Monash University: University Handbooks: Undergraduate handbook 2004: Units indexed by faculty
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Undergraduate handbook 2004
Education

Bachelor of Early Childhood Studies

Course code: 3708 + Course abbreviation: BECStudies + Peninsula (multi-mode/on-campus and off-campus) + Singapore (offshore supported by off-campus learning) + Contact: Professor Marilyn Fleer (telephone (03) 9904 4235 or (03) 9904 4291 for initial inquiries)

This course is designed to meet the need for a bachelor-level early childhood degree, intended for students who have completed a Diploma of Community Services (Children's Services) or an equivalent and who wish to develop advanced skills and experience in teaching in early childhood education. It is especially suitable for those wishing to upgrade their qualifications to a teaching degree suitable for prior-to-school settings.

Professional recognition

On completion of the Bachelor of Early Childhood Studies, graduates will be eligible for appointment as kindergarten teachers in pre-schools or childcare centres in Victoria. For interstate and overseas positions, applicants are advised to check with local authorities.

Admission requirements

All students entering the course will do so with advanced standing. To be eligible for admission with advanced standing, students must hold:
(i) a Diploma of Community Services (Children's Services) or equivalent awarded from an Australian registered training organisation (ie TAFE or approved private provider), or
(ii) a Diploma in Pre-School Education or equivalent awarded by a registered provider in Singapore, or

(iii) other qualifications and experience deemed by faculty board to be equivalent to or satisfactory substitute for the above qualifications.

Course structure

To be eligible for the award of the three-year Bachelor of Early Childhood Studies degree, a candidate must complete units totalling 144 credit points (students will normally be admitted to the course with 48 credit points of advanced standing).

Advanced standing

All students entering the course will be given a minimum of one-year advanced standing based on their having completed studies in early childhood education/children's services. Students with extensive work experience in the field will be able to submit an RPL (Recognition of Prior Learning) portfolio and receive credit for up to an additional four units (ie 24 credit points).
All students must complete a minimum of 48 points of study as an enrolled student (ie maximum credit available is 96 credit points).

Course outline

The Bachelor of Early Childhood Studies consists of 16 units which are linked with four professional experience rounds arranged throughout the course. Students will be in schools for a total of up to 81 days practicum. Candidates must satisfactorily complete each of the 16 units of study and receive a satisfactory teaching assessment to be eligible for the award:

Year 1

Advanced standing equivalent to 48 credit points based on previous studies.

Years 2 and 3

*Applicants with significant work history in the field would be eligible to apply for up to a further six months of advanced standing based on recognition of prior learning for this experience and would not be required to complete these units.

Course length/workload required

The course is a two-year full-time course or part-time equivalent. The expected number of hours per week is 48 for a full-time student and 24 for a part-time student.

Further information

For further information regarding this course, contact the Faculty of Education, Peninsula campus, telephone (03) 9904 4291, visit http://www.education.monash.edu.au or email info@education.monash.edu.au.

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