General Information

Overview

The early years shape everything. At Swinburne, the Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Teaching) reflects that.  

You’ll study under academics who are registered, practising teachers, and apply what you learn in real early childhood teaching environments – working with children from birth to five years. 

  • Put theory into practice by tackling real challenges in early childhood settings and developing practical solutions you can use as an educator. 
  • Placements are arranged and supported by Swinburne across a variety of early childhood settings, with guidance before, during and after each experience.  
  • Benefit from smaller cohorts, personalised support and a strengths-based approach that helps you build confidence as an educator.  
  • Study at the university ranked #1 in Victoria for teaching quality, overall experience and student support in education*.  
  • Accredited by the Australian Children's Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA). 

* Good Universities Guide 2026

Study structure

Successful completion of the Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Teaching) 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. 

  • Full-time study: 100 credit points/eight standard units of study per year

  • Part-time study: 50 credit points/four standard units of study per year

  • One credit point is equivalent to one hour of study per week per semester (including contact hours and private study)

  • See the course planner for an example degree structure.

  • Full-time study: 100 credit points/eight standard units of study per year

  • One credit point is equivalent to one hour of study per week per semester (including contact hours and private study)

  • See the course planner for an example degree structure.

Units of study Unit code
Core units
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
Indigenous Education and Perspectives
Core unit , 12.5 credit points
EDU10005
Teaching and Learning in the 21st Century
Core unit , 12.5 credit points
EDU10006
Contemporary Perspectives of Learning and Development
Core unit , 12.5 credit points
EDU20003
Introduction to Curriculum Planning and Assessment: Practicum 1
Core unit , 12.5 credit points
EDU10001
Developing Literacy
Core unit , 12.5 credit points
EDU20001
Mathematics in Practice
Core unit , 12.5 credit points
EDU20002
Understanding and Supporting Behaviour
Core unit , 12.5 credit points
EDU20004
Curriculum Planning and Assessment: Practicum 2
Core unit , 12.5 credit points
EDU20053
Science and Technology
Core unit , 12.5 credit points
EDU30002
Wellbeing and Resilience
Core unit , 12.5 credit points
EDU30004
Imagining the World Through Language and Literature
Core unit , 12.5 credit points
EDU30001
Curriculum, Planning and Assessment for Infants: Practicum 3E
Core unit , 12.5 credit points
EDU30003
Understanding and Supporting Inclusion
Core unit , 12.5 credit points
EDU30005
Play and Environment
Core unit , 12.5 credit points
EDU40002
Families, Community and Citizenship
Core unit , 12.5 credit points
EDU30006
Imagining the World Through the Arts
Core unit , 12.5 credit points
EDU30007
The Healthy and Active Child
Core unit , 12.5 credit points
EDU40001
Identity: The Early Childhood Profession(al)
Core unit , 12.5 credit points
EDU40003
Educational Leadership, Management and Program Assessment
Core unit , 12.5 credit points
EDU30062
Nature Pedagogies
Core unit , 12.5 credit points
EDU40020
Achieving High Quality Early Learning
Core unit , 12.5 credit points
EDU40021
Sustainable Education and Perspectives
Core unit , 12.5 credit points
EDU20005
Advocacy and Social Justice
Core unit , 12.5 credit points
EDU40004
Ready to Teach Early Childhood: Practicum 5E
Core unit , 12.5 credit points
EDU40006

Choose from a combination of the following course components to complete 50 credit points of other study. Students may also select elective units (12.5 credit points each).

Minors are a structured set of 4 units or 50 credit points and may be chosen from any field of study.  

  • Creative Writing 
  • Design Principles and Processes 
  • Digital Advertising Technology 
  • FTV Production
  • Global History
  • Global Studies
  • History
  • Indigenous Studies 
  • International Relations and Security 
  • Italian Language
  • Literature 
  • Media Industries 
  • Philosophy
  • Politics, Power and Technology 
  • Social Media 
  • Sociology
View minor units

Any of the following recommended units may be undertaken as an elective unit. A full list of available elective units can be found upon enrolment.

  • EDU20003 Contemporary Perspectives of Learning and Development 
  • EDU20014 Social and Emotional Learning 
  • EDU30011 Discovering Science 
  • EDU30013 Supporting Diversity and Equity 
  • EDU30014 Health and Physical Education 
  • EDU30059 Teaching Technologies 
  • EDU30064 Teaching Science 
  • EDU40008 Arts Education 
  • EDU40011 Teaching the Humanities

Outcomes and course rules

Learning outcomes

Students who successfully complete this course will be able to: 

  • show broad and coherent knowledge of children aged 0-5 years, notably in relation to how they learn, with comprehensive knowledge of early childhood curriculum and quality frameworks within the Australian context 
  • plan for and implement effective teaching and learning in diverse early childhood contexts, showing appropriate initiative and judgment 
  • create and maintain supportive, safe and engaging learning environments, with an ability to analyse information in diverse early childhood contexts critically
  • critically review and apply theory to practice, showing initiative and informed judgment in decision making and problem solving 
  • assess children’s learning and use clear communication to report outcomes to parents and communities through critically analysing, consolidating and synthesising assessment information 
  • articulate a deep knowledge of the early childhood profession that is informed by critical thinking and synthesis of theoretical and practical knowledge and ongoing professional learning 
  • collaborate respectfully with colleagues, families and children, with communication skills that present clear, coherent and current knowledge 
  • develop teaching and learning strategies and understandings that encompass differentiated and inclusive approaches appropriate for diverse learners in varied contexts, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and their histories, languages, and cultures.

Career opportunities

Graduates will have the skills, knowledge and dispositions to be pedagogical leaders, effective advocates for social justice and equity, capable teachers of children from birth to five years in a variety of settings, and professionals whose practice is informed by critical reflection and ongoing learning.

Professional recognition

The Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Teaching) has the Australian Children's Education and Care Quality Authority ACECQA - accreditation. It is recognised by the Victorian Institute of Teaching as a VIT registerable Early Childhood Teacher qualification.

Course rules

To qualify for the Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Teaching), students are required to complete 400 credit points comprising of 32 units of study (12.5 credit points each). The 400 credit points must comprise of: 

  • twenty four [24] units of core units of study (300 credit points)
  • four [4] placement units (50 credit points)
  • four [4] units comprising a minor or electives (50 credit points) 


Students may not complete more than 150 credit points (normally 12 units) at Introductory Level. A unit of study can only be counted once, where units are shared between minors, students must choose an approved alternative.

Maximum Academic Credit

The maximum level of credit that can be granted for the Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Teaching) is 200 credit points (normally 16 units).

Accreditation placements

Accredited placements are structured opportunities that allow students to gain practical experience in their chosen fields. These placements are part of academic programs and are recognised by educational institutions, enhancing the credibility of the experience. They provide a valuable bridge between theoretical knowledge and real-world application, allowing participants to develop essential skills, network with industry professionals, and enhance their employability. 

Students undertaking the Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Teaching) accreditation placement are subject to fees requirements and must obtain the following:

  • uniform
  • police check*
  • working with children check (WWCC)
  • COVID-19 vaccination#
  • other requirements*
Note:
# Check immunisation requirements of the placement organisation
* This document may be required by the placement organisation

Admission criteria

Information about Swinburne's general admission criteria can be found at Admissions at Swinburne - Higher Education webpage.

English language requirement

Applicants who did not complete their studies in English at an approved Institution in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the Republic of Ireland, the United Kingdom or the United States of America must sit an approved English language test and meet the minimum requirements.  

Minimum scores required:  

  • PTE: Minimum score 58 (no communication skill less than 50) 
  • IELTS academic module: Overall band 6.5 (no band below 6.0)  
  • TOEFL IBT: Minimum score 79 (reading no less than 18, writing no less than 20)

Working with Children (WWC) Check

All enrolled students must maintain a current Working with Children Check (from the appropriate State Authority).

Police Record Check

A police record check may be required by a school prior to a professional placement. Find out more about national police record checks and fingerprinting.

Entry requirements

A. Applicants with recent secondary education (within past three years)

ATAR

This course uses the ATAR as part of its selection considerations.

Guaranteed ATAR: if you receive an ATAR of 65 or higher and meet all the essential requirements for this course, you will be guaranteed an offer.

Educational history 

An applicant's entire academic history, including ATAR results, will be considered for entry into this course. 

Selection rank adjustments

Selection ranks for this course will be calculated based on your ATAR with adjustments to overall study scores based on subjects studied, location of your home address, SEAS application, and participation In Swinburne's Early Leaders program. For further details about selection rank adjustments, see Admissions at Swinburne

Subject adjustments 

A study score of 25 in any English, Health and Human Development, any LOTE, any Mathematics, any Science or Sociology equals 2 aggregate points per study. Overall maximum of 15 points.  

Meeting course prerequisites 

VCE units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 25 in any English (except EAL) or at least 30 in English as Alternate Language (EAL) or equivalent.

ATAR profile for those offered places wholly or partly on the basis of ATAR in Semester 1 2026

ATAR-Based offers only, across all offer roundsATAR
Excluding adjustment factors
Selection Rank
ATAR + any adjustment factors
Highest rank to receive an offer<5<5
Median rank to receive an offer<5<5
Lowest rank to receive an offer<5<5
Notes:“<5” – indicates less than 5 ATAR-based offers were made 

B. Applicants with higher education study

Educational history 

An applicant's entire academic history, including results from previous higher education study will be considered for entry into this course. If previous higher education qualifications are incomplete, results must have been obtained in the last seven years. 

Meeting course prerequisites 

As for Year 12 or equivalent. 

C. Applicants with vocational education and training (VET) study

Educational history 

An applicant's entire academic history from the past seven years, including complete and/or incomplete post-secondary VET studies, will be considered for entry into this course. Only graded results will be considered. 

Meeting course prerequisites 

As for Year 12 or equivalent. 

D. Applicants with work and life experience

Entire academic record 

This course uses an applicant's entire academic record as part of its selection considerations, including an applicant's ATAR results from the last seven years can be considered for entry into this course. 

Meeting course prerequisites 

As for Year 12 or equivalent. 

Student profile

The table below gives an indication of the likely peer cohort for new students in this course. It provides data on students who commenced in this course in the most relevant recent intake period, including those admitted through all offer rounds and international students studying in Australia.

  Semester 1, 2026
Applicant background Number of students Percentage of all students
(A) Higher education study (includes a bridging or enabling course) 44 32%
(B) Vocational education and training (VET) study 52 38%
(C) Work and life experience (admitted on the basis of previous achievement not in the other three categories) N/P N/P%
(D) Recent secondary education:    
Admitted solely on the basis of ATAR (regardless of whether this includes the consideration of adjustment factors such as equity or subject bonus points) <5 <5
Admitted where both ATAR and additional criteria were N/A considered (e.g. portfolio, audition, extra test, early offer conditional on minimum ATAR) N/A N/A
Admitted on the basis of other criteria only and ATAR was N/A not a factor (e.g. special consideration, audition alone, schools recommendation scheme with no minimum ATAR requirement) N/A N/A
International students 27 20%
All students 136 100%

Notes: 
“<5” – the number of students is less than 5.
N/A – Students not accepted in this category.
N/P – Not published: the number is hidden to prevent calculation of numbers in cells with less than 5 students.

Interested in the Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Teaching)?

From state-of-the-art facilities to opportunities to engage with industry – this course is designed with your future in mind. Let's get started.

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