
Pathways from VU courses
Find out more about pathways and credits.
Credit for skills and past study
Use our credit calculator to find out how much credit you could get towards your course, based on your previous study.
If you have completed study with another university or institution and believe you are eligible to receive credit for skills and past study, you can apply for advanced standing.
Applications for advanced standing can be made after a discussion with your course chair or academic adviser.
How to apply
Applications for this course are not being taken at this time.
Browse our other Early childhood education courses or send us an enquiry to be notified of updates relating to this course.
Enquire now
Please fill out the form below, and we'll get back to you shortly.
Get help
- Visit a student service centre
- 1300 VIC UNI (1300 842 864)
- Visit the glossary
At Victoria University, we aim to display accurate and complete course information online. However, we are unable to guarantee that every course change is currently displayed. You may contact the University directly on +61 3 9919 6100 to confirm the most up-to-date course fees, pathways and credit transfer, recognition of prior learning, admission and enrolment procedures, examinations and services available to our students.
