Bachelor of Education - The Early Years

The four-year Bachelor of Education – The Early Years is available either on campus at Wollongong or via distance (online). The two-year Accelerated program is delivered via distance only and is available to commence in Spring, while the standard four-year program is only available to commence in Autumn.

The Bachelor of Education – The Early Years (Accelerated) was developed by UOW in collaboration with the Early Learning and Care Council of Australia (ELACCA) and the NSW Department of Education. It is designed for experienced diploma-qualified educators, allowing them to fast-track their university qualification in a flexible environment over two years via distance. Applicants must hold a Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) or an ACECQA-equivalent qualification that is less than 10 years old, and provide evidence of the equivalent of two years of full-time work experience in early education.

This course contains approximately 88 days of compulsory work-based placements, completed over 18 weeks (totaling 616 hours, at 34 hours per week) throughout the degree. Students will also need to complete a new online Working with Children Check before attending Professional Experience.

Yes, the Bachelor of Education – The Early Years is accredited through the Australian Children's Education & Care Quality Authority (ACECQA).

Alongside the program's distinctive design and flexible approach to professional experience, students will be paired with an industry mentor who will provide ongoing guidance throughout the degree. Students will also have opportunities for rural and international professional experiences, engage in continuous professional mentoring, and have full access to UOW's comprehensive support services, including access to UOW's Early Start facility.