Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood and Primary)
70.0
Overview
Gain the skills and knowledge to become an inspiring early childhood and primary school teacher. Be prepared for teaching in the 21st century using emerging technologies. You'll study contexts of education, cultural-historical perspectives and child development, as well as units focusing on specific subject disciplines. Choose from specialisations in English, Mathematics and Science.
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Your industry experience
All our bachelor degrees include a guaranteed Work Integrated Learning opportunity. This degree includes a mandatory work placement as a professional accreditation requirement. Complete 91 days of placement and be eligible for employment in a range of early childhood and primary school settings in Australia.
Skills you’ll learn
- Emerging technologies
- Leadership
- Problem-solving
- Innovation
- Intercultural competence
- Contextual and theoretical knowledge
Your career opportunities
- Early childhood educator
- Primary school teacher
- Early childhood teacher
- Classroom teacher
- Early childhood director
- Early childhood worker
Key codes
International student visa
International students in Australia who hold student visas are required to study full-time and on campus. Courses that are taught entirely online are only available to international students studying outside Australia or those in Australia who are not on a student visa. Online courses are not available to international students in Australia who hold a student visa.
Why Swinburne?
Top 500 in the world for education
5 stars for overall experience
5 stars for teaching quality
#1 in Melbourne for support services
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"As an international student, I chose a university that has an inclusive culture, delivers consistent quality teaching and offers exceptional educational and technological facilities. For years, it’s been my passion to help children thrive through education. Studying at Swinburne is helping me achieve my goal of becoming a kindergarten teacher."
Winchell , Bachelor of Education in Early Childhood
Qualifications
One of the following:
- successful completion of the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) or its equivalent, such as an interstate or international Year 12 qualification
- completion of an approved Diploma or Advanced Diploma
- completion or partial completion of an approved Associate Degree or Bachelor Degree
ATAR Minimum Entry Score
70.0
Lowest ATAR to receive an offer in 2024 [after adjustment factors]
73.7
You’ll be guaranteed a place in this course if you meet or exceed the ATAR Guaranteed Entry Score, provided you meet the course prerequisites.
If your ATAR is below the guaranteed entry score, you can still be offered a place as your ATAR may be adjusted based on subject adjustments, equity schemes or other factors.
Subject adjustments:
- A study score of 25 in English Language, Health and Human Development, Literature, any LOTE, any Mathematics, any Science or Sociology equals 2 aggregate points per study.
- A study score of 30 in English Language, Health and Human Development, Literature, any LOTE, any Mathematics, any Science or Sociology equals 3 aggregate points per study.
Overall maximum of 15 points. Subject adjustment points are applied to the aggregate, not the ATAR.
Students admitted to the course with prior tertiary studies that satisfy part of the academic requirements of this course may be eligible for academic credit.
*Applicants without a formal qualification but with significant and relevant work experience will be considered if they can demonstrate that they can undertake the course with a reasonable prospect of success.
Successful completion of Australian Year 12, or equivalent overseas qualification.
Course prerequisites
- VCE Units 3 and 4: a minimum study score of at least 25 in any English (except EAL) or 30 in English as an Alternate Language (EAL) and a study score of at least 20 in any Mathematics
Meeting the minimum entry requirements for the course does not guarantee offer of a place. See Admissions at Swinburne, for general information about admission process.
Applicants who do not meet the mathematics prerequisites for this course will be required to successfully complete Swinburne’s MathsLink Further Mathematics bridging program.
- VCE Units 3 and 4: a minimum study score of at least 25 in any English (except EAL) or 30 in English as an Alternate Language (EAL) and a study score of at least 20 in any Mathematics
Other requirements
All applicants must sit and achieve an appropriate standard on a selection test used to assess an applicant’s non-academic personal and professional attributes.
LANTITE or Recognition of an Australian First Nations Language Proficiency
All applicants to this Bachelor ITE course must be recognised as being proficient in an Australian First Nations language or achieve the standard of the Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education (LANTITE) for both components by their second year (200 credit points). They must have attempted the LANTITE in their first year (100 credit points).
Applicants applying to transfer from another ITE course must have attempted both components of the LANTITE (if possible) and disclose the results of all attempts. They will have to achieve the standard for both test components as per their transfer conditions (generally 150 credit points).
Casper test
All applicants (both standard entry and non-year 12 entry) must sit the Casper test. Casper is an online, open-response situational judgement test that takes approximately 60 minutes to complete. Casper measures different personal and professional skills that are important for successful students and graduates of our program. It will complement the other criteria we use for applicant selection, and we require Casper as part of our efforts to enhance fairness and objectivity in our selection process.
To ensure you don’t miss the Casper test deadlines, register for your sitting or see further information about the test.
