Macquarie University’s Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood)—StepAhead Program is designed for diploma-qualified educators with at least two years of post-diploma work experience. It provides a pathway to upgrade existing qualifications into a full bachelor’s degree, recognising prior learning and professional practice.
Flexible Pathways
One of the program’s strengths is its flexibility:
- Reduced duration: With recognition of prior experience, students can complete the degree in just five semesters.
- Work while you study: Placements can be undertaken in your current workplace or in new early learning settings, including an innovative “work while you learn” placement in the final semester.
- Study options: Flexible study modes allow educators to balance professional and personal commitments.
Course Structure
- Four semesters of study in leadership, critical reflection, management, child development, contemporary theories, children’s wellbeing, rights and safety, inclusion, diversity, language, literacy, STEM, Arts.
- A final professional experience placement or work placement semester that includes ongoing mentoring and access to a Community of Practice.
- Professional experience placements can occur in your current workplace or at another early learning setting.
FAQs
- I'm currently studying a Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood). Am I able to move into the StepAhead program?
Students who enrolled in 2025 and who meet the StepAhead criteria are potentially eligible. Applications for transfer will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
- Will I have to come to campus to attend classes?
No. The StepAhead program offers flexible study options, including online, hybrid and in person.
- How is the StepAhead program delivered?
StepAhead involves four semesters of 15 units of study plus one final semester of workplace professional experience placement and involvement in a community of practice. The program provides mentoring and academic support throughout, which is delivered by specialist mentors and academic staff. The course is designed so that you can study fully online at times convenient to you (eg after work hours) but it also offers options such as in person or hybrid.
You will engage with recorded lectures, online activities, classes and discussions. You will also undertake professional experience placements, which can be completed in your workplace or arranged to take place at a different early childhood setting.
- I live outside NSW. Am I eligible for this course?
No. This program is funded by the NSW Department of Education and only NSW residents are eligible for the StepAhead program.
Interstate applicants can apply to study this course but will not be eligible for either the StepAhead support program or the scholarship. Alternatively, they can apply for the Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood) at Macquarie University.
- Can I study this course part-time?
No. The StepAhead program is designed as a full-time program only.
You can, however, apply to study the Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood) if you would like to study part-time, but this does not include the specialised StepAhead support.
- How many Professional Experience placements will I need to complete?
You will complete 60 days of Professional Experience across 4 Professional Experience units. You have the option to complete all placements at your current workplace, but you will also be supported to complete placements in other early childhood settings.
- Can I complete Professional Experience placement in my current workplace?
Yes. You can also undertake Professional Experience placements outside your workplace.
- How much does this degree cost?
The Australian government provides Commonwealth supported places for this course, which means that it pays part of your tuition fees. It means that you do not pay the full course fees.
Students pay a contribution to their tuition fees, which can be paid up-front, or they can apply for a HECS-HELP loan to defer these fees. Student contributions and fees vary and can change. Please see Fees and Costs for more information.
Study Support payments are available to assist you throughout the StepAhead degree. Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students and students from rural, regional and remote areas in New South Wales may be eligible for extra funding support.
The NSW Department of Education is offering generous scholarships for EC applicants to assist you throughout your degree. A separate application is required (see NSW Department of Education website for further information).
- Can I defer my offer for the course?
No. The StepAhead program is a unique opportunity offered in partnership with the NSW Department of Education for those applying for a 2026 start. It is possible, however, to defer an offer to the Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood) degree but you will not be eligible for the StepAhead program.
- What happens if I fail a unit?
The StepAhead program is designed to provide you with regular and sustained mentoring, peer, and academic assistance to support your progress through the course. If you fail a unit there are a range of options to help, including supplementary assessment tasks and other support services. It is important to remain closely connected to your mentor and with academic staff so they can provide you with targeted support.
Support Systems
StepAhead offers comprehensive support to ensure student success:
- Mentoring and guidance: Professional mentoring and targeted workshops throughout the program.
- Financial assistance: Study support funding is available, with additional funding for Indigenous students and those from rural, regional, and remote areas.
- Community of practice: Opportunities to join Macquarie’s Education Society for networking and professional development.
Research-Informed Teaching
The program is ACECQA-approved and developed by experts from Macquarie’s Early Childhood Education Research Centre. Students are taught by the team who created Australia’s Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) V2.0, ensuring that learning is grounded in world-leading research and contemporary practice.
For more information: Build On Your Experience And StepAhead In Your Career