Bachelor of Early Childhood Studies
Education studies
A course by
University of Auckland
A three-year degree specialising in early childhood studies, with a focus on children from birth to eight years, covering theory, diverse perspectives, placements, and professional skills for varied educational and community contexts.
Blended study
This is a mix of online learning & face-to-face sessions
City, Auckland
It will take a total of 3 years
Core skills this course teaches
Develop specialist knowledge in early childhood years
Gain understanding of the vital early years of children's lives, from birth to eight years old.
Understand diverse perspectives in early childhood
Explore te ao Māori, diversity, inclusion, and cultural responsiveness in educational contexts.
Apply educational psychology and child development
Critically engage with theories and concepts related to human and child development, educational psychology, and learning.
What You're Signing Up For
The Bachelor of Early Childhood Studies (BECSt) at the University of Auckland provides an in-depth exploration of early childhood education and social contexts for children from birth to eight years. The programme blends core theoretical courses with hands-on practical placements across early childhood and educational settings. Students will engage with topics spanning te ao Māori perspectives, diversity, inclusion, child and human development, professional communication, and educational psychology. Over the three years, a total of 24 weeks of placements help develop professional skills and industry experience. This programme prepares graduates for diverse roles in education, policy, and leadership, as well as for postgraduate study; it does not itself qualify graduates for teacher registration.
Course Content
- Te ao Māori perspectives in education
- Diversity and inclusion
- Human development
- Educational psychology
- Child development
- Professional communication
- Professional practice (24 weeks placements over 3 years)
- Languages and literacies education
- History of education and society
- Development of learning communities
- Research and professional/service learning
- Inclusive education and philosophy
- Hauora (wellbeing)
- Pasifika education and diversity
What you need to know first
What sort of industry will this job lead to
Education
Child/Youth Services
Community Services
Future employment opportunities might be
Roles in early childhood-based services and organisations (not teacher registration eligible)
Work in education, health, and community-based contexts
Careers in policy, leadership, and research in early years sectors