Studying Early Childhood Teaching at UWS:

Studying Early Childhood Teaching at UWS:
Frequently Asked Questions

See separate sections for:

• School leavers and non-recent school leavers (i.e. students completing the HSC, students who have previously completed the HSC or equivalent and mature age students)

• Graduates of the Diploma of Children’s Services

• Graduates of Bachelor of Early Childhood Studies, Bachelor of Social Science or other undergraduate degrees

School leavers and non-recent school leavers
(mature age)

I am doing the HSC this year and want to be an early childhood teacher. What course should I do?

School leavers should apply for the Bachelor of Social Science Pathway to Early Childhood Teaching. This course provides you with the undergraduate pathway to the postgraduate Master of Teaching Birth to Twelve Years or Master of Teaching Birth to Five Years.

Once you have completed the Bachelor of Social Science Pathway to Early Childhood you have guaranteed entry into the Master of Teaching Birth-12 Years which provides you with a combined early childhood and primary teaching qualification. With the B. Social Science plus the Master of Teaching Birth – 12 Years you will be qualified to teach in early childhood services and from Kindergarten to Year 6 in primary schools.

If you want to work in early childhood services only you can choose to take an early exit from the Master of Teaching and exit with a Master of Teaching Birth-5 years. This will provide you with a 4 year early childhood teaching qualification appropriate for teaching in long day care, preschool and integrated child and family services.

How do I apply for the Bachelor of Social Science Pathway to Early Childhood Teaching?

Local students must apply through the Universities Admission Centre (UAC) – see www.uac.edu.au.

International students should apply to the UWS International Office. Application forms and information on admissions are available at www.uws.edu.au/international/admissions. International students must meet IELTS standards.

For more information about studying at UWS including course information, English language requirements, intakes, tuitions fees, assessment methods, accommodation options, and living in Australia, please visit www.uws.edu.au/international or contact internationalstudy@uws.edu.au.

Can I do the Bachelor of Social Science at Penrith or Bankstown?

Yes. The Bachelor of Social Science Pathway to Early Childhood Teaching is available at both Penrith and Bankstown campuses.

The Mater of Teaching Birth-12 and Birth-5 is only available at Bankstown campus.

Can I just do the Master of Teaching Birth – 12 Years? You need to complete the Bachelor of Social Science first as the Master of Teaching Birth – 5 Years and the Master of Teaching Birth – 12 Years are postgraduate degrees.

The Bachelor of Social Science Pathway to Early Childhood Teaching is specially constructed to provide you with a firm foundation for working with children and families. It includes an Education Studies Major as well as a Major in Social Science and Sub-majors in Languages and Linguistics and Arts.

The Bachelor of Social Science has been constructed so that it meets NSW Institute of Teachers requirements for undergraduate degrees. This means that students who complete the Bachelor of Social Science plus the Master of Teaching Birth – 12 Years will be able to be accredited to work in primary schools as well as early childhood services. See below.

Bachelor of Social Science Pathway to Early Childhood Teaching

There will be some variations of units across Bankstown and Penrith campuses

Session	10 credit pts	10 credit pts	10 credit pts	10 credit pts
Year 1
Autumn	Arts Sub-major 100958 Australia and the World	Arts Sub-major 100965 Media and Visual Cultures	Social Science Major 101551 Understanding Society	Social Science Major 101553 Organisations, Communities and Communication
Spring	Arts Sub-major 100968 Texts and Traditions	Arts Sub-major 100960 Contemporary Society	Social Science Major 101556 Geographies of social Difference	Education Studies Major 101649 Contemporary Perspectives of Childhoods
Year 2
Autumn	Languages and Linguistics Sub-Major Any unit of a language	Languages and Linguistics Sub-Major 101626 Children’s Literature: Image and Text	Education Studies Major 100633 Mathematical Patterns and Relationships	Education Studies Major 101647 Play Development and Learning
Spring	Languages and Linguistics Sub-Major Any unit of a language	Social Science Major 101595 Community and Social Action	Social Science Major 101557 The Individual and Society	Education Studies Major 101638 Learning in the Early Years
Year 3
Autumn	Social Science Major 101597 Family Violence: Policy and Practice	Education Studies Major 101616 Mathematics Principles and Applications	Education Studies Major 101648 Early Intervention and Prevention in Early Childhood Contexts	Education Studies Major 101627 Connecting Communities in Early Childhood Education
Spring	Languages and Linguistics Sub-Major 101451 Second Language Acquisition	Social Science Major 101381 Child Abuse as a Social Issue	Social Science Major 101374 Community Management & Organisations	Education Studies Major 101623 Ethical Futures

Can I teach in early childhood services with the Bachelor of Social Science?

