UniSC Offers Early Childhood & Primary Education Degrees

University of the Sunshine Coast

Choosing a career in education means choosing to make a lasting difference. Whether you're drawn to the creativity of early learning, or you feel called to guide young minds through their primary school years, UniSC's education degrees give you the flexibility to align your studies with your passions.

UniSC's undergraduate education degrees are hands-on, inspiring and tailored to prepare you for a meaningful career in traditional and emerging learning environments.

Hone your teaching skills with a degree that fits you

Great educators are made through mentorship and practical experience, and UniSC's education programs are designed to support your goals, whether you want to lead a kindy room, support young learners in their early years, or inspire primary school students in a classroom of your own.

Led by experienced educators who are passionate about their field, your journey at UniSC includes extensive placement opportunities and real-world learning experiences from your first year of study. You'll graduate not only with a qualification, but with the confidence to step into your future career.

Choose from three undergraduate pathways

We understand that choosing the right education degree can be overwhelming - especially when your goal is to work with young children. That's why we've designed a flexible suite of degrees that offer clear, supported pathways into the sector. Here's how to find the one that suits you best:

Bachelor of Education Studies (Early Childhood)

Duration: 3 years | Career goal: Work in an early childhood centre (kindergarten, childcare, etc.)

If your passion lies in nurturing young minds during their most formative years and you're keen to work in a centre-based early childhood environment, this three-year degree is a perfect fit. It prepares you for roles like kindy teacher or room leader in early learning settings.

You'll graduate with an ACECQA-approved qualification to work in long day care, kindergarten or other early childhood settings - without the additional registration needed for teaching in schools.

Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood)

Duration: 4 years | Career goal: Teach from birth to Year 3 in a school setting

If you want to combine your love of early childhood education with the ability to teach in school settings, this is the degree for you. It offers a more comprehensive four-year program, leading to eligibility for teacher registration with the Queensland College of Teachers.

You'll gain the knowledge and skills to teach in early learning environments and in prep to Year 3 classrooms, opening up more career possibilities in the future.

Bachelor of Primary Education

Duration: 4 years | Career goal: Teach in primary schools (Prep to Year 6)

If your interest is in working with children from the start of their schooling journey right through to the end of primary school, this degree prepares you to teach across all primary year levels. You'll graduate with Queensland College of Teachers registration, equipped to lead a classroom and make a real impact.

This is a strong option for those who love working with children across different ages and subjects - from literacy and numeracy to science, arts and beyond.

Which early childhood program is the right fit for you?

Bachelor of Education Studies

(Early Childhood)

Bachelor of Education

(Early Childhood)

Bachelor of Primary Education
Course duration

(full-time or equivalent part-time)

3 years4 years4 years
Teaching level​Up to Pre School (Birth-5 Years)​Up to Year 3 (Birth-8 Years)​Prep to Year 6 (5 Years to 12 Years)
AccreditationACECQA approved program​QCT accredited program*​

ACECQA approved program​

QCT accredited program*
Locations​Sunshine Coast, Moreton Bay and Adelaide​Sunshine Coast (with courses available at MB)​Sunshine Coast, Moreton Bay and Fraser Coast
Example career outcomes

(not limited to)

  • Children's advocate​
  • Kindy/Early Childhood Teacher (ECT)​
  • Youth support​
  • Early Childhood Centre Leader/ Director​
  • Kindy/ Early Childhood Teacher (ECT)​
  • Primary school teacher​
  • Youth and/or learning support​
  • Primary school teacher
  • Education consultant
  • Education policy analyst
  • Private practice tutor
  • Youth support worker
Indicative ATAR/selection rank​65.068.00​70.00
PrerequisitesNilEnglish (Units 3 and 4, C)

General Maths, Maths Methods or Specialist Maths (Units 3 and 4, C)

English (Units 3 and 4, C)

General Maths, Maths Methods or Specialist Maths (Units 3 and 4, C)

Graduate literacy and numeracy test​NoYesYes
Days of work-integrated learning​80 days95 days80 days
Eligible for prac payments​TBAYesYes
Commonwealth Supported Places available​YesYesYes

* and eligible for QCT Registration.

Real experience, real impact

UniSC's education degrees are deeply practical. You'll take part in professional placements in early learning centres, schools and community settings throughout your degree - giving you the chance to apply your learning, build your confidence and connect with future employers.

Our small class sizes mean you'll also enjoy strong support from UniSC's dedicated educators. Many of our lecturers are active in education research and work closely with local schools and centres, so you'll be learning from people who understand the current needs of the sector.

Maddie's story: "The most rewarding, creative, challenging and loving profession"

Maddie King

Maddie King always loved working with young children. But it took a couple of years studying a different degree - and one "very daunting leap" - to help her realise where she truly belonged. Now, as an early childhood educator, she calls it the "most rewarding, creative, challenging and loving profession."

Like Maddie, many of our students find their calling by following what they love, and discover that UniSC's flexible pathways allow them to do exactly that.

Where can your education degree take you?

Depending on the program you choose, your UniSC education degree can prepare you for roles such as:

  • Kindergarten teacher
  • Early learning educator
  • Primary school teacher
  • Prep to Year 3 teacher
  • Education support roles
  • Learning and development specialist
  • Education leadership or policy advisor (with further study)

Our programs are aligned with national frameworks and standards, including ACECQA and the Queensland College of Teachers, so you'll graduate with a qualification that's recognised and respected across Australia.

Ready to shape the future?

We're here to help you find the study pathway that feels right for you - one that plays to your strengths, aligns with your interests, and sets you up for a fulfilling education career.

Explore our education degrees and find the program that fits your future.

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