Make a positive difference in the education and upbringing of the next generation of young people. Our combined degree will qualify you to work with children through their formative years – in early childhood centres and in primary school settings.

Alongside primary education, you’ll explore the principles and pedagogies of teaching in early childhood education and care (ECEC); the development and learning of children across the life span; the role of families and communities in ECEC; your role as an educational leader in ECEC settings; with significant blocks of in-school professional placement.

This course includes a specialisation in English, in addition to the Australian curriculum studies in English; Mathematics; Science and Technology; Human Society and Its Environment; Creative Arts; and Personal Development, Health and Physical Education.

The block professional teaching experiences, combined with volunteer activities and embedded site visits will provide you with a deep understanding about the role of a teacher. As you will be interacting with children and young people, upon enrolment you will be expected to apply and attain a valid Working with Children Check for your state or territory. See professional experience requirements.

As a graduate, you will be qualified as an early childhood educator and a primary school teacher in Queensland and New South Wales. Please note your application must include a personal statement outlining your non-academic capabilities. See education non-academic requirements.

Dual qualification: early childhood educator in childcare centres, preschools and other early childhood services; and primary school teacher. 

Professional Placement

You complete a program of in-school professional teaching experiences during the course, culminating in an extended in-school development experience, to demonstrate your capabilities as a primary school and early childhood teacher. This course provides you with teaching experiences across the age range from six-weeks to 12-years-old.

Professional Recognition

This course is currently undergoing its five-year reaccreditation with the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) and the Queensland College of Teachers (QCT) for national accreditation through the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL).

This course is currently undergoing reaccreditation with the Australian Children's Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA).

Usually, Australian teacher qualifications are recognised internationally, but students need to check with potential employers and teacher registration authorities in other countries regarding accreditation requirements.

All Initial Teacher Education students across Australia need to successfully complete the Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education Students (LANTITE). At Southern Cross University the test needs to be successfully completed prior to undertaking the first professional experience placement.