New ECT pathway at ECU for those with NM TAFE qualification

From Semester One 2025 Edith Cowan University (ECU) will offer prospective students with an approved North Metropolitan TAFE (NM TAFE) Diploma who may already work in the early childhood education and care (ECEC) sector an exciting new pathway to continue their studies and earn a Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Studies) degree. 

 

“This exciting pathway will allow early childhood educators who haven’t completed a Bachelor’s degree an opportunity to do so, while still earning an income and working in early childhood centres, kindergartens or schools,” ECU Associate Dean (Early Childhood) Associate Professor Gill Kirk said.  

 

“The course work will be directly relevant to their daily responsibilities and tasks, enabling them to immediately apply what they learn during their course work at ECU.” 

 

The Diploma qualification must have been obtained by coursework within the last 10 years to reduce the duration of the Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Studies) degree by up to eight units.  

 

“This effectively provides the possibility of completing the degree within three years, if studied full time,” Associate Professor Kirk added.  

 

An ECU Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Studies) is a birth to eight qualification that has been accredited by both ACECQA and the Teacher Registration Board of WA. 

 

The new pathway is a combined initiative of ECU and NM TAFE to address WA’s critical teacher shortage. 

 

“We moved swiftly to open up possibilities for people who are keen to learn and apply their understanding at work,” Associate Professor Kirk said. 

 

“We have been keeping WA early learning providers and possible students in mind as we continue to respond to need without limiting our quality.”  

  

For NM TAFE Director Profile, Pathways & Support Susan Thompson the announcement is one which she hopes will offer Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care learners “some great options.”

 

“NMTAFE and the Education Portfolio are proud to be partnering with ECU to improve the number of graduates into the Early Childhood Education industry. It’s a critical area for Western Australians who value the highest quality education and care for their children,” she added. 

 

Learn more about the program via the website, here.

 

Anyone interested in learning more about the program can head to the website.