No. The Bachelor of Social Science is not a teaching qualification for any sector.

If don’t continue to the Master of Teaching where can I be employed if I have a Bachelor of Social Science Pathway to Early Childhood degree?

Graduates of the Bachelor of Social Science Pathway to Early Childhood Teaching are able to work in a range of fields including family support services, early intervention services, and in resource and support roles. There are many services that require the types of expertise around children, families and communities that graduates of this degree have.

Why study at UWS?
• Our combined degree pathways give two degrees and greater career options and flexibility.
• Graduates of the Bachelor of Social Science will receive 30 credit points of advanced standing into the Master of Teaching Birth – 12 Years.
• Our courses are very high quality as attested by current students and the early childhood profession (see video clips on our web site).
• UWS has been a leader in the early childhood field since 1988.
• The early childhood courses at UWS have a strong focus on diversity and issues of social justice and reflect contemporary policies and practices in early childhood and school curriculum.
• Our lecturing staff is knowledgeable, practical and research active.
• Our timetable and course delivery structures are very flexible and assist time-poor students to study while achieving a study-work-life balance.

Diploma Graduates

I have completed the Diploma of Children’s Services and want to be an early childhood teacher. Which course do I apply for?

If you have completed the Diploma of Children’s Services the course for you is the Bachelor of Education Birth-5 Years. This course provides you with a 4 year early childhood teaching qualification (which you are able to complete in 3 years due to the advanced standing you will receive for the Diploma). This degree is suitable for teaching in long day care, preschool and integrated child and family services.

How do I apply for the Bachelor of Social Science Pathway to Early Childhood Teaching?

Local students must apply through the Universities Admission Centre (UAC) – see www.uac.edu.au.

If I have the Diploma will I receive any credit?

Yes. Graduates of the Diploma of Children’s Services receive one year’s credit into the 4 year Bachelor of Education Birth-5 Years. This means you are able to complete this degree in 3 years of full-time study. You can also choose to complete the degree as a part-time student over a longer period of time.

How many days will I be on campus?

The B. Ed B-5 is designed to enable Diploma graduates to work in the early childhood field and study at the same time. It is delivered in flexible mode. This means that you are on campus for two weeks in February, one week in July and approximately 4 Fridays and Saturdays per semester. This is supplemented with online learning such as online lectures and discussions.

Can I do the Bachelor of Education Birth-5 Years by correspondence?

No. This course is not offered externally. The course is offered in a combination of online and face-to-face learning which does require some on-campus attendance. The on-campus sessions have been designed in intensive mode in February and July and with some Friday and Saturday classes to enable you to work and study at the same time.

Can I do the B. Ed Birth-5 at Penrith or Bankstown?

Yes. The B. Ed Birth – 5 Years is offered at both Penrith and Bankstown. It is anticipated that the intensive course delivery in February and July would take place at one campus only but that tutorials on Fridays and Saturdays would be at both Penrith and Bankstown.

Are there any professional experience requirements?

Yes. There are three professional experience portfolios – one Birth – two years, one three-five years and one leadership portfolio. One of the portfolios may be completed in your workplace and the other two portfolios require you to be placed in an early childhood setting.

See the course progression chart below.

Am I able to do Honours?

Yes. Eligible students are able to do an honours year at the completion of the Bachelor of Education Birth-5 Years.

