Programme overview
This degree encompasses a broad study of early childhood education and social contexts relevant for students from birth to eight years of age.
We offer a range of hands-on courses covering te ao Māori perspectives, diversity and inclusion, human development, educational psychology, child development and professional communication and practice. Through these you will develop expert understanding of the complex and vital early years of children’s lives.
Practical placements each year in early childhood and other educational settings will allow you to explore areas of interest and refine and develop relevant professional skills. You will spend a total of 24 weeks over three years in a range of educational settings, allowing you to gain a range of practical experience and form professional connections.
This is an excellent foundation degree. It will prepare you for a career in a range of educational settings and in policy and leadership roles in New Zealand and overseas.
View and download our BECSt flyer here.
If you decide to pursue a teaching career in New Zealand, you can gain registration by adding a one-year Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Early Childhood Education) or Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Primary). Learn more about becoming a teacher here.
Programme structure
Our Bachelor of Early Childhood Studies is a three-year programme consisting of face-to-face, online and practice-based teaching and learning.
To complete a BECSt degree, you must pass courses totalling at least 360 points. At least 330 of these points must be from the listed BECSt schedule, 15 points from courses offered in either the General Education open schedule or the General Education faculty schedule approved for this degree, and in your first year of study, you must complete 15 points from the faculty’s Waipapa Taumata Rau course offering.
For all required courses and inforamation about elective courses on offer, please visit our programme and enrolment Information.
Most students need to take one General Education course.
Students should also be aware of the University’s Academic English Language Requirement.
Sample programme structure
Year 1 120 points
-
- Code:
- WTR 100
- Name:
- Waipapa Taumata Rau
- Type:
- Core taught
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Code:
- EDPROFM 100
- Name:
- Te Ao Māori - Te Kākano
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Code:
- EDPROFST 104
- Name:
- Early Childhood Education in Aotearoa
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Code:
- EDUC 115
- Name:
- Introduction to child and adolescent Development
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Code:
- EDUC 106
- Name:
- History of Education and Society
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Code:
- EDUC 105
- Name:
- Teaching: Tales and Traditions
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Code:
- SOCWORK 111
- Name:
- Professional Communication Skills
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Code:
- EDPROFST 115
- Name:
- Professional Early Childhood Practice 1
- Type:
- Compulsory degree component
- Points:
- 15 pts
Year 2 120 points
-
- Name:
- General Education
- Type:
- General Education course
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Code:
- EDPROFST 211
- Name:
- Engaging with Infants and Toddlers
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Code:
- EDCURRIC 109
- Name:
- Languages and Literacies Education 1
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Code:
- EDPROFST 215
- Name:
- Professional Early Childhood Practice 2
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Code:
- EDUC 221
- Name:
- Child Development
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Code:
- EDUC 223
- Name:
- Educational Psychology
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Code:
- EDUC 203
- Name:
- Pasifika Education and Diversity
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Code:
- Choose from a range of courses available for this degree or another bachelors degrees at this University
- Name:
- Elective course
- Type:
- Elective course
- Points:
- 15 pts
Year 3 120 points
-
- Code:
- EDUC 300
- Name:
- Understanding Childhood
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Code:
- EDUC 324
- Name:
- Inclusive Education and Philosophy
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Code:
- EDCURRIC 216
- Name:
- Hauora
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Code:
- EDPROFST 396
- Name:
- Professional Early Childhood Practice 3
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Code:
- EDPROFST 209
- Name:
- Developing Learning Communities
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Code:
- EDUCSW 303
- Name:
- Research and Professional Practice
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Code:
- EDUCSW 302
- Name:
- Service Learning
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Code:
- Choose from a range of courses available for this degree or another bachelors degrees at this University
- Name:
- Elective Course
- Type:
- Elective course
- Points:
- 15 pts
Subjects available in this programme
- Early Childhood Studies
2024 entry requirements
My highest qualification is from:
Secondary school qualifications
If you're joining us from secondary school, here's what you need to enter the programme.
You are guaranteed entry to this programme if you meet these requirements.
