Deakin University
Bachelor of Early Childhood Education
Geelong Waterfront Campus, Victoria, Australia
Level
Bachelor
Duration
3.0F/P
Campus
Cloud Campus
Intl. Tuition
A$41,000 (2027-28)
Home Tuition
A$4,908 (maximum student contribution 2027 (indicative))
Intake
TBD
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Course Overview
Bachelor of Early Childhood Education at Deakin University in Geelong Waterfront Campus, Victoria, Australia is a bachelor programme designed to give you both rigorous academic grounding and exposure to current practice in the field.
- Study with academics who are active researchers and industry practitioners, with regular contact through seminars, tutorials, and project work.
- Develop core knowledge in your first year before specialising through optional modules in later years tailored to your interests and career goals.
- Build practical, transferable skills — analysis, communication, teamwork, and project delivery — that employers across sectors actively look for.
- Access dedicated employability support including internships, placements, alumni mentoring, and a careers service that connects students to graduate roles.
- Join a global student community with extracurricular societies, sports, volunteering, and study-abroad opportunities to round out your university experience.
Career snapshot (indicative)
Early years graduates work in nurseries, reception classes, children's centres and family support services, qualifying as Early Years Teachers or practitioners with pathways into leadership, SENCO and children's services roles.
Student life (indicative)
Geelong Waurn Ponds Campus offers a comfortable, outdoor-focused student lifestyle. Great weather, natural surroundings and a friendly community create a welcoming environment, with cafés, bars and local events to fill your downtime.
The University at a Glance
Student Population
59,359
Staff Ratio
18.0:1
International
27.0%
Career Prospects
Employment Rate
75.0%
of graduates employed
Avg Starting Salary
£36,340
First-year earnings
Placement Year
✓ Available
Work experience option
Costs & Living
City & Location
Major metropolitan (>1m inhabitants)
Course Curriculum
Year 1
- Foundations of Bachelor of Early Childhood Education
- Academic and Research Skills
- Quantitative Methods
- Introduction to Theory and Practice
- Optional language or breadth module.
Year 2
- Intermediate Bachelor of Early Childhood Education topics
- Applied Methods and Tools
- Group Project
- Two optional pathway modules
- Career and Industry Insights.
Year 3
- Advanced Bachelor of Early Childhood Education
- Independent Dissertation or Capstone Project
- Two specialist optional modules aligned with your interests
- Employability and Professional Development.
Entry Requirements
Subjects
- Year 12 prerequisites Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 30 in English as an Additional Language or at least 25 in English other than EAL. Non
- Year 12 prerequisites As for Year 12 or equivalent. For accepted evidence see: www.deakin.edu.au/undergrad
- entry. | Current Year 12 graduates Working with children check Applicants will be required to hold a valid Working with Children (WWC) Check for the relevant state prior to undertaking professional placements as part of this course. For more information see: Deakin University WWCC information and Working with Children in Victoria Supervised professional experience Successful completion of 80
- days of professional experience is required in order to graduate and apply for teacher registration. Trauma Informed Practice Students undertaking this course must complete the Berry Street Foundation Education Program in order to be eligible to graduate. Recent Year 12 graduates Working with children check Applicants will be required to hold a valid Working with Children (WWC) Check for the relevant state prior to undertaking professional placements as part of this course. For more information see: Deakin University WWCC information and Working with Children in Victoria Supervised professional experience Successful completion of 80
- days of professional experience is required in order to graduate and apply for teacher registration. Trauma Informed Practice Students undertaking this course must complete the Berry Street Foundation Education Program in order to be eligible to graduate. Applicants with Higher Education study Working with children check Applicants will be required to hold a valid Working with Children (WWC) Check for the relevant state prior to undertaking professional placements as part of this course. For more information see: Deakin University WWCC information and Working with Children in Victoria Supervised professional experience Successful completion of 80
- days of professional experience is required in order to graduate and apply for teacher registration. Trauma Informed Practice Students undertaking this course must complete the Berry Street Foundation Education Program in order to be eligible to graduate. Applicants with VET study Working with children check Applicants will be required to hold a valid Working with Children (WWC) Check for the relevant state prior to undertaking professional placements as part of this course. For more information see: Deakin University WWCC information and Working with Children in Victoria Supervised professional experience Successful completion of 80
- days of professional experience is required in order to graduate and apply for teacher registration. Trauma Informed Practice Students undertaking this course must complete the Berry Street Foundation Education Program in order to be eligible to graduate. Applicants with work and life experience Working with children check Applicants will be required to hold a valid Working with Children (WWC) Check for the relevant state prior to undertaking professional placements as part of this course. For more information see: Deakin University WWCC information and Working with Children in Victoria Supervised professional experience Successful completion of 80
- days of professional experience is required in order to graduate and apply for teacher registration. Trauma Informed Practice Students undertaking this course must complete the Berry Street Foundation Education Program in order to be eligible to graduate. | Current Year 12 graduates ATAR This course uses the ATAR as part of its selection considerations. Deakin Guaranteed ATAR
- Participating Course At Deakin, we are providing lower upfront guaranteed ATARs for eligible students from under
- represented cohorts, learn more at: https://www.deakin.edu.au/deakin
- guaranteed