Bachelor of Education (Birth -5 Years)
For graduates of the Diploma of Children’s Services
(80 credit points of advanced standing)

Sem	10 Credit pts	10 credit pts	10 credit pts	10 credit pts
1 1H	Languages and Linguistics Sub-major: Language other than English (LOTE)	Social Science Sub-major 101553 Organisations, Communities and Communication	Early Childhood Pedagogies Major: 101428 Multiliteracies	Early Childhood Pedagogies Major: 101649 Contemporary Perspectives of Childhoods
2 2H	Languages and Linguistics Sub-major: LOTE	Social Science Sub-major 101556 Geographies of Social Difference	Integrated Intervention Sub-major 100321 Children with Additional Needs and Their Families	Early Childhood Pedagogies Major: 101620 Professional Portfolio 1: Pedagogy of Relationships (0-2 years placement)
3 1H	Arts Sub-major: 101682 Developmental Psychology	Arts Sub-major: 100947 Design Thinking	Arts Sub-major: 100968 Texts and Traditions	Arts Sub-major: 101626 Children’s Literature: Image and Text
4 2H	Integrated Intervention Sub-major 101112 Diversity and Difference	Early Childhood Pedagogies Major: 101106 Literacy 0-8	Early Childhood Pedagogies Major: 101690 Early Mathematics, Science and Technology	Early Childhood Pedagogies Major: 101622 Professional Portfolio 2: Curriculum Connections (3-5 years placement)
5 1H	Languages and Linguistics Sub-major: 101449 Bilingualism and Biculturalism	Early Childhood Pedagogies Major: 101105 Prosocial Learning Environments	Integrated Intervention Sub-major 101623 Ethical Futures	EC Profession Major: 101624 Professional Portfolio 3: Management and Leadership (0-5 placement)
6 2H	Languages and Linguistics Sub-major: 101451 Second Language Acquisition	Integrated Intervention Sub-major 101113 Early Intervention and Prevention in Early Childhood Contexts	Social Science Sub-major 101374 Community Management & Organisations	Social Science Sub-major 400337 Social Research Methods

I would like to be able to teach in primary schools as well as early childhood services. What course should I do?

You should complete the B. Ed Birth-5 and then the Master of Teaching Primary. The Languages and Linguistics, Social Science and Arts units in the B. Ed B-5 will provide you with all the undergraduate units that are required by the NSW Institute of Teachers and will qualify you for entry to the Master of Teaching Primary without the need for any additional study.

With the B. Ed B-5 plus the Master of Teaching Primary you will be qualified to teach in early childhood services and from Kindergarten to Year 6 in primary schools.

Will I get any credit into the Master of Teaching Primary?

Yes. As a graduate of the Bachelor of Education Birth-5 you will receive advanced standing and will be able to complete the Master of Teaching Primary in one year.

Will the Master of Teaching primary be offered at Penrith?

The MTeach Primary is available at Bankstown campus only.

I did Year 10 and then the Diploma of Children’s Services. Can I become an early childhood teacher?

Applicants for the Bachelor of Education Birth-5 Years should have the Higher School Certificate or have the equivalent of HSC English.

Why study at UWS?

• Our courses are very high quality as attested by current students and the early childhood profession.
• UWS has been a leader in the early childhood field since 1988.
• The early childhood courses at UWS have a strong focus on diversity and issues of social justice and reflect contemporary policies and practices.
• Our lecturing staff is knowledgeable, practical and research active.
• Our timetable and course delivery structures are very flexible and assist time-poor students to study while achieving a study-work-life balance.

Graduates

I have an undergraduate degree and want to be able to teach in early childhood settings and in primary schools. What degree should I do?

The Master of Teaching Birth-12 provides you with a recognised teaching qualification for primary teaching from Kindergarten to Year 6 as well as for early childhood services. This is the same as a Master of Teaching Primary but in addition you will have a qualification that enables you to teach in preschools in Department of Education and private schools as well as in long day care. Graduates who have only a primary qualification are not able to work in preschools or long day care.

With the increasing focus on the importance of the early years and the move towards the employment of 4 year university qualified early childhood teachers in early childhood services you will have a qualification that is in high demand.

I want to work in early childhood services only. What course should I do?

The Master of Teaching Birth to 12 Years has the option of an early exit with the Master of Teaching Birth to 5 Years. This degree will equip you to work as an early childhood teacher in prior to school services. With a Master of Teaching Birth-5 Years you will have the status of a 4 year qualified early childhood teacher.