- First, you must meet the University Entrance (UE) standard.
- You must also meet the rank score for this programme. Not sure about your rank score? Use our rank score calculator.
- You may need to have studied certain subjects or achieved credits in particular subjects.
- Some programmes have additional requirements, such as an interview, portfolio or references.
Guaranteed rank score, subject and other requirements
If your rank score is slightly lower than the guaranteed score, we encourage you to still apply. We will consider your application if places are available. If you don’t meet the requirements, you may be able to apply under our Undergraduate Targeted Admission Schemes.
-
QualificationNCEA National Certificate of Educational AchievementScore required150
-
QualificationCIE Cambridge International ExaminationsScore required150
-
QualificationIB International BaccalaureateScore required26
Read more about entry requirements for New Zealand secondary school applicants.
Further requirements
You will be required to consent to disclosure of criminal convictions as part of the application process.
Note: While a record of criminal convictions will not prevent attainment of your qualification, it may limit your options with regards to available practical learning opportunities.
Tertiary qualifications
If you've studied at a tertiary institution, here's what you need to enter the programme.
You can transfer from another tertiary institution, or another University of Auckland qualification, if you meet these requirements.
Minimum grade requirements
These are the likely grades required, but they do not guarantee entry. Applicants may require higher grades to gain entry to this programme.
-
Grade requiredGPA Grade Point Average 2.4
-
Grade requiredGPE Grade Point Equivalent 2.4
Further requirements
You will be required to consent to disclosure of criminal convictions as part of the application process.
Note: While a record of criminal convictions will not prevent attainment of your qualification, it may limit your options with regards to available practical learning opportunities.
Other pathways to study
You could be eligible for another programme, or check out these alternative pathways:
- See if you meet the criteria for the Undergraduate Targeted Admission Scheme (UTAS).
- Bridge your educational gap with a preparation and foundation programme.
- If you are under 20, have no formal University Entrance (UE) qualification, and are a New Zealand or Australian citizen or permanent resident you can apply for discretionary entrance.
- If you can demonstrate outstanding academic achievement and maturity, we offer admission to applicants under 16.
My highest qualification is from this country or region:
Secondary school qualifications
If you're joining us from secondary school, here's what you need to enter the programme.
You need to have one of the following:
- International Baccalaureate Diploma with a minimum total score of 24.
- General Certificate of Education (GCE) Advanced Level. You must have completed a minimum of three A-Level subjects.
- Cambridge International Examinations (CIE). You must have completed a minimum of three A-level subjects.
GCE ‘A’ Level requirements apply to ‘A’ Level qualifications examined by bodies such as AQA, OCR, Edexcel, WJEC, CCEA and Pearson Education Limited taken outside of New Zealand.
Guaranteed grade, subject and other requirements
These are the grades required for guaranteed entry to this programme. If your grades are slightly lower, we encourage you to still apply. We will consider your application if places are available.
-
QualificationIB International Baccalaureate DiplomaScore required26QualificationIELTS Academic International English Language Testing SystemScore required6.0
No bands less than 5.5
-
QualificationCIE Cambridge International ExaminationsScore requiredCCCQualificationIELTS Academic International English Language Testing SystemScore required6.0
No bands less than 5.5
-
QualificationGCE A Level General Certificate of Education (GCE) Advanced LevelScore requiredCCCQualificationIELTS Academic International English Language Testing SystemScore required6.0
No bands less than 5.5
Further requirements
You will be required to consent to disclosure of criminal convictions as part of the application process.
Note: While a record of criminal convictions will not prevent attainment of your qualification, it may limit your options with regards to available practical learning opportunities.
Tertiary qualifications
If you've studied at a tertiary institution, here's what you need to enter the programme.
You can transfer from another tertiary institution if you meet these requirements.
You need to have the following:
One year successful bachelor-degree level study at a recognised university (or similar institution) overseas.
Minimum grade requirements
These are the likely grades required, but they do not guarantee entry. Applicants may require higher grades to gain entry to this programme.
