Early Childhood Education
School of Education
Q: How do I apply for the course?
A. Applications for the 2009 academic year open have now closed.
The next selection period will open in September 2009 for the 2010 academic year. Applications must be submitted via the Deakin University Online Application System.
Please do not try to apply for the BECE through VTAC as applications must be submitted directly to Deakin.
You will need to supply certified transcripts and/ or other documents to support your application. You will need to send these to:
Admissions
Division of Student Administration
Deakin University
GEELONG VIC 3217
Please quote your application number which you'll receive once your online application has been completed.
Following the selection process, the University will send out a letter to advise you on the outcome of your application. If you are successful, this letter will include details of how to accept your offer, how to enrolment online and further information about commencing your studies at Deakin.
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.
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 for a list of additional information you can include to support your application.
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, entering at the Year 4 level.
Q: When does the course start?
A: The Bachelor of Early Childhood Education has an intake of students at the start of each year. Orientation Week will commence on Monday 2 March, 2009, with the first official week of the academic semester commencing on Monday 9 March, 2009.
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 semester.
Part-time students undertake 2 coursework units each semester and complete 1 professional experience placement for the year. Visit our course structure page of the University Handbook for further information.
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 full days of classes (Thursdays and
Fridays) and undertake 2 days of professional experience placement (Mon -
Wed) 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 semester. 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 will find
it easy to combine study and employment.
For both the City and Rural programs, it may be possible for students to undertake half of their professional experience days at Level 3 with their current employer, depending on the workplace setting. However, it must be noted that the remainder will need to be completed in a different setting.
Q: How long does it take to do the course?
A: The course comprises two years of full-time study. The second year includes a summer
semester unit and 2 practical work experience units. Part-time students may complete
the course over 3 - 4 years.
Q: Are there any Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP) available?
A: Yes, there are a limited number of places available for the Bachelor of Early Childhood Education, which will be allocated on a merit basis. If you have indicated that you would be willing to accept a fee-paying position, you may still be eligible for a CSP later in the course and these later CSP allocations will be offered on the basis of your performance in the first 8 units of study. While the review process is an automatic one, allocation of CSPs remains subject to availability.
Q: How much does the course cost?
A: A limited number of CSP (HECS) places will be available. In 2008, the
HECS fees for the BECE are $4077 per year for full time study (or $509
per credit point). Further full fee (tuition) places will be available
to domestic and international students. The tuition fee for the BECE in
2008 has been set at: $1,800 per credit point for domestic students and
$2,032 per credit point for international students.
The course has 10 credit points at 3rd level and 8 credit points at 4th level that are subject to fees.
Q: Is there any financial support available to cover CPS and tuition fees?
A. HECS-HELP and FEE-HELP loan schemes are available for domestic students. Visit the Division of Student Administration's Fee information website for further information.