If you are a current Year 12 student, please refer to the VTAC website for deadlines.
Admission to this course will consider both academic and non-academic results.
English language proficiency
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.
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. View the list of each state's requirements.
All applicants must sit and achieve an appropriate standard on a selection test used to assess an applicant’s non-academic personal and professional attributes.
LANTITE
Applicants applying to transfer from another initial teacher education course must disclose all Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education (LANTITE) attempts. Applicants who have unsuccessfully attempted the LANTITE three or more times will not be eligible to receive an offer.
Casper test
All applicants (both standard entry and non-year 12 entry) must sit the Casper test. Casper is a non-academic online test designed to assess an applicant's personal and professional attributes. Please note Swinburne will consider Casper test results taken within the past year. It is an Australian Government accreditation requirement that all initial teacher education courses include non-academic selection criteria.
To ensure you don’t miss the Casper test deadlines, register for your sitting or see further information about the test.
If you are a current Year 12 student, please refer to the VTAC website for deadlines.
Admission to this course will consider both academic and non-academic results.
English language proficiency
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.
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. View the list of each state's requirements.
View the Informed Choices statement, which provides information about the inherent requirements of education, specifically the essential physical and behavioural abilities needed to perform assessment tasks and professional placements in education and progress to a career in this field. This information is intended to assist you to choose whether you can successfully participate in and complete a course.
Admission requirements
Meeting the minimum entry requirements for the course does not guarantee an offer of a place. Check admission requirements for general information about the admission process.
English language requirements
Satisfactory completion of one of the following:
- IELTS overall band of 6.5 (Academic Module) with no individual band below 6.0
- Swinburne’s English for Academic Purposes (EAP 5 Advanced level) with overall 70%, all skills 65% or above
- or equivalent measures available at English language requirements.
Need to undertake an English assessment for entry?
A prerequisite for many courses, the Pearson Test of English (PTE Academic) can now be done at our Hawthorn campus.
Credit transfer
Credit is granted in recognition of previous study and/or experience and allows students to gain advanced standing towards their course. Applicants are assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Recognition of prior learning
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.
Apply for a pathway course
Pathways allow students to progress from one qualification to another where the first course is recognised as an entry requirement and/or provides credit (advanced standing) to the second.
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Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care
1 year full-time, 8 units max credit
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Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care
1 year full-time, 8 units max credit
Note: This information should be used as a guide for those who have completed a course and are seeking credit into another course. For those yet to commence their course, during the time taken to complete, this information may change. Credit available may vary depending on the major selected within any given degree. Progression to professional degrees may be subject to additional criteria or academic performance.
How credit points work
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.
What your course could look like
This is the indicative sequence for Semester 1, 2025 only. You are advised to use the study plan template available via your student portal in conjunction with your course planner to plan your studies. Sequence may also vary depending on advanced standing and exemptions. The unit offering information is correct at the time of publication, however changes may occur.
| Units of study | Unit code |
|---|---|
| Semester 1 | |
|
Understanding Language and Literacy
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
EDU10002 |
|
The World of Maths
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
EDU10003 |
|
Theories of Teaching and Learning
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
EDU10004 |
|
Introduction to Academic Language, Literacy and Numeracy in Education
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
EDU10026 |
| Semester 2 | |
|
Introduction to Curriculum Planning and Assessment: Practicum 1
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
EDU10001 |
|
Indigenous Education and Perspectives
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
EDU10005 |
|
Developing Literacy
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
EDU20001 |
|
Contemporary Perspectives of Learning and Development
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
EDU20003 |
Want to see the full range of electives?
Learn about all the electives you can take in the course handbook.
| Units of study | Unit code |
|---|---|
| Semester 1 | |
|
Social and Emotional Learning
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
EDU20014 |
|
Health and Physical Education
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
EDU30014 |
|
Teacher Wellbeing, Resilience and Emotional Intelligence
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
EDU30070 |
|
Play and Environment
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
EDU40002 |
| Semester 2 | |
|
Mathematics in Practice
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
EDU20002 |
|
Sustainable Education and Perspectives
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
EDU20005 |
|
Curriculum, Planning and Assessment for Primary: Practicum 2
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
EDU20006 |
|
Understanding and Supporting Inclusion
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
EDU30005 |
| Units of study | Unit code |
|---|---|
| Semester 1 | |
|
Mathematics in the Primary Classroom
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
EDU30009 |
|
Discovering Science
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
EDU30011 |
|
Teaching Early Reading
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
EDU30068 |
|
The Healthy and Active Child
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
EDU40001 |
| Semester 2 | |
|
Imagining the World Through the Arts
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
EDU30007 |
|
Planning, Teaching and Learning for Infants: Practicum 3E
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
EDU30027 |
|
Teaching Technologies
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
EDU30059 |
|
Arts Education
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
EDU40008 |
| Units of study | Unit code |
|---|---|
| Semester 1 | |
|
Educational Leadership, Management and Program Assessment
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
EDU30062 |
|
Teaching English
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
EDU30063 |
|
Teaching Science
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
EDU30064 |
|
Ready to Teach Professional Experience: Practicum 4P
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
EDU40012 |
| Semester 2 | |
|
Families, Community and Citizenship
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
EDU30006 |
|
Ready to Teach Early Childhood: Practicum 5E
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
EDU40006 |
|
Teaching the Humanities
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
EDU40011 |
|
Innovation for Education
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
EDU40022 |
2025 fees
Yearly fee* ($AUD)
$4,627
Total fee* ($AUD)
$18,508
2025 fees
Yearly fee* ($AUD)
$32,880.00
Fees are estimates only
Published student tuition fees for 2025 unit enrolments in HE Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) and Undergraduate Full Fee Paying (FFP) are subject to change based on individual circumstances at enrolment. Fees may vary for units studied in future years, with part-time fees being proportionally lower depending on the number of units taken per semester. Enrolled students will receive reasonable notice of any fee changes before payment is due.
Fees are estimates only
The indicative course fees shown apply to international students for the relevant year, based on a standard study load per year. Fees are assessed according to actual study load each semester, with variations to study load resulting in tuition fee adjustments. These fees generally include the Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF) and are subject to annual review. Enrolled students will receive reasonable notice of any fee changes before payment is due.
How do I pay my fees?
HECS-HELP is a loan and discount scheme available to you if you are eligible and enrolled in a Commonwealth supported place. A HECS-HELP loan can cover all or part of your contribution amount. You can also choose to pay your fees up front.
International students need to pay tuition fees up-front by the relevant due date. You can find the due dates on your Statement of Account.
To pay your fees:
- log in to My Financials
- check your Australian bank account details are correct
- check your Statement of Account to see how much you owe
- pay using your preferred payment method.
Eligibility for HECS-HELP
You are eligible for a HECS-HELP loan if you have been offered a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) for an undergraduate degree at Swinburne or a UniLink course, and you:
- are an Australian citizen and doing at least one unit of your course in Australia; or
- hold a permanent humanitarian visa and will be living in Australia for the duration of your course; or
- hold a New Zealand Special Category visa and meet the special eligibility requirements for New Zealand citizens.
Student services and amenities fee
This funding serves to improve the student experience at Swinburne. You may use many or just some of the services and amenities that the fee provides.
The fee shown in the capped amount for 2025.
This funding serves to improve the student experience at Swinburne. You may use many or just some of the services and amenities that the fee provides.
This amenities fee is included within your annual tuition fee listed above. The fee shown is the capped amount for 2025.
Please refer to the Student Services Amenities Fee page for more information.
SSAF fee* ($AUD)
$365
SSAF fee* ($AUD)
$365
Accreditation placement fees
Placement opportunities at Swinburne are designed to provide valuable experience, promote career readiness, and recognise the importance of practical skills in achieving your goals. Students attending placements will be required to cover fees with costs ranging from approximately $350 to $600, depending on the specific course.
Commonwealth Prac Payment
The Australian Government’s Commonwealth Prac Payment (CPP) supports nursing, midwifery, teaching and social work students undertaking a mandatory placement (also known as a practicum). The CPP is designed to help ease the financial burden often felt by students on unpaid placements.
Scholarships
Scholarship applications for 2025 are open. Scholarships at Swinburne are about providing opportunity, promoting equity and recognising excellence and achievement. We want you to reach your potential and achieve your life and career goals.
Our handy guide will assist you to gather documents for your application.
When you apply for a Swinburne course, we automatically consider you for an international scholarship of up to 20 per cent off your course fees – no separate application required! Just apply for your Swinburne course of choice and when we review your course application, we will also assess you for an international scholarship.
Apply through an agent
Most international students use an education agent to help them through the application process. Swinburne has agents all over the world that can help you with your application to study. Search for a Swinburne representative in your country. If your country is not listed, please contact us.
Apply directly
Ready to take on a new challenge and reach your academic goals? If you already know which course you want to study and understand the entry requirements, what are you waiting for? Apply online! Remember, you cannot apply direct if you have an active VTAC application.
Apply through VTAC
International students currently studying Year 12 in Australia must apply through VTAC. VTAC is the central office that administers the application processes for places in tertiary courses, scholarships and the Special Entry Access Scheme at universities, TAFEs and independent tertiary colleges in Victoria.
VTAC is the central office that administers the application processes for places in tertiary courses, scholarships and the Special Entry Access Scheme at universities, TAFEs and independent tertiary colleges in Victoria.