-
Grade requiredGPE Grade Point Equivalent 2.4
-
QualificationIELTS Academic International English Language Testing SystemScore required6.0
No bands less than 5.5
Further requirements
You will be required to consent to disclosure of criminal convictions as part of the application process.
Note: While a record of criminal convictions will not prevent attainment of your qualification, it may limit your options with regards to available practical learning opportunities.
Other pathways to study
You could be eligible for another programme, or check out these alternative pathways:
- Bridge your educational gap with a preparation and foundation programme.
- If you have an offer of place from us that is conditional on meeting English language requirements, you may be considered for English Pathway courses from the University of Auckland English Language Academy (ELA)
How much does a Bachelor of Early Childhood Studies cost per year?
2025 fees
- Domestic students
- NZ$7,185.60*
- International students
- NZ$37,085*
Fees are set in advance of each calendar year and will be updated on this website. Fees are inclusive of 15% GST, but do not include the Student Services Fee, course books, travel and health insurance, or living costs. Amounts shown are indicative only. In addition to the tuition fees, there is a Student Services Fee of $8.88 per point, estimated at $1,065.60 for full-time study (120 points). Fees will be confirmed upon completion of enrolment into courses.
*Please note: amounts shown are indicative and estimates only.
Find out about financial support information
Scholarships and awards
Find out about the scholarships you may be eligible for.
Student loans and allowances
Are you a New Zealand citizen or resident? You could be eligible for a student loan or allowance.
Cost of living
Get an idea of how much accommodation and general living in Auckland will cost.
Key dates
Please note: We will consider late applications if places are still available. International students should start the application process as early as possible to allow sufficient time to apply for a visa.
Application closing dates
- Semester One 2025
- 31 January 2025
- Semester Two 2025
- 4 July 2025
Start dates
Here are the start dates for the programme.
Semester One | Starts – 26 February |
---|---|
Ends – 24 June | |
Semester Two | Starts – 15 July |
Ends – 11 November |
Semester One | Starts – 3 March |
---|---|
Ends – 30 June | |
Semester Two | Starts – 21 July |
Ends – 17 November |
Other important dates
See important dates for the academic year, including orientation, enrolment, study breaks, exams, and graduation.
How to apply
Applying for an undergraduate programme? Check out our step-by-step guide.
Where could this programme take you?
A BECSt signifies workplace knowledge and skills applicable in varied domestic and global contexts. Through placements you will encounter practices relevant to education, health, and community work. A BECSt will not qualify you for teacher registration but it provides a pathway into a graduate teaching qualification or postgraduate research.
Student career planning service
Once you become a student at the University, you can get help with planning and developing your career from Career Development and Employability Services.
Early Childhood Studies is a growing and evolving field, largely due to the increasing recognition of how critical the early years of a child’s life are for long-term wellbeing and development. Our programme in Early Childhood Studies develops knowledge, skills and dispositions relevant to employment in a wide range of early-years contexts and organisations.
The Bachelor of Early Childhood Studies is a scholarly, child-centred and innovative programme, incorporating theory and practical placements across the three years to enable graduates to appreciate and understand theories, ideas, concepts and practices related to the field of early childhood studies.
The practical experiences (practice-based learning and service learning) in early childhood context settings will prepare graduates to work in a range of early childhood-based services and organisations both domestically and abroad. Students will encounter a range of practices during placements relevant to the early childhood years including education, health, and community-based contexts. This wide exposure will enhance graduates’ ability to enter the workforce in many different settings across a range of roles.
Graduates of the BECSt programme will be cognisant of the interdisciplinary nature of early childhood contexts and able to critically analyse and respond to issues relevant to a range of organisations and communities. They will be culturally responsive, critical, reflective, and committed to social justice.
This programme provides a strong disciplinary pathway into a graduate teaching qualification or postgraduate research in the field of early childhood studies. (Please note: this qualification will not allow graduates to qualify for teacher registration).
Do you need help?
Can’t find the answer in AskAuckland?
Need to speak to someone?
You can phone us directly.
- Auckland
- 923 5025
- Outside Auckland
- 0800 61 62 63
- International
- +64 9 373 7513