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This fully Online Short Program is the first step towards a career in early childhood education. Learn the foundations of child development and the social and cultural issues that educators consider in their day-to-day work. On successful completion of this program, you will have the option to continue your studies towards a career in early childhood education.
Applications for Block D close 12 June 2022. Click here for other closing dates.
Available Campuses
A Career in Early Childhood Studies
In a fast-changing world, tomorrow belongs to people who are ready for anything. We’ll train you to be a critical thinker, not a narrow specialist. The fully online Undergraduate Certificate in Early Childhood Studies is the start of your journey towards a career in early childhood education. The six-month program provides you with the foundational knowledge in child development, the social and cultural issues that face children as well as exploring everyday scenarios faced by educators.
Upon the successful completion of the Undergraduate Certificate in Early Childhood Studies, students will be able to further their studies through the Diploma of Arts (Pathway to Teaching Birth-5 / Birth-12) and will receive advanced standing for the four subjects they have completed.
Pathway options
This program offers a pathway to the Diploma of Arts (Pathway to Teaching Birth-5 / Birth-12). If you wish to continue with further studies, the Diploma offers a direct pathway to the Bachelor of Arts (Pathway to Teaching Birth-5 / Birth-12).
Program structure
The subjects covered in this program include:
- The Developing Child
- Mathematical Patterns and Relationships
- Contemporary Childhoods
- Language, Diversity and Culture
Our Undergraduate Certificates are designed to run in block mode which means that you complete one subject at a time over a shorter time period. This means you can focus 100% on one subject at a time. All of our subjects are run online. Assessments are industry grounded and will remain authentic to the activities, challenges, and expectations of the industry.
More information about the program structure is outlined in our handbook.
Fees and delivery
Fees: $3,291
The student contribution for a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) quoted above is an indication only of the student contribution to tuition fees for this program for 2021 and does not include other fees and charges. Actual tuition fees are calculated when you enrol.
Fees are subject to annual increases. The above indicative fee is based on completing this program in 2021.
Other fees: Students are required to pay the Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF) and may also be required to purchase textbooks or other program materials.
For more details, consult Student Contribution Bands
Eligible students also have access to interest-free HECS-HELP loans, so you can study now and pay later.
Find out more about HECS-HELP on the Study Assist website.
Delivery: Online
This program is only available to domestic students.
Unfortunately, student visa holders are not eligible to study this certificate.
Start your unlimited journey today.
To discuss your study options, call our friendly Student Support Team on 1300 897 669 or email study@westersydney.edu.au

Meet one of our students
"The Undergraduate Certificate provided a good taste test and a broad overview that helped me to decide the direction that I wanted to go"
- Matthew Stone. Undergraduate Certificate in Information and Communications Technology
Want to learn more about our student success stories?
Your career
This program may open the door to a career in education, child and family support services, education policy, curriculum development and administration.
It’s also the first step on your journey towards a Bachelor of Arts - Pathway to Teaching (Birth–5 Years/Birth–12 Years) and a rewarding career as an early childhood teacher.
- Teaching (with further study)
- Child and family support services
- Education policy
- Curriculum development
- Education administration
Your career

Early Childhood Teacher
Early Childhood (Pre-Primary School) Teachers teach the basics of numeracy, literacy, music, art and literature to early childhood (pre-primary) students and promote students' social, emotional, intellectual and physical development.

Primary Teacher (K-6)
Primary School Teachers teach a range of subjects within a prescribed curriculum to primary school students and promote students' social, emotional, intellectual and physical development.

School Principal
School Principals plan, organise, direct, control and coordinate the educational and administrative aspects of primary schools including physical and human resources.

Education Field Officer
Education Field Officers provide support to government funded teaching staff to support the access and participation of children with additional needs in inclusive programs. They offer consultative support, resourcing and advice to Primary School Teachers.
Related study options
*The tuition fees quoted above are the fees for the normal full-time study load of the program (80 credit points) per annum. International students will be subject to a variable fee regime; i.e. enrolled students will be required to pay fees during their program based on the approved fee for each calendar year. Fee changes (if any) will occur at 1 January each calendar year. Students who extend their program past the normal finish date of the program will be required to pay additional fees based on the prevailing fee level. Western Sydney University is a multi-campus institution. The University reserves the right to alter the location of its programs between campuses and other locations as necessary. Students should be aware of the possibility of change of location for the whole or part of programs for which they enrol and should plan for the need to travel between Western Sydney campuses.