- atar Subject adjustment A study score of 35 in English as an Additional Language equals 2 aggregate points per study. A study score of 30 in English other than EAL, any LOTE or any Mathematics equals 2 aggregate points per study. Overall maximum of 12 points. SEAS (Special Entry Access Scheme) Applicants who have experienced educational disadvantage are encouraged to apply for equity schemes. Depending on eligibility and your circumstances, an equity schemes application may provide support for your course application. For further information go to Deakin University Equity schemes information and the Deakin University website Recent Year 12 graduates ATAR This course uses the ATAR as part of its selection considerations. Subject adjustment A study score of 35 in English as an Additional Language equals 2 aggregate points per study. A study score of 30 in English other than EAL, any LOTE or any Mathematics equals 2 aggregate points per study. Overall maximum of 12 points. SEAS (Special Entry Access Scheme) Applicants who have experienced educational disadvantage are encouraged to apply for equity schemes. Depending on eligibility and your circumstances, an equity schemes application may provide support for your course application. For further information go to Deakin University Equity schemes information and the Deakin University website Applicants with Higher Education study Entire academic record This course uses the entire academic record as part of its selection considerations. VTAC Personal Statement Please complete and submit a personal statement if you would like any of the following to be considered as part of your course application:
- details of any work experience
- details of volunteer experience
- motivation to study
- other relevant factors or experience Learn more about the personal statement . Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) You are required to complete a Special Tertiary Admission Test (STAT) Multiple Choice if you have:
- not completed year 12 or equivalent or
- a Certificate IV or higher Learn more about the STAT. SEAS (Special Entry Access Scheme) Applicants who have experienced educational disadvantage are encouraged to apply for equity schemes. Depending on eligibility and your circumstances, an equity schemes application may provide support for your course application. For further information go to Deakin University Equity schemes information and the Deakin University website Applicants with VET study Entire academic record This course uses the entire academic record as part of its selection considerations. VTAC Personal Statement Please complete and submit a personal statement if you would like any of the following to be considered as part of your course application:
- details of any work experience
- details of volunteer experience
- motivation to study
- other relevant factors or experience Learn more about the personal statement . Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) You are required to complete a Special Tertiary Admission Test (STAT) Multiple Choice if you have:
- not completed year 12 or equivalent or
- a Certificate IV or higher Learn more about the STAT. SEAS (Special Entry Access Scheme) Applicants who have experienced educational disadvantage are encouraged to apply for equity schemes. Depending on eligibility and your circumstances, an equity schemes application may provide support for your course application. For further information go to Deakin University Equity schemes information and the Deakin University website Applicants with work and life experience Entire academic record This course uses the entire academic record as part of its selection considerations. VTAC Personal Statement Please complete and submit a personal statement if you would like any of the following to be considered as part of your course application:
- details of any work experience
- details of volunteer experience
- motivation to study
- other relevant factors or experience Learn more about the personal statement . Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) You are required to complete a Special Tertiary Admission Test (STAT) Multiple Choice if you have:
- not completed year 12 or equivalent or
- a Certificate IV or higher Learn more about the STAT. SEAS (Special Entry Access Scheme) Applicants who have experienced educational disadvantage are encouraged to apply for equity schemes. Depending on eligibility and your circumstances, an equity schemes application may provide support for your course application. For further information go to Deakin University Equity schemes information and the Deakin University website
Source: CourseSeeker (Australian Government), retrieved September 2026. Always confirm the current requirements with the university.
Assessment Methods
Assessment is varied across the programme and may include: Written examinations across foundational modules; Coursework essays and analytical reports; Group and individual projects with presentations; Practical lab, studio, or fieldwork assessments where relevant; A final-year dissertation or capstone project that lets you specialise in a topic of your choice.
Campus & City Life
Student Population
59,359
Total students
Staff Ratio
18:1
Students per staff
International Students
27%
Of student body
Campus at a Glance
City Size
Major metropolitan (>1m inhabitants)
Climate (indicative)
Four seasons
Safety Index (indicative)
8.0/10
Transport
Good (close to station or regional airport)
Social Scene
Friendly community
Student Life & City (indicative)
Geelong Waurn Ponds Campus offers a comfortable, outdoor-focused student lifestyle. Great weather, natural surroundings and a friendly community create a welcoming environment, with cafés, bars and local events to fill your downtime.
- Geelong Waurn Ponds Campus offers a comfortable, outdoor-focused student lifestyle.
- Great weather, natural surroundings and a friendly community create a welcoming environment, with cafés, bars and local events to fill your downtime.
What Students Love
- Outdoor & nature activities
- Great café culture
- Thriving student social scene
- Beach lifestyle
University Stats
Career & Outcomes
Graduate Employment
75%
Employed after graduation
Avg Starting Salary
£36,340
Average first-year salary
Placement Year
✓ Available
Industry work experience
Career Outcomes Overview (indicative)
Early years graduates work in nurseries, reception classes, children's centres and family support services, qualifying as Early Years Teachers or practitioners with pathways into leadership, SENCO and children's services roles.
- Early years graduates work in nurseries, reception classes, children's centres and family support services, qualifying as Early Years Teachers or practitioners with pathways into leadership, SENCO and children's services roles.
Top Industries for Graduates
- Healthcare
- Education
- Business
Study Abroad Opportunities
Y
- Y
Costs & Living Expenses
Total Programme Cost
A$123,000
For full 3.0F/P
Overall Cost of Living (indicative)
HIGH
This location has a higher cost of living. Budget accordingly for accommodation, food, and general expenses.
Estimated Annual Costs
Monthly Student Budget (indicative)
Cost Overview (indicative)
Like most major Australian cities, Geelong Waurn Ponds Campus carries a moderate-to-high cost of living — expect around $1,810/month (housing $1,040, food $420, transport $110). Deakin's multi-campus model means costs vary — Geelong and regional campuses are notably cheaper than Melbourne.
- Like most major Australian cities, Geelong Waurn Ponds Campus carries a moderate-to-high cost of living — expect around $1,810/month (housing $1,040, food $420, transport $110).
- Deakin's multi-campus model means costs vary — Geelong and regional campuses are notably cheaper than Melbourne.