Course essentials
Entry requirements
Credit
Study mode
Duration
Start dates
05 October 2026
25 January 2027
19 April 2027
12 July 2027
04 October 2027
Locations
Course overview
The course has been developed for entry and articulation purposes, and alternatively as an early exit degree. It provides an alternative entry pathway to the Literacy and Numeracy test entry requirement for the TK5 Bachelor of Education in Early Childhood Education. Students develop skills in personal literacy, numeracy, reading and writing. They commence learning about curriculum, the value of play for children, and the positive strategies teachers use to build motivation, trust, respect self-belief and rigour.
IT requirements
To do this course you’ll need a fast and reliable computer and access to high-speed internet. Expect to use about 5GB of data per month for every unit you’re doing. Find out more about the minimum IT requirements for studying with us.
Got questions?
Call us on 1800 333 864, start a live chat or submit an enquiry.
Student support
The support we offer is second to none. Need academic help? No problem. Extra access or financial assistance? Let’s see what we can do. View our student services.
The fine print
The commencement of all courses is subject to available funding and enrolment quotas.
Everything in this course overview is correct at the time of being published. However, the University reserves the right to alter any course, procedure or fee. Please check for changes before you apply or enrol.
Federation University uses Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding (for eligible students) to deliver training.
School department
Education
Course co-ordinator
Yuwen Ma
Career paths
Fees and scholarships
Tuition fee information
Commonwealth Supported Places are subsidised by the Australian Government. The tuition fee is called the student contribution amount. The indicative fee above is based on a typical first-year enrolment for this course and should be used as a guide only. For 0.5 EFTSL (60 credit point) courses the certificate fee is displayed. Your fee will depend on the units you chose, your study load, the time it takes to complete your course and any approved credit you receive.
How it's calculated
The government sets the fee each year. The amount depends on the discipline area and band of each unit. 2026 annual student contribution amounts for 1 EFTSL (equivalent full-time student load) range from $4,738 (Band 1) to $17,399 (Band 4). The sample course structure below link to the EFTSL, Band and fee for each unit or you can use our unit search to find these details.
Other fees
You will also need to pay the Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF).
Fee assistance
If you're eligible for a HECS-HELP loan, you can defer the payment of all or part of your student contribution fee. If you’re also eligible for a SA-HELP loan, you can defer your SSAF payment too. You won’t have to start paying either loan back until your income reaches the compulsory repayment threshold.
Scholarships
There’s a range of scholarships and grants available. Find out what you can apply for.
Course details
Start dates
Teaching Period 3, 2026
13 July 2026
Locations
Federation University Online
Teaching Period 4, 2026
5 October 2026
Locations
Federation University Online
Teaching Period 1, 2027
25 January 2027
Locations
Federation University Online
Teaching Period 2, 2027
19 April 2027
Locations
Federation University Online
Teaching Period 3, 2027
12 July 2027
Locations
Federation University Online
Teaching Period 4, 2027
4 October 2027
Locations
Federation University Online
Information
- Online learning is only an option if you’re not studying on an international student visa. Testing
Contact hours
You’d be looking at about 25-30 hours per week (if you’re full time), but this includes on-campus classes and self-directed study (i.e. homework).
Work integrated learning
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) Program.
Sample course structure
Here’s what the course structure could look like. It’s just an example (so don’t use it for enrolment). Interested in the details? You can find current course structure or select a single unit name below to find out what it’s about and how much it costs.
- Literacy and Numeracy15 credit pointsEDBED1011
- Understanding Early Human Development15 credit pointsEDECE1002
- Curriculum Through Play15 credit pointsEDECE1019
- Science and Environmental Education in Early Childhood15 credit pointsEDECE2018
Meet us at Open Day
Open Day is your chance to explore all that Federation has to offer. Meet current lecturers and students, ask course questions, learn about our support services and explore campus spaces.
We’ve got heaps of activities, tours and presentations planned. Basically, we want you to get a real feel for Federation. The atmosphere. The opportunities. The community.
Oh – and there’s no need to pack a sandwich. Lunch is on us.
Entry requirements
Entry requirements (year 12)
Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 20 in any English
Entry requirements (non year 12)
Satisfactory completion of at least one year of tertiary study in a relevant field
OR
Successful completion of the Federation University Foundation Access Studies (FAST) program (or equivalent tertiary preparation program).
OR
Successful completion of a recognised TAFE Diploma in a relevant field
OR
Successful completion of a TAFE qualification at Certificate III or IV in a relevant field, 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
Extra requirements
Applicants will be required to hold a valid Working with Children Card (WWCC)
How you apply will depend on your current situation – school leaver, tertiary background or life experience – and whether you’re also applying for courses at other institutions. Visit our how to apply page to find out more.
Ready to fill out your application? You might need these codes:
- Direct application
- Yes
- Federation University code
- TK3
The Undergraduate Certificate in Early Childhood Studies is a pathway degree into a Bachelor degree qualification in Early Childhood-only Education. It is a pathway degree that is nested in a Bachelor degree and not a stand-alone Early Childhood Education qualification. Graduates will have the opportunity to apply for further study in early childhood education at Bachelor level.
Hear from our students
Hi, my name is Maddie and I'm studying a Bachelor of Education. I'm specialising in inclusive Ed and I'm in my third year of studies. I chose to study at Fed Uni because it is close to home and because I had a few friends who were studying here as well. I would recommend federation to those considering studying because of the placement opportunities they have here. This year as part of my diversity placement I was given the opportunity to travel to the NT to a remote indigenous community. This option was available to all students in my degree in the third year and it was made even more accessible as the majority of the accommodation and flights were funded by the Uni Arunga. The community I was placed in was the most beautiful little community with wonderful students and incredible classroom facilities. I'm so glad and proud of myself for taking that leap of faith because now I have so many more skills and experiences under my belt. This opportunity will be something I'll happily share with anyone and we'll think about forever. I really couldn't recommend this programme more.