Choose an early childhood education course that will get you work ready
Get your career off to the best start by developing skills, knowledge and networks through work experience and a practical, hands-on approach to learning. Our connection to industry thought-leaders means you'll graduate with a well-recognised qualification that stands out to employers and is matched to current industry practice.
Undergraduate
Undergraduate (your first degree)
An undergraduate degree is generally completed between two to four years, depending on the pattern of study and any recognition of prior learning you may have. Associate degrees, bachelor and bachelor with honours are all undergraduate degrees.
Postgraduate
Postgraduate (further study)
A postgraduate qualification can be undertaken by students who have already completed an undergraduate degree or possess significant, demonstrable work experience. Postgraduate courses include graduate certificates, graduate diplomas, masters and PhDs, as well as specialist programs for industry professionals.
Research
Higher Degrees by Research (supervised research)
Research degrees are research based master’s or PhD programs that focus on a single area of expertise. They provide students the opportunity to carry out highly specialised research under expert supervision.
Career opportunities
Our graduates have found careers in Australian and international early childhood education settings, pre-schools and primary schools (where VIT registration is recognised) as teachers, coordinators and advisers.
Other graduates have gone on to roles in:
- community services
- government departments
- health and welfare organisations
- non-for-profit organisations
- the media.
Discover the education and teaching course for you
Our education and teaching course finder tool makes it easy for you to find the right course. By answering just a few questions, the tool will provide you with the best options to match your career goals and interests.
Top of the class
Our professional experience program is a critical part of every Deakin teaching student's course journey. With a choice of over 1400 schools across Australia you'll undertake at least 80 days of work experience, where the opportunities for professional and personal development are endless.
#1 in Australia for education and educational research*
Deakin is ranked #5 globally and #1 in Australia for education and educational research by U.S. News and World Report, a global authority in education rankings. You can be assured that what you learn at Deakin is relevant to the sector and your career.
Early childhood scholarships
The Victorian Government is offering support to become an early childhood teacher. This includes for study in Deakin’s Bachelor of Early Childhood Education, Graduate Diploma of Early Childhood Education and the Master of Teaching (Early Childhood). Whether you’re starting your study, upskilling or already studying early childhood teaching, there is financial support available.
Learn more about government support
Accelerated Employment Based Pathway
Looking to enhance your early childhood education career? Applications are now open for the Accelerated Employment Based Pathway which supports you to continue working while you study Deakin’s Bachelor of Early Childhood Education. You’ll receive extra support within early childhood services, including mentorship and time release for study to help you complete your degree in just 1.5 years.^
Inspire the next generation
Our early childhood and education courses are designed to set you up for a successful career. Find out about the benefits of becoming an early childhood educator.
Postgraduate teaching at Deakin
Learn how Deakin empowers you to make a difference in the lives of young people throughout your studies.
Research with us
Research at Deakin is making a difference, working to improve the field of education for future generations. Address the challenges of our time when you study a higher degree by research in our School of Education.
We have partnerships to help you develop innovative research. With links to schools, professional associations and government departments, we’ll help bring your ideas to life.
Education research in action
Early childhood science education: do Australian publishing trends represent world publishing trends? Coral Campbell finds, from a historical perspective, there was a distinctive approach evolving in early childhood science education.
I was able to implement what I was learning in classes at university to my placements. The fast track allowed me to finish the course a year earlier.
Charlotte Rooney
Bachelor of Early Childhood Education graduate
Latest articles
Choosing an early childhood education or primary teaching course
Which Deakin early childhood education or primary teaching course is right for you? Whatever your career goals, consider the options when choosing a degree.
Footnotes
*U.S. News & World Report, Best Global Universities Subject Rankings 2022–2023
^To complete the course in 1.5 years it must be taken over 4 consecutive trimesters with compulsory study in Trimester 3.