University of Southern Queensland

What you'll study

This program combines foundations in child development and pedagogy with applied curriculum design, assessment and professional experience in early years settings. Core study areas typically include:

• Early Childhood Development — theories of learning, brain development and developmental trajectories from birth to eight years.
• Curriculum and Pedagogy — designing play‑based and inquiry approaches, emergent curriculum, numeracy and literacy in early years, and culturally responsive practice.
• Assessment and Inclusive Practice — formative and summative assessment, observation and documentation, planning for diverse learners, inclusion and special educational needs.
• Professional Experience (Practicum) — supervised placements in early childhood centres and school early years classrooms to develop classroom practice, classroom management and professional responsibilities.
• Families, Communities and Partnerships — working with families, community engagement, and supporting transitions between home, early childhood settings and school.
• Leadership and Professional Learning — reflective practice, leadership in early childhood contexts, ethics and professional standards.
• Research Methods and Inquiry — qualitative and quantitative methods, applied research skills to inform classroom practice and a capstone research or project subject.

Units are delivered through a mix of online study and on‑campus intensives, with multiple supervised practicum blocks across the program. The degree is structured to meet the accreditation requirements for initial teacher education in Australia where applicable.

Entry requirements

Applicants commonly need a recognised undergraduate degree in any discipline. As this is an initial teacher education program, additional requirements usually include compliance with pre‑service teacher professional standards and placements, a clear criminal history/working with children check, and evidence of immunisation where required by placement providers.

International applicants must meet the University’s English language proficiency standards. Applicants without recent study or with non‑standard backgrounds may be asked to provide evidence of relevant experience in early childhood settings or to complete bridging subjects. Academic transcripts, a personal statement addressing motivation for teaching young children, and referees familiar with the applicant’s suitability for working with children are typically required.

Career prospects

Graduates are eligible to work as qualified early childhood/early years teachers in long day care centres, preschools/kindergartens and early primary school settings, subject to local teacher registration requirements. Other career pathways include roles in early intervention services, curriculum coordination, educator mentoring and leadership, policy and advocacy in early childhood education, family support programs and early years consultancy. The research and inquiry components also provide a pathway into further study such as doctoral research or specialist postgraduate qualifications.

Why study at University of Southern Queensland

The University of Southern Queensland offers a practitioner‑focused program with a strong emphasis on rural and regional contexts, flexible delivery modes for distance and campus students, and extensive support for placement coordination. Students benefit from experienced academic staff with early childhood expertise, opportunities to undertake applied research relevant to local communities, and structured professional experience that builds classroom confidence and professional networks across Queensland and beyond.