How do I apply for the Master of Teaching Birth-12 or Birth-5?

Current UWS students can apply directly through UWS via the direct into teaching process. All other applicants must apply through the Universities Admission Centre (UAC) – see www.uac.edu.au.

What are the requirements for acceptance into the Master of Teaching Birth-12?

Applicants must have an appropriate undergraduate degree that includes at least 8 units of curriculum content across at least three different areas – e.g. English, mathematics, human society, science, physical education and health, or creative arts. Applicants who have at least 4 units of curriculum content in their undergraduate degree may be accepted but will have to complete additional curriculum content units as non-award study before they are eligible to graduate from the Master of Teaching Birth – 12 Years.

All applications will be assessed by the Universities Admission Centre and any requirements for additional study will be advised by UAC.

I have completed the UWS Bachelor of Early Childhood Studies. Which course do I apply for to be an early childhood and/or primary teacher?

If you have completed the BECS you have guaranteed entry into the new Master of Teaching Birth – 12 Years. You can choose to exit early with the Master of Teaching Birth – 5 Years and teach in prior to school services or complete the Master of Teaching Birth-12 Years to obtain a dual qualification for early childhood and primary teaching.

As graduates of the BECS you have guaranteed entry into the Master of Teaching B-12.

How long is the Master of Teaching Birth-12?

The length of the course depends on your undergraduate degree. Students who have completed an undergraduate degree that includes early childhood education units may be eligible for advanced standing and will be able to complete the degree in a shorter time. See the course structures below.

Master of Teaching (Birth to 12 Years)

Session	10 credit pts	10 credit pts	10 credit pts	10 credit pts
Year 1 1H	101628 Global Literacies	101647 Play Development and Learning	101098 Curriculum for Under Threes	101107 Early Childhood Professional Experience 1
Year 1 2H	101630 Managing Child and Family Services	101106 Literacy 0-8	101099 Engaging Children in Curriculum	101108 Early Childhood Professional Experience 2
Year 2 1H	101104 Maths, Science and Technology 0-8	101113 Early Intervention and Prevention in Early Childhood Contexts	101627 Connecting Communities in Early Childhood Education (community placement)	101629 Healthy Identities and Environments
Year 2 2H	Primary Science & Technology	Primary Mathematics and Numeracy 2	Primary Human Society and Its Environment	Primary English and Literacy 2
Year 3 1H	101105 Prosocial Learning Environments	101625 Inclusive Practices	101103 Fostering Creativity in Children’s Learning	Primary Professional Experience

Master of Teaching (Birth to 12 Years)
For graduates of the UWS Bachelor of Early Childhood Studies

Session	10 credit pts	10 credit pts	10 credit pts	10 credit pts
Year 1 1H	101104 Maths, Science and Technology 0-8	101629 Healthy Identities and Environments	101098 Curriculum for Under Threes	101107 Early Childhood Professional Experience 1
Year 1 2H	101106 Literacy 0-8	101630 Managing Child and Family Services	101099 Engaging Children in Curriculum	101108 Early Childhood Professional Experience 2
Year 2 1H	101103 Fostering Creativity in Children’s Learning	Primary Mathematics and Numeracy 2	101582 Primary Human Society and Its Environment
Year 2 2H	101586 Primary English and Literacy 2	101105 Prosocial Learning Environments	101583 Primary Science & Technology	Primary Professional Experience

For graduates of the UWS Bachelor of Early Childhood Studies
Accelerated Mode

Session	10 credit pts	10 credit pts	10 credit pts	10 credit pts	10 credit pts
Year 1 1H	101104 Maths, Science and Technology 0-8	101629 Healthy Identities and Environments	101103 Fostering Creativity in Children’s Learning	101098 Curriculum for Under Threes	101107 Early Childhood Professional Experience 1
Year 1 2H	101630 Managing Child and Family Services	101106 Literacy 0-8	101099 Engaging Children in Curriculum	101108 Early Childhood Professional Experience 2	101105 Prosocial Learning Environments
Students can exit here with Master of Teaching (Birth to 5 Years) or complete the following units to obtain a Master of Teaching (Birth to 12 Years)
Year 2 1H	101586 Primary English and Literacy 2	101582 Primary Human Society and Its Environment	Primary Mathematics and Numeracy 2	101583 Primary Science & Technology	Primary Professional Experience

