Associate Degree of Early Years Studies

This two-year associate degree is for people who want to work with young children and their families, and who want a qualification that sits above a certificate III or diploma but below a full bachelor's degree. You'll study child development, play-based learning, curriculum planning, observation and assessment, health and safety, and working with families and communities. The focus is on the years from birth to eight, so you'll look at how children learn and how to design experiences that match where they are.

How the course is structured

Australian associate degrees are typically two years of full-time study, made up of units of study worth credit points. At Melbourne Polytechnic, the year is usually split into semesters, and you'll complete a mix of core units and some electives. Assessment is a mix of assignments, practical tasks, exams and supervised placements. You'll also complete a capstone-style project or professional practice unit in your final year, which pulls together what you've learned and applies it to a real early years setting.

Work placement and practical experience

Because early years education is a hands-on field, the course includes professional placement in early childhood services. You'll spend time in centres and kindergartens, working alongside qualified educators and teachers, and you'll be assessed on your practice. This is where you build the skills employers look for: setting up learning environments, guiding behaviour, documenting children's progress, and talking with families. Melbourne Polytechnic has strong links with the early years sector across Melbourne, so placements are arranged in a range of services.

What you'll gain and who it suits

You'll finish with the skills to plan and deliver programs for young children, work in a team, and meet the requirements of the National Quality Framework. The associate degree can also be a pathway to a bachelor's degree in early childhood education if you decide to go further. It suits people already working in early childhood who want to upskill, career changers who want to move into the sector, and school leavers who want a practical qualification without committing to a three-year degree. English requirements for international applicants are IELTS Academic 6.0–6.5 overall, or equivalent, though teaching and nursing courses often ask for higher. Check the official page for the exact English standard, tuition fees and intake dates.

• Early childhood educator in long day care, preschools and kindergartens
• Family day care educator or coordinator
• Outside school hours care assistant or coordinator
• Education support worker in primary schools
• Playgroup facilitator or community program assistant
• Early years services in local government, not-for-profit organisations and private providers