Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood and Primary)

Early Childhood Teacher

Teach the basics of numeracy, literacy, music, and art to early childhood students.

Kindergarten Teacher

Guide young children in the acquisition of fundamental literacy and numeracy skills, effectively preparing them for a successful transition to primary school.

Early Childhood Teaching Director

Develop the curriculum, set policies and oversee daily operations of an early childhood centre.

Primary School Teacher

Educate students aged 5-12 years through classroom lessons and educational programs covering a variety of subjects.

Professional recognition

When you graduate, you’ll be qualified to practice as a childcare professional or primary teacher, with accreditation from the Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT).

Secondary education

Successful completion of the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) or its equivalent, such as an interstate or international Year 12 qualification.

VCE Pre-requisites

Applicants must meet the associated minimum ATAR score

Units 3 and 4 – a study score of at least 25 in English (other than EAL) or at least 30 in English as an Additional Language

Work and Life

Completion or partial completion of an approved tertiary qualification (including diplomas, advanced diplomas, associate degrees and degrees). Additional performance criteria and prerequisite requirements may also apply Applicants without a formal qualification but with significant and relevant work experience and appropriate English language skills, or a suitable Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) result, will be considered if they can demonstrate that they can undertake the course with a reasonable prospect of success.

English Proficiency Requirements

All applicants must demonstrate suitable English language proficiency for successful completion of the course.

The university may determine selection criteria and restrictions in respect of courses to apply in addition to these entry requirements.

Eligibility for admission does not guarantee offer of a place.

Special requirements

CASPer suitability tool

If you’re looking to apply for our Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood and Primary) course you will need to complete the CASPer suitability tool. Get in touch with a Course Consultant to find out more information.

Working with Children Check and Police Check

All enrolled students must maintain a current Working with Children Check (from the appropriate State Authority). A Police Check may also be required by a school prior to a placement. For a list of each state’s requirements see www.careforkids.com.au.

Literacy and numeracy test for initial teacher education

To be eligible to graduate, students must pass the Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education (LANTITE), which is required to become a registered teacher. This test is run externally at the applicant’s expense. Applicants must disclose all previous LANTITE attempts (if any) through a personal statement and upload the results for each attempt. Applicants who have unsuccessfully attempted LANTITE three or more times will not be eligible to receive an offer for this course.

Once enrolled, all applicants must provide relevant Child Safety Screening clearance as your state of residence requires and maintain clearances throughout the duration of the program.

Courses are only available to Australian and New Zealand citizens, permanent residents and humanitarian visa holders.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) allows students to gain credit (advanced standing) towards their course in recognition of skills and knowledge gained through work experience, life experience and/or formal training. Applicants are assessed on a case-by-case basis. Speak to a Course Consultant about applying for RPL.

Help young children develop the skills they’ll use for a lifetime; choose a Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood and Primary) online. With this qualification you can teach children aged between 6 weeks and 12 years old, in childcare centres, kindergartens and primary schools.

You will learn how to engage children with activities such as art, music, maths and literacy. You will develop the skills you need to respond to diversity and help each child get the most out of their education during their formative years.

Led by experienced education professionals with recent or current teaching practice, this course combines online learning with teaching placements in early childhood and primary school settings. Our students get great feedback from their placement schools and centres – we ensure you are prepared and supported by our course tutors and advisors to make your placement a positive experience.

Swinburne University has now incorporated the Graduate Teacher Performance Assessment (GTPA) into the final year of primary professional experience units. This narrative based assignment will allow you to demonstrate your competence in classroom practice by creating a unit plan, lesson plans, assessing, reflecting and appraising your teaching. Connecting the academic program to your professional experience, the GTPA provides quality assurance of graduate readiness, giving you valuable experience to help you progress into your new career.

When you graduate, you’ll be qualified to practice as a childcare professional or primary teacher, with accreditation from the Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT).

Recommended Study Pattern

Learning and Communicating Online (COM10003)

Understanding Language and Literacy (EDU10002)

The World of Maths (EDU10003)

Indigenous Education and Perspectives (EDU10005)

Theories of Teaching and Learning (EDU10004)

Developing Literacy (EDU20001)

Mathematics in Practice (EDU20002)

Sustainable Education and Perspectives (EDU20005)

Social and Emotional Learning (EDU20014)

Teaching Technologies (EDU30059)

Families, Community and Citizenship (EDU30006)

Imagining the World through the Arts (EDU30007)

The Healthy and Active Child (EDU40001)

Play and Environment (EDU40002)

Identity: The Early Childhood Professional (EDU40003)

Advocacy and Social Justice (EDU40004)

Understanding and Supporting Inclusion (EDU30005)

Science and Technology (EDU30002)

Mathematics in the Primary Classroom (EDU30009)

Discovering Science (EDU30011)

Health and Physical Education (EDU30014)

Educational Leadership, Management and Program Assessment (EDU30062 )

Teaching English (EDU30063)

Arts Education (EDU40008)

Teaching the Humanities (EDU40011)

Introduction to Curriculum Planning and Assessment: Practicum 1 (EDU10001)

Curriculum, Planning and Assessment for Primary: Practicum 2 (EDU20006)

Curriculum, Planning and Assessment for Infants: Practicum 3E (EDU30003)

Ready to Teach Primary: Practicum 4e (EDU40005)

Ready to Teach Early Childhood: Practicum 5e (EDU40006)

Professional Placements

Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood & Primary): 3 units x 20 days, 1 unit x 21 days, 1 unit x 10 days. Total: 91 days

Award Requirements

Successful completion of the Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood and Primary) requires students to complete units of study to the value of 400 credit points. All units of study are valued at 12.5 credit points unless otherwise stated.

Literacy and numeracy test for initial teacher education

To be eligible to graduate, students must pass the Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education (LANTITE), which is required to become a registered teacher. This test is run externally at the applicant’s expense. Applicants must disclose all previous LANTITE attempts (if any) through a personal statement and upload the results for each attempt. Applicants who have unsuccessfully attempted LANTITE three or more times will not be eligible to receive an offer for this course.

Once enrolled, all applicants must provide relevant Child Safety Screening clearance as your state of residence requires and maintain clearances throughout the duration of the program.

Courses are only available to Australian and New Zealand citizens, permanent residents and humanitarian visa holders.