Facts & figures
- #26 in the world for Education
- 2023 QS World University Rankings
Topic_
Studying Early Childhood education
Answers to all your frequently asked questions
Unclear what age range is covered in early childhood education? Wondering if preschool teaching is a good fit? What does the BEd (Early Childhood) teach you and how hands on is the degree? We’ve got answers for you.
Who should study early childhood education?
Short answer: Those who love young children, want to make a difference in their lives and understand how important early childhood is in a person’s development.
There’s a lot of responsibility that comes with working children at such a young age but it’s also incredibly rewarding. You quite literally watch a person grow before your eyes. And you can make a positive contribution to this growth.
It has been said, “the goal of early childhood education should be to activate the child's own natural desire to learn.”
If you’re a natural communicator, love to problem solve humans, and are passionate about helping people grow, the Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood) is for you.
What age group does "early childhood" cover?
Short answer: From birth to five years in early childhood education settings.
This degree qualifies you to work in preschools, it does not qualify you to work in primary schools (you’d have to complete a Bachelor of Education (Primary) to do that).
What will I learn?
Short answer: you’ll learn fundamental education theories as well as specialist early childhood teaching techniques.
The four-year degree will ground you in education theory and look at things like play and health/well-being in early childhood, as well as areas like language and communication, creativity, and technology as they relate to early developmental stages.
You can also take subjects based on building relationships with families, education policy, social justice advocacy and professional experience (internships and placements).
Finally, you also have the option to take elective subjects outside of education as offered by the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, the Faculty of Science, and the University of Sydney Business School.
How hands-on is this degree?
Short answer: Very.
By the time you graduate, you’ll have completed over 90 days real-world teaching, working in up to four different early childhood settings via our placement program.
The majority of these experiences will happen in your final year; you’ll be competent – and confident - enough to teach in an early learning centre using your professional judgement and independence.
What can I study?
Undergraduate
Postgraduate
Prospective students should refer to our course pages for the most up-to-date information.
BANNER: Photo by Jason Sung on Unsplash