General Information

Overview

Become an inspiring teacher and engage children across a range of subjects using the latest teaching techniques and technology. Through collaborative group activities and school-based practical placements you'll develop the skills to design effective learning experiences, including addressing diversity to tailor learning experiences to the needs of your students.

Study structure

Successful completion of the Bachelor of Education (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.

  • 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
Introduction to Curriculum Planning and Assessment for Primary: Practicum 1
Core unit , 12.5 credit points
EDU10027
Developing Literacy
Core unit , 12.5 credit points
EDU20001
Contemporary Perspectives of Learning and Development
Core unit , 12.5 credit points
EDU20003
Curriculum, Planning and Assessment for Primary: Practicum 2
Core unit , 12.5 credit points
EDU20006
Social and Emotional Learning
Core unit , 12.5 credit points
EDU20014
Understanding and Supporting Inclusion
Core unit , 12.5 credit points
EDU30005
Health and Physical Education
Core unit , 12.5 credit points
EDU30014
Mathematics in Practice
Core unit , 12.5 credit points
EDU20002
Literacy and Numeracy across the Curriculum
Core unit , 12.5 credit points
EDU30069
Teacher Wellbeing, Resilience and Emotional Intelligence
Core unit , 12.5 credit points
EDU30070
Arts Education
Core unit , 12.5 credit points
EDU40008
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
Advocacy and Social Justice
Core unit , 12.5 credit points
EDU40004
Sustainable Education and Perspectives
Core unit , 12.5 credit points
EDU20005
Curriculum and Pedagogy for Primary: Practicum 3P
Core unit , 12.5 credit points
EDU30015
Teaching Technologies
Core unit , 12.5 credit points
EDU30059
Integrated Studies
Core unit , 12.5 credit points
EDU40007
Teaching English
Core unit , 12.5 credit points
EDU30063
Teaching Science
Core unit , 12.5 credit points
EDU30064
Assessment for Primary School
Core unit , 12.5 credit points
EDU40010
Teaching the Humanities
Core unit , 12.5 credit points
EDU40011
Ready to Teach Professional Experience: Practicum 4P
Core unit , 12.5 credit points
EDU40012
Teaching in Australian Schools
Core unit , 12.5 credit points
EDU30016
Families, Community and Citizenship
Core unit , 12.5 credit points
EDU30006
Innovation for Education
Core unit , 12.5 credit points
EDU40022

Outcomes and course rules

Learning outcomes

At the completion of the Bachelor of Education (Primary), graduates will be able to: 

  • show advanced knowledge, skills and capabilities relevant to their specialisation and discipline(s)
  • use their broad and coherent knowledge of Primary School content areas within the relevant curriculum context to critically review theory and practice
  • show initiative and judgement to plan for, and implement, effective teaching and learning in diverse contexts with the capacity to impact student learning
  • adapt research-led knowledge and skills to critically analyse and evaluate information from a variety of sources to make informed judgements, and share skills and ideas with others with intellectual independence
  • assess, provide feedback and report on student learning using clear and coherent communication with the ability to critically analyse, consolidate and synthesise assessment information
  • take responsibility and accountability for own learning to identify, engage in and apply professional learning, individually and in collaboration with others
  • show highly effective communication skills, including engage professionally with colleagues, families and children to present clear, creative and independent decision making
  • create and maintain supportive, safe and inclusive learning environments including the creative integration of digital technologies to enhance student learning
  • 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 with a Bachelor of Education (Primary) will be specialised in the education and development of young children from five to 12 years of age. They will be qualified to undertake teaching positions in primary schools.

Professional recognition

Under the Education and Training Reform Act 2006,the Bachelor of Education (Primary)  has been determined by the Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT) as an approved qualification. 

On completion of a teaching qualification, all teachers must register with the appropriate State or Territory teacher registration body. Any criminal offence or proceedings need to be declared as part of the registration process. If you have any concerns about your future eligibility, please discuss this with your relevant teacher registration body. 

VIT registered teachers can apply for registration in other states and territories, as well as New Zealand, through mutual recognition.

Course rules

To qualify for the Bachelor of Education (Primary), 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 Eight (28) Core Units of Study (350 credit points)
  •  Four (4) Placement units (50 credit points), comprising 648 placement hours

In addition, students are responsible for arranging and successfully completing the national Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education (LANTITE) normally within three attempts through the Australian Council for Education Research prior to completing 200 credit points of study.

Academic Progress - special requirements

Academic Progress – Special Requirements

In addition to the standard academic progress rules, students enrolled in the Bachelor of Education (Primary) must meet the following special academic progress requirements, as outlined in accordance with Academic Courses Regulation 62(2):

At Risk of Unsatisfactory Progress

A student will be classified as at risk if they:

  1. Engage in behaviour that breaches the Swinburne Student Charter while on a teaching placement.
  2. Fail to attempt both components of the National Literacy and Numeracy Test (LANTITE) before passing 100 credit points of studies*

Unsatisfactory Progress

A student will be classified as having unsatisfactory progress if they:

  1. Fail to successfully complete both components of the LANTITE before passing 200 credit points of studies*, or after three attempts, whichever comes first.
  2. Fail a Professional Experience unit.
  3. Receive a Fitness to Practice outcome to terminate their studies, and will be required to Show Cause.

*Exclusions:

  • Passing means achieving a pass grade or higher for units within this course, and excludes credit granted for advanced standing or recognition of prior learning (RPL).
  • LANTITE-related requirements do not apply to students who have been formally recognised as proficient in an Australian First Nations language. These students are not required to complete the LANTITE.

Volume of learning

The Bachelor of Education (Primary) consists of 32 units of study (400 credit points). Units normally carry 12.5 credit points (cps). In each year, eight (8) units normally constitute a full-time load of 100 credit points and four (4) units normally constitute a part-time load of 50 credit points.

This course requires students to complete 648 placement hours.

The volume of learning of the Bachelor of Education (Primary) is typically 4 years.

Maximum Academic Credit

The maximum level of credit that can be granted for the Bachelor of Education (Primary) is 150 credit points (normally 12 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 (Primary) 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.

Extra requirements for this course

Casper  

All applicants must sit the Casper test. Casper is a requirement for many of the initial teacher training courses in Victoria. It is a non-cognitive online test designed to assess an applicant's personal and professional attributes. Casper tests are valid for one year from the date they were taken. To register for your sitting or for further Information about this test, visit the Casper website.

LANTITE  

To be eligible to graduate, students must pass the Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initital Teacher Education (LANTITE) which is required to become a registered teacher. This test is run externally and at the applicant's own cost. Applicants must disclose all attempts in their application. Three or more unsuccessful attempts will mean applicants are not eligible to receive an offer.

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.

Minimum ATAR including selection adjustments: 70. 

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, Literature, 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.

VCE units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 20 in any Mathematics or equivalent.

Bridging courses 

Applicants who do not meet the mathematics prerequisites for this course will be required to successfully complete Swinburne's MathsLink: General bridging program.

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 rounds ATAR
Excluding adjustment factors
Selection Rank
ATAR + any adjustment factors
Highest rank to receive an offer 88.9 94.6
Median rank to receive an offer 73.05 79.42
Lowest rank to receive an offer 66.55 74.3

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. 

STAT/Bridging courses 

Applicants who do not meet the mathematics prerequisites for this course will be required to successfully complete Swinburne's MathsLink: General bridging program.

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. 

STAT/Bridging courses 

Applicants who do not meet the mathematics prerequisites for this course will be required to successfully complete Swinburne's MathsLink: General bridging program.

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. 

STAT/Bridging courses 

Applicants who do not meet the mathematics prerequisites for this course will be required to successfully complete Swinburne's MathsLink: General bridging program.

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) 155 59%
(B) Vocational education and training (VET) study 54 21%
(C) Work and life experience (admitted on the basis of previous achievement not in the other three categories) 34 13
(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) N/A N/A
Admitted where both ATAR and additional criteria were considered (e.g. portfolio, audition, extra test, early offer conditional on minimum ATAR) N/P N/P
Admitted on the basis of other criteria only and ATAR was not a factor (e.g. special consideration, audition alone, schools recommendation scheme with no minimum ATAR requirement) N/A N/A
International students <5 <5
All students 261 100%

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 (Primary)?

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