Study load
Approx. 12-15 hours per week* (see course structure)
Duration
0.5 years full-time (or 1 year part-time) (60 credit points)
Intakes
Jan, Apr, Jul, Oct
Fees
$2,314
Kickstart your career in early childhood teaching online through Federation University.
Take the first step toward a career in early childhood education with Federation University’s Undergraduate Certificate in Early Childhood Studies — delivered fully online. This flexible short course provides the foundational knowledge and skills to support children’s learning, development and wellbeing during their early years, while preparing you for further study in the Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Education).
Why choose this course?
- 100% online study – fit study into your lifestyle with the flexibility to learn anywhere, anytime.
- Pathway into a Bachelor degree – successful completion of four core units qualifies you for entry into Federation University’s Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Education).
- Build essential skills – develop knowledge in early literacy and numeracy, play-based learning, science in the early years, and strategies that foster motivation, trust, respect and self-belief in children.
- Learn from industry experts – study with academics and online learning advisors who bring real-world experience across diverse health, food and wellness careers.
Your future in early childhood education
Completing this certificate sets you on the pathway to becoming a qualified early childhood teacher. You’ll gain the skills and confidence to support young learners while building the academic foundation needed for further study. Whether you continue directly into the Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Education) or use this qualification as a stepping stone into support roles, Federation University will help you start your rewarding career in early childhood education.
Applications now open. Take the first step toward your future in early childhood education. Apply today or book your free consultation today with our course advisors.
Course structure
Course structure
Study load will vary depending on the amount of units you choose to study and the credit point cost of that unit. 12-15 contact hours are estimated for one 15 credit point unit.
Literacy and Numeracy
Code: EDBED1011
Credit Points: 15
You will develop a strategy for these topics and apply this in an educational context. You will explore the components of language (grammar, phonics, spelling, vocabulary), literacy (speaking, listening, writing, reading and viewing), understandings of genre; and ways in which these develop engaging learning experiences. You will also explore the numeracy topics of number sense, fractions, the four operations and measurement as part of your study.
Curriculum Through Play
Code: EDECE1019
Credit Points: 15
Science and Environmental Education in Early Childhood
Code: EDECE2018
Credit Points: 15
Understanding Early Human Development
Code: EDECE1002
Credit Points: 15
What you will learn
What you will learn
Curriculum development
Devise educational experiences that foreground creative play and fun, and that encourage engagement and learning.
Innovative teaching methods
Inspire young children’s sense of curiosity through nature, open-ended materials and technology, grounded in play both indoors and outdoors. Learn exciting teaching methods for the 21st Century.
Prepare for entry into the Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Education)
Prepare to work confidently and creatively with children in early childhood education settings which may include kindergarten; pre-schools; long day care centres, including those in special needs settings.
Entry requirements
Entry requirements
Current Year 12 students and recent secondary graduates (past two years)
- Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 20 in any English subject
Non-Year 12 with higher education study
- Satisfactory completion of at least one year of tertiary study in a relevant field.
- Successful completion of the Federation University Foundation Access Studies (FAST) course (or equivalent).
Vocational Education and Training study
- Successful completion of a TAFE qualification at Certificate III or IV in a cognate or appropriate area, such as Community Services, Education Support, Children’s Services, or Nursing; and
- At least one year of experience in a relevant area of education or support service; and
- Successful completion of a recognised TAFE Diploma course in a cognate or an appropriate area.
Applicants with work and life experience
Applicants who have not completed secondary education, or undertaken any TAFE or university studies will not be eligible for entry into this course. Applicants in this category should consider a pathway course such as Foundation Access Studies (FAST) course.
Pathway to the bachelor's degree
Pathway to the bachelor's degree
The Undergraduate Certificate in Early Childhood Studies is a pathway certificate that is nested in a Bachelor degree and not a stand-alone Early Childhood Education qualification. You’ll have the opportunity to continue your studies through the Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Education).
Support Services
Support Services
Be supported through your studies with services tailored to the online learning environment. Federation University Online personalises support for every student, accessible at every stage of your study journey.
- Student advisors dedicated to answering your questions about anything from enrolment and course management to essay writing and technical support.
- Online Learning Advisors (OLAs) guiding you through your course, bringing industry experience and expertise in online learning to your studies.
- Study and assignment resources to help you get the most out of each unit and submit high quality assessments.
- An online community made up of a diverse network of students, who you’ll study alongside in learning groups and discussion boards.
Flexible study requires flexible support – discover the services available to you so you can go further.
Fees
2025 Indicative Fees
$2,314 student contribution amount (Commonwealth Supported Place)
If you’re offered a Commonwealth Supported Place, your fees are subsidised by the Australian Government.
Your fees (student contribution) are set on an annual basis by the government and are determined by the discipline area and band of your individual enrolled units, not the overall course. Each unit falls into a band which determines the student contribution amount.
Fees are adjusted on an annual basis and the indicative amount should be used as a guide only. Total cost will vary depending on the units you choose, your study load, the time it takes to complete your course and any approved credit you receive.
Why study Education at Federation University Online?
When you undertake an Education course with Federation University Online, you study units designed to ensure you’re readily employable come graduation and equipped with skills to help you succeed.
Meet the people behind your course
Dr Sue Emmett
Senior Lecturer in Education
Dr Sue Emmett is currently working as Senior Lecturer in Education at Federation University where she coordinates and teaches in Bachelor of Education in Early Childhood courses. Dr Emmett has been extensively involved in early childhood education and the translation of research into the practical environment for over thirty years. Her research interests include the well-being of children and educators including trauma-informed practice in early childhood contexts.
Dr Kathy Swinkels
Lecturer
Dr Kathy Swinkels moved to Federation University in 2017 and holds a Doctor of Philosophy and a Bachelor of Early Childhood Education (Hons). She has a long history of research and teaching in the field specialising with expertise in Mathematics and Pedagogy. She enjoys the challenge of teaching students to understand the connections between theoretical learning and building an understanding of their own pedagogical practices.
Dr Alison Lord
Senior Lecturer
Dr Alison Lord is a senior lecturer in Education and Early Childhood in the School of Education at Federation University. Dr Lord has taught education at a range of universities and has been involved in many community-based pre-school services and education settings. She is also a member of the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority Early Childhood Learning and Development Advisory Board.
Federation University has been an incredibly supportive environment to study in – even online. And having spoken to friends attending other universities, I believe Federation is the best choice for early childhood education.
– Stephanie, Online student, Education
5 Reasons Why You Should Study Early Childhood Education
Whether you love working with kids or you want to make a difference in the lives of others, early childhood education is a great career choice. Not only is it a rapidly growing industry, but a degree in early childhood education will provide you with a skillset that can open up a variety of other work opportunities.
Why study online with Federation University?
Unparalleled Flexibility
Online study is the freedom to fit further study in your life, and to do it on your terms.
Personalised support
You will have full access to support services, with tailored support available across extended hours.
Make it happen online
You will make an impact in whatever you choose to do with practical- and industry-focused courses.