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Before Chloe To left her home country, she was saddled with a sobering fact: Vietnam did not have the programmes that would prepare her well for a career in the early childhood sector. She was looking for something more progressive in a bachelor’s degree, the kind that would empower her to reform curricula, raise the importance of psychology in learning, and improve diversity and inclusion in education.
Fast forward to today – To is now based in Australia, pursuing a Bachelor of Early Childhood Education at the University of Canberra.
“The University of Canberra attracted me for several compelling reasons,” she says. “It strikes a harmonious balance between theoretical frameworks and practical application, its tuition is budget-friendly compared to other institutions, and its reputation shines brightly as one of Australia’s top 10 universities.”
Many others share her sentiments. The University of Canberra is ranked #15 in Australia in the Times Higher Education Young Universities Rankings 2023 and is one of the top universities for employment according to the Good Universities Guide 2024. These are big achievements for a university that has only been operating for three decades.
There are benefits to being a young university. While convention and tradition can be a “hindrance” for more established institutions, newer ones have more freedom to respond to the evolving needs of younger students. For one, the University of Canberra integrates the latest research into its programmes, ensuring a progressive and dynamic curriculum. They’re better at creating opportunities for real-world work experience, internships and placements too.
Bachelor of Early Childhood Education students gain extensive experience in various practical settings. Source: University of Canberra
To is working as a part-time early childhood teacher while pursuing her degree, with plans to go full-time after graduation. “I took part in several experiential learning opportunities during my programme. One of the most significant was a practicum at my previous placement, where I worked directly with children under the guidance of experienced educators as my mentor teacher,” she says. “This hands-on experience allowed me to transform theory into practice. I learned how to manage time, run a classroom, interact with children of different ages and backgrounds, and communicate effectively with parents as well as with educators.”
The Bachelor of Early Childhood Education stands out for how practical it is. It offers over 80 days of industry placement, helping students build skills for roles such as early childhood teachers, leaders, policy advisors, and even directors. Students have the potential to go on local and international study tours, learning to lead with diversity and inclusion. With such opportunities, it’s little surprise that the programme has already received accreditation from ACECQA (the Australian Children’s Education & Care Quality Authority).
“As we have built this course, our team has worked hard to ensure that students don’t just hear about the latest research, but they also are empowered to apply it. We are so thrilled that our students get lots of experience working in the sector and that our course is practical in nature,” says Associate Professor Kate Highfield. “Our team of academics have extensive experience working with young children and so this experience and practical pedagogic approach is embedded through our subjects and the whole degree.”
The programme is as flexible as it is experiential. Students can opt to switch areas depending on their interests and those joining in the second year will have the option to take units online.
“There are a lot of birth to five or birth to 12 degrees around the country, but our degree is unique,” says Associate Professor Highfield. “Our birth to five degree ensures that teachers leave us with a specialised understanding over those first five years, with a developmental, cognitive, social, emotional and curriculum perspective. Another unique factor is that our degree is slightly shorter in length – it’s a three-year degree.”
The programme has two entry points: fresh-faced high school graduates and more experienced professionals coming from a different field. It’s open to those who have an existing diploma in early childhood education as well – upon receiving credit for their first year, they can complete their studies at the University of Canberra, in just two years. They will receive accreditation through Canberra’s Teacher Quality Institute (TQI), cementing their status as a certified early education teacher.
If you already hold a Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care or higher, you can complete your degree in just two years. Source: University of Canberra
Whichever entry point or delivery a student takes, the programme makes a great impact on them – so much so that To describes her journey as one with many “transformative aspects.” The greatest for her was realising just how deep an impact a teacher can have on a child’s life.
“My involvement in a project focusing on inclusive education was a key milestone. This project aimed to create learning materials that catered to children with diverse learning needs,” she says. “It helped me understand the importance of individualised attention and how to create an inclusive learning environment. The process of adapting lessons to different learning styles significantly influenced my current teaching approach, making me more flexible and attentive to each child’s unique needs.”
More confident and competent, To now even foresees specialising in inclusive and diverse education as well as developing a play-based approach to children. “Eventually, I hope to take on a leadership role where I can contribute my ideas to curriculum development and educational policies that support progressive education,” she says. “The University of Canberra has been instrumental in helping me achieve these goals.”
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