Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How do I apply for the course?
A. Applications are direct to the university via Deakin Applicant Portal
Q. I don't have a diploma, is there anyway I could do the course?
A. You are not yet qualified to be selected for the course. The Diploma of Children's Services is offered by many institutions, including Deakin's partner institutions as listed below. You may wish to contact one of these institutions for further course details.
- Ballarat University (including regional campuses)
- Box Hill Institute of TAFE
- The Gordon Institute of TAFE
- Holmesglen TAFE
- South West TAFE (Warrnambool and regional campuses) and
- South East TAFE (Mt Gambier and other campuses)
- Swinburne TAFE.
Q. What should I include with my application?,
A. CSP (HECS) places will be awarded on merit, based on the applicants results from their Diploma of Children's Service (or equivalent early childhood studies qualification) and their likelihood to complete the course. Applicants are encouraged to provide evidence of any additional studies completed, i.e., short courses or professional development, and their work/experience with children. Visit our 'How to Apply' page .
Q: What is 'advanced standing' and how does this affect me?
A. Advanced standing is Deakin's way of recognising credit that you deserve for prior studies over and above the minimum entrance requirement for the course. Applicants with three years of approved early childhood education tertiary study (such as a three year Bachelor of Early Childhood degree) may apply for up to 1 year of advanced standing.
Q: How many units do part time students undertake?
A. Units in the Bachelor of Early Childhood Education have been grouped into pairs of curriculum and pedagogy studies.
At Level 3, full-time students will undertake the 4 coursework units and 1 professional experience placement each trimester.
Part-time students undertake 2 coursework units each trimester and complete 1 professional experience placement for the year. Visit the course structure page.
Q: Will I be able to work whilst studying?
A. It may be possible for students to undertake some part-time work whilst
studying the BECE. Students enrolled on a full-time basis in the City program
at Burwood will be required to attend 2 or 3 full days of classes and undertake 2 days of professional experience placement each week. Full-time students in the rural program will complete online
study modules, undertake 2 days of professional experience per week and attend
three 2-day intensives per trimester. This arrangement is designed to enable
participants to continue being employed. Part-time students will undertake
half of the requirements set for full-time students and therefore can combine study and employment.
Q: How long does it take to do the course?
A: The course comprises two years of full-time study. The first year includes a Trimester 3 unit undertaken over the summer between Year 1 and Year 2. Part-time students may complete
the course over 3 - 4 years.
Q: Are there any Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP) available?
A: Yes, the Bachelor of Early Childhood Education is a CSP course and places will be allocated on a merit basis.
Q: Is there any financial support available to cover CSP and tuition fees?
A. The HECS-HELP loan scheme is available for domestic students. Fee information for Future Students.