Master of Teaching (Birth to 12 Years)
For graduates of the UWS Bachelor of Social Science (Pathway to Early Childhood Teaching)

Session	10 credit pts	10 credit pts	10 credit pts	10 credit pts	10 credit pts
Year 1 1H	101628 Global Literacies	101103 Fostering Creativity in Children’s Learning	101098 Curriculum for Under Threes	101107 Early Childhood Professional Experience 1
Year 1 2H	101630 Managing Child and Family Services	101106 Literacy 0-8	101099 Engaging Children in Curriculum	101108 Early Childhood Professional Experience 2
Year 2 1H	101625 Inclusive Practices	101105 Prosocial Learning Environments	101104 Maths, Science and Technology 0-8	101629 Healthy Identities and Environments
Students can exit here with Master of Teaching (Birth to 5 Years) or complete the following units to obtain a Master of Teaching (Birth to 12 Years)
Year 2 2H	101582 Primary Human Society and Its Environment	Primary Mathematics and Numeracy 2	101586 Primary English and Literacy 2	101583 Primary Science & Technology	Primary Professional Experience

If I have completed the Bachelor of Early Childhood Studies do I get any credit into the Master of Teaching Birth – 12/Birth – 5 Years?

Yes. Graduates of both the BECS and the Bachelor of Social Science Pathway to Early Childhood Teaching will receive credit into the Master of Teaching Birth-12/Birth-5. This will enable graduates of the Bachelor of Early Childhood Studies courses to complete the Master of Teaching B-5 in as little as 12 months or the Master of Teaching B-12 in 18 months.

See the course structures above that are specifically for BECS graduates.

Are there any professional experience requirements?

Yes. There are three professional experience placements in the MTeach B-5: Early Childhood Professional Experience 1 (birth – 5 years), Early Childhood Professional Experience 2 (three-five years) and Healthy Identities (birth – 5 years). Students also complete a community placement in Connecting Communities and Early Childhood Settings. Students in the MTeach B-12 complete an additional placement in a school. This school placement includes experience in a Kindergarten to Year 2 class as well as with a Year 3-6 class.

See the course structure above.

If I choose to exit with the Bachelor of Early Childhood Studies and not complete the Master of Teaching where can I work?

The BECS is not a teaching qualification. To be a teacher in early childhood services and/or primary schools you need to complete the Master of Teaching Birth-12 Years or Birth-5 Years. As a graduate of the BECS you are able to work in a range of fields including family support services, early intervention services, and in resource and support roles. There are many services that require the types of expertise around children, families and communities that graduates of this degree have.

Can I do honours?

Yes. Honours is available to eligible students as an additional year of study at the completion of the Master of Teaching.

I am finishing my undergraduate degree mid-year. Is there a midyear intake to the Master of Teaching Birth-12/Birth-5?

Yes. The Master of Teaching B-12 and B-5 will have a midyear intake.

How many days will I be on campus?

The Master of Teaching is timetabled so that students are on campus two days a week – Mondays and Tuesdays.

Can I do the Master of Teaching Birth-12/Birth-5 part-time?

Yes. You may choose to study part-time, however you need to be aware that all classes are scheduled in the day.

I am currently enrolled in the Master of Teaching Early Childhood. Can I transfer to the Master of Teaching B-12 or B-5?

Yes. Students who commenced the Master of Teaching EC in mid 2009 may choose to transfer to the new Master of Teaching B-12 in 2010.

Why study at UWS?
• Our combined degree pathways give two degrees and greater career options and flexibility.
• Our courses are very high quality as attested by current students and the early childhood profession (see video clips on our web site).
• UWS has been a leader in the early childhood field since 1988.
• The early childhood courses at UWS have a strong focus on diversity and issues of social justice and reflect contemporary policies and practices in early childhood and school curriculum.
• Our lecturing staff is knowledgeable, practical and research active.
• Our timetable and course delivery structures are very flexible and assist time-poor students to study while achieving a study-work-life balance.

Studying Early Childhood Teaching at